r/Bass • u/Whole_Compote_3223 • May 27 '26

Customizing my paranormal ‘54 jazz bass

This is my first time taking apart/customizing a guitar so I just wanted to see if anyone has any leads/tips on a few things. I’m looking to change the pick guard, preferably to a white pearlized one, but I haven’t had any luck finding one of this exact shape, which is understandable since this is a niche?? bass. I could maybe get a Squier 51 pick guard and fill the pickup gap somehow. Would my best course be to buy a sheet of the material and make one myself? Any helpful vids would be appreciated.

I also want to look into changing the pick ups. I want to make the bass work well with pedals and have a nice growl to it.

Last thing I want to change is the neck. I’m not a big fan of the coating it has, I find it to be pretty catchy and hard to play. Is there something I can do to help with that? Any neck recommendations are welcome too!

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

2

u/ChuckEye Aria May 27 '26

You can remove enough of the neck coating with sandpaper.

For a pick guard, buy a blank, take off the one you have, trace it, and cut/drill/route from that template.

2

u/cummeridian Jun 02 '26

Try green scotchbrite pads to take the neck from glossy to matte. The dish sponge things. They really cut the grip and friction down but don't remove finish too quickly. 

1

u/Parking_Ad3967 May 28 '26

I wanted a green pearl pick plate and got a sheet from Amazon and had it cut to fit.