Bespoke Hardware & Electronics
At Jones Basses we have a dedication to the aesthetic appeal custom made components bring to our instruments and also a dedication to the tone they produce.
The process of creating custom hardware requires a blend of artistic vision, technical expertise, and precision engineering. The result is a high-quality, custom bass guitar with unique components that not only enhances the instrument’s performance but also adds to its visual appeal.
The true dedication we have to our basses is not necessarily the norm in the industry. Your Jones Bass goes through a number of unique skill sets in its design and development.
Including;
Superior knowledge of instrument mechanics:
We study and understand how our bass guitar bridge and pickups have an effect on tone, sustain, and the intonation of the instrument. We study the dimensions and specifications of many bass guitar brands to design and produce the best of the best.
A precision design process:
Our detailed 3D models account for the precise placement of string saddles, mounting holes, and adjustment screws. Ensuring the design incorporates ergonomic considerations for ease of use and adjustments.
Quality control:
We implement rigorous quality checks at each stage, from CAD design to final plating. Ensuring the final product meets the high standards expected in a high-end boutique instrument.
Customisation and Iteration:
We are working closely with musicians to understand their needs and we translate those into our custom designs. We are continuously iterating our designs based on user feedback and we are then refining our components to achieve the optimal sound and feel.
So, what are you waiting for? by choosing a Jones Bass, you are investing in an instrument that combines aesthetic beauty, superior performance, technical precision, and personalised customisation.
Our handmade Jones pickups
At Jones Basses we use epoxy-sealed custom made pickups. The pickups themselves are encased in epoxy resin. This process involves embedding the pickup components (such as the coils, magnets, and wiring) in epoxy to protect them and enhance performance. There are many pro’s to this technique but for us its what gives us the signature compressed ‘fizz’ you’d expect from a high end bass guitar.
Additional benefits include:
- Durability: The epoxy provides a protective barrier against moisture, dust, and physical damage, significantly increasing the longevity and reliability of the pickups.
- Reduced Microphonics: Microphonics occur when the pickup components vibrate and produce unwanted noise. Epoxy sealing dampens these vibrations, reducing the chances of microphonic feedback and ensuring clearer sound output.
- Consistent Performance: The encapsulation stabilises the components, maintaining consistent performance by preventing any shifting or movement within the pickup.
- Maintenance: Okay so this one is not so much a’Pro’. While the epoxy seal improves durability, it can make repairs more challenging. If any component within the sealed pickup fails, the entire pickup may need to be replaced since the epoxy makes it difficult to access and fix individual parts.
- Applications: Epoxy-sealed pickups are particularly popular in environments where pickups are exposed to extreme conditions, such as with touring musicians, or in genres requiring heavy use of effects and high-gain amplifiers.
- Sound Characteristics: The epoxy can slightly alter the tonal characteristics of the pickup, often resulting in a tighter, more focused sound due to the reduced microphonic noise and added rigidity.
All of our epoxy-cast pickups come with a lifetime guarantee; since each one is a sealed unit nothing can move about internally, which means that it should never break.
The MK models multicoil pickups
Whilst the SM model Jones bass features our classic humbucker, the MK models feature our amazing epoxy cast Multicoil pickups.
In short, our multicoil pickups feature multiple coils within a single pickup housing. These pickups offer a truly unique quality that when coupled with our epoxy- casting, enhances the sound and versatility of our instruments.
What can you expect with the Jones MK multicoils?
Enhanced Clarity and Definition:
- Improved String Separation: Multicoil pickups often offer better string separation, resulting in clear and defined notes, which is particularly beneficial for complex bass lines and chords.
- Reduced Muddy Tones: By selecting specific coils or configurations, players can avoid muddiness in their sound, ensuring each note is distinct.
Noise Reduction:
- Humbucking Capability: Our multicoil pickups can be wired in a humbucking (series or parallel) configuration, significantly reducing unwanted noise and hum compared to single-coil pickups.
- Balanced Output: The use of multiple coils can balance the output levels across the strings, leading to a more consistent and even sound.
Dynamic Response:
- Sensitive to Playing Technique: Multicoil pickups are often more responsive to subtle nuances in playing technique, allowing for expressive dynamics and articulation.
- Adaptable to Different Playing Styles: Whether using fingers, a pick, or slap techniques, multicoil pickups can adapt and deliver the desired tone.
Applications:
- Versatile for Studio and Live Settings: The ability to dial in different tones makes multicoil pickups ideal for both recording and live performances.
Overall, our Jones multicoil pickups are valued for their versatility, clarity, noise reduction, and dynamic response, making them a popular choice for bassists seeking a broad range of tonal options and high-quality sound.