Fender Japan Electronics/ Wiring Harness Quality?

[Biggelzworth]

I have an old CIJ jazzmaster and was planning on upgrading the Pick ups. Probably either lollar or the wizard. Should i replace all of the electronics (switches, pots, wiring, etc) as well? I have heard that the japanese electronics/wiring harness is suspect... Thanks!

 

[Dave Wakely]

The rest will better than the pickups, but if you're taking the scratch plate off, why not? And please put proper JM pickups in it!

 

[poolshark]

I've never had a set of Fender Japan electronics go bad - pots, switches or pickups - but the components certainly do appear to be on the cheaper side, especially given the good fit and finish on everything else. It's probably not necessary, but I'd likely swap them out anyway.

 

[sleepingtiger]

I just put MIA JM pickups in mine & I like it much more than the Duncans I tried previously.

Tony

 

[Hwoltage]

I have a Japanese '62 reissue with Lindy Fralin Real 54's, a piezo on the block and a batt powered miniature mic in the cavity (individually selectable via mini toggle). Also, two capacitor choices (2nd mini toggle) a blend knob, completely shielded cavity with all ground loops eliminated. It's pretty sweet.

 

[Biggelzworth]

I just put MIA JM pickups in mine & I like it much more than the Duncans I tried previously.

Did you just swap the pick ups or did you change the pots and wiring too?

 

[otaypanky]

Try doing a wiring kit first.
The pickups already in it might sound great.

 

[Biggelzworth]

Try doing a wiring kit first.
The pickups already in it might sound great.

The problem is that the Japanse Jazzmaster Pick uPs are wound more like strat pick ups...they are just disguised in the jazzmaster cover so i definitely need to change those. I am just trying to see if it would be worth upgrading anything else while I am at it.

 

[K-Line]

If the pots are dime size, throw them out and get some good ones. I always like to run a linear pot on the tone. Makes it adjust a bit better.

 

[Hwoltage]

If the pots are dime size, throw them out and get some good ones.

^^^^!!!!!

 

[Dashface]

What I've always found fascinating is how the plastic on Japanese pickups and knobs is different enough from regular Fender stuff that you can see it from 20ft away. So strange

...But also, yes. Kill those tiny pots!

 

[Biggelzworth]

If the pots are dime size, throw them out and get some good ones. I always like to run a linear pot on the tone. Makes it adjust a bit better.

Thanks so much for the input man! I will be sure to check out the pots before making the decision.