Since the JS has humbuckers, if it’s noisy all it’ll need is copper shielding in the cavity to be good to go. I would not like to mod an original vintage instrument. No no no. Keep as is if at all possible.
What I learned from the NS Starfire:
1. My NS Bisonic is a low quality, noisy pickup, as evidenced by noise, and wafer thin melted plastic surround that eventually fell apart.
2. It’s hard to work on and shield electronics in a semi-hollow body. I’m sticking’ to solid bodies from now on.
3. Semi-hollow tone isn’t that different to my ears than a solid body so just stick to the easier workability of solid bodies from now on.
4. Never settle for a brand new production bass that is a bad cosmetic factory blemish at full price no matter how unobtainium the model seems at the time. I am talking about the infamous fingerboard edge fog mentioned to be seen on pre-CMG NS Starfire like mine had.
5. Never let a vendor getaway with selling such.
6. The harp bridge is fantastic despite the low E issue.