I need some advice. I've been GAS-ing for a Seafoam or Surf Green P-Bass, but can't seem to find one anywhere. I'm thinking about making my own, but I don't want to make a major project out of it.

Here's my 2 choices:

1) Buy a pre-made replacement body, such as this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lic-Fender-Precision-Bass-Body-SeaFoam-Green-Alder_W0QQitemZ180133916666QQihZ008QQcategoryZ4140 6QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247Q QcmdZViewItem, buy a Fender P-neck off of eBay, and put it together, OR

2) Buy an inexpensive CIJ P-bass and re-paint the body green.

My question to you is which would be easier and less time-consuming?

My considerations are as follows:

If I buy the pre-made replacement body and a separate neck, am I going to have problems with fit, neck angle, etc., or is it just as simple as screwing a neck on?

OR:

If I repaint a bass that's already working well, I shouldn't have to worry about the neck fitting onto the body correctly.
After reading every thread I could find on TB regarding re-finishing, I think I would just buy a poly finished bass, sand it lightly, and paint over the sanded poly, rather than trying to do a complete re-finish.

Also, I don't want a brand-new looking bass. I'd like it to look used and worn somewhat, so a flawless finish is not a consideration. I dont want a heavy relic....just a little worn-looking.

Or, should I hire one of you guys to make one for me?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Randy

As far as option # 1 goes, you may have to do a bit of setup work, but if you've done it before it's not too daunting. You'll have the color you want and you can relic it yourself if that's your thing. The biggest problem for most people with a new bass is to not relic it.

Regarding # 2, unless you really want to spend some time at it after researching how you'll do it, you probably won't get a very nice looking finish. You'll still have to remove the neck, pickups all hardware and controls. Then they all have to go back together again.

Definitely go for a self-build using replacement neck and body parts then you will have a unique instrument you truly put together yourself. There shouldn't be much trick work to do if you stick to standard P-bass-type parts.

Seafoam P-bass sounds great! Since the body on ebay is already painted, that makes life easier. Maybe you can pick up another P-bass off ebay or craigslist, one with a body that's not so pretty, and just swap the neck, pickups, hardware, etc. onto the new body.

Good luck and have fun.

-Willy

The same problem has been bothering me for a couple of years....I dont think i have the patience/money/experience to do it though