Fender Jazz Maple Neck added finish removal? - Revised

DJJazzV · #1 10-06-2011, 02:58 PM

Revised post...again

I have a maple board Jazz bass, '78 - '82 Transition period Jazz bass, that appears to have a "vintage tint" finish applied only to the frets with the dots. It is so thin, and I can't even be sure it was added afterwards. The person I got the bass from claims it left the factory that way. At certain angles, the tint can barely even be seen. It's like it's under the finish. The top finish actually looks and feels all original.

Can that be removed, and if so, how? I want to be very careful with it. I don't want to harm the original finish. Has anyone ever seen this done before, or any info on such an interesting neck?

DJJazzV · #2 10-10-2011, 06:21 AM

I added pictures to hopefully help figure this one out. Thank you.

john grey · #3 10-10-2011, 08:28 AM

Just my opinion but - This is the type of thing you call Fender's Customer Service to determine (w/ the serial number). There is an "even-ness" to the finish application that is unique, but the best thing is to call and determine what they say. IF it were mine and the finish were original, I would leave it alone. IF it were factory original, it's resale value is generally always maintained by keeping it in factory condition. Particularly if some element like that sets it apart from others. A bound neck like that is not a simple matter to re-finish properly in any event. I would approach this with a great deal of care & background information.

DJJazzV · #4 10-10-2011, 03:26 PM

You are 100% correct. I emailed customer service today. I gave them everything, even the name stamped on the back of the heel of the neck. I'm looking forward to a reply.
No matter what, I think I leave it alone. It plays and sounds awesome.
Thank you very much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by john grey

Just my opinion but - This is the type of thing you call Fender's Customer Service to determine (w/ the serial number). There is an "even-ness" to the finish application that is unique, but the best thing is to call and determine what they say. IF it were mine and the finish were original, I would leave it alone. IF it were factory original, it's resale value is generally always maintained by keeping it in factory condition. Particularly if some element like that sets it apart from others. A bound neck like that is not a simple matter to re-finish properly in any event. I would approach this with a great deal of care & background information.