Inherited P bass - what should I do with it?

TydidezDiomedez · #1 07-30-2006, 02:56 PM

So I "inherited" a buddy's 1978 fender american p bass last weekend. The finish on the body is cracked, dented, chipped and faded; the finish on the neck/fingerboard is dented and peeling off; the bridge is rusted; a knob is missing; the pickguard is cracked; and I think the truss rod is broken (I restrung it and the strings don't fall into the slots on the nut properly). The bass has maintained its shape and the original pickups still work.

I spent a week thinking about it and decided I want to completly refinish the body and neck, replace the missing/damaged parts/hardware and put an ebony fingerboard on it. Where in the New York City area can I have this done and it won't cost me more than just buying a new bass? edit: I'm not goint to do any of that anymore - I'm going to get it back into playing shape...

What would you guys/gals do with it?

Diego · #2 07-30-2006, 02:58 PM

Check out what it is worth for sure considering is vintage. If you don't want to repair it consider selling it after proper appraisal of its value.

Trevorus · #3 07-30-2006, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TydidezDiomedez

So I "inherited" a buddy's 1978 fender american p bass last weekend. The finish on the body is cracked, dented, chipped and faded; the finish on the neck/fingerboard is dented and peeling off; the bridge is rusted; a knob is missing; the pickguard is cracked; the nut is chipped and I think the truss rod is broken (I restrung it and the strings don't fall into the slots on the nut properly). The bass has maintained its shape and the original pickups still work.

I spent a week thinking about it and decided I want to completly refinish the body and neck, replace the missing/damaged parts/hardware and put an ebony fingerboard on it. Where in the New York City area can I have this done and it won't cost me more than just buying a new bass?

What would you guys/gals do with it?

I would leave it alone, myself. What's cooler than a semi-vintage Fender that is well played? If you are going to modify that bass that much, why not just buy warmoth parts with the options you want and build it? It's a great experience to build a bass and make it your own.

Actually, pics would be cool, too!

fretlessspence · #4 07-30-2006, 03:03 PM

Bring it into working order but don't refinish it! You will regret it.

Figjam · #5 07-30-2006, 03:03 PM

Dont modify it. Keep it as is or sell it. Only modifications should be small things to make it playable, but no replacement parts if possible.

TydidezDiomedez · #6 07-30-2006, 03:07 PM

I think I have to replace the cracked pickguard and the rusted bridge... with Fender replacement parts?

There is a plastic film coming off the fingerboard and frets - I'm assuming this is the finish - what should I do about that?

I know pictures would help (sorry about that) but it's not possible at the moment - I can either upgrade/fix/restore this bass or get a digital camera! (I think I'll choose the bass)

Trevorus · #7 07-30-2006, 03:09 PM

I'd get a digital camera.

Does this bass have a maple neck/fretbord? If there is flaking around the frets, it's probably just excess finish. There are also ways to clean the rust off the bridge without replacing it.

If you modify it the way you are talking about, you will spend a TON of money and in the end, devalue the bass.

TydidezDiomedez · #8 07-30-2006, 03:13 PM

The bass does have a maple neck with a maple fretboard - but I'm convinced it's not merely excess finish - there is a lot of bare wood exposed where the plasticy film has come off (perhaps I should get a digital camera).

Trevorus · #9 07-30-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TydidezDiomedez

The bass does have a maple neck with a maple fretboard - but I'm convinced it's not merely excess finish - there is a lot of bare wood exposed where the plasticy film has come off (perhaps I should get a digital camera).

I don't know where you live, but you can get them for like 30 dollars now with decent resolution. At least it would give us some idea of what you're talking about.

tplyons · #10 07-30-2006, 04:45 PM

Rusty bridges can be restored. I've done this on a '78 myself, depending how bad it is.

Cracked pickguards can be repaired depending on how bad it is.

honeyboy · #11 07-30-2006, 04:59 PM

The point everyone is trying to make is you should leave an old Fender as close to original condition as possible because people pay more for original condition basses than ones that have been altered, even if they look kind of abused. Think of antique furniture- the less you mess with them, the more they're worth. Certain things can be done, like removing rust which is a better option than replacing the bridge with a new one.At least keep all the old stuff, don't throw it away.

TydidezDiomedez · #12 07-30-2006, 05:04 PM

Okay - you've all convinced me not to F this up with "upgrades" - furthermore I think my misguided modifications would've been out of my price range anyway.

The cracked edges of the pickguard can be reapproximated so I suppose that would be easy enough for a luthier... And I guess the rust on the bridge isn't so bad as to require replacement, so my concerns now are about the finish on the neck/fingerboard and whereabouts in NYC should I take the thing? I am going to contact a luthier eventually, but how much money should I be planning on saving for the restoration? Under $300? $500?

Thanks

PS After I get it back in playing shape I think I'm going to put an EMG P in it... ... ... j/k

Trevorus · #13 07-30-2006, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TydidezDiomedez

The cracked edges of the pickguard can be reapproximated so I suppose that would be easy enough for a luthier (or with some superglue, perhaps?)... And I guess the rust on the bridge isn't so bad as to require replacement, so my concerns now are about the finish and whereabouts in NYC should I take the thing? I am going to contact a luthier eventually, but how much money should I be planning on saving for the restoration? Under $300? $500?

Thanks

I'm telling you... Don't refinish it. You will lose a ton of value in that bass!

Those things are going for over 1000 bucks on ebay in beat up shape...

TydidezDiomedez · #14 07-30-2006, 05:23 PM

Trevorus, I wish I could show you a pic. The finish on the fingerboard itself is really nasty (bubbling up and falling/fallen off)... I don't know what he did to it. If I can get away without refinishing it or messing with it otherwise, I will - the less money spent the better - I'm just concerned about it is all.

So far the following must be done (in my humble estimation):
fix pickguard
replace missing knob
restore bridge
restore strap buttons (also rusted)
replace/restore truss rod
thorough cleaning

And the issue of the bubbled up and chipped off finish on the neck needs to be addressed as well... Plus labor, about how much am I looking at spending here (I wish I could post a pic, but considering that I can't, any reasonably educated guesses would be appreciated)?

Thanks

Trevorus · #15 07-30-2006, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TydidezDiomedez

Trevorus, I wish I could show you a pic. The finish on the fingerboard itself is really nasty (bubbling up and falling/fallen off)... I don't know what he did to it. If I can get away without refinishing it or messing with it otherwise, I will - the less money spent the better - I'm just concerned about it is all.

So far the following must be done (in my humble estimation):
fix pickguard
replace missing knob
restore bridge
restore strap buttons (also rusted)
replace/restore truss rod
thorough cleaning

And the issue of the bubbled up and chipped off finish on the neck needs to be addressed as well... Plus labor, about how much am I looking at spending here (I wish I could post a pic, but considering that I can't, any reasonably educated guesses would be appreciated)?

Thanks

We need pics to truly analyze it. Maybe a steel wool treatment to the finish of the neck could help eliminate some of the finish problems...

brandonsbass · #16 07-31-2006, 06:53 AM

you could give it to me...

Eric Cioe · #17 08-01-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Figjam

Dont modify it. Keep it as is or sell it. Only modifications should be small things to make it playable, but no replacement parts if possible.

I totally disagree with this. A bass is an instrument, a tool, so if you want to drop new pickups or a bridge into it, do so.

That said, I do think that refinishing an old Fender defeats half of the purpose of having an old Fender.

Nick Ioannucci · #18 08-02-2006, 05:08 PM

+1, i hate seeing old fenders with refinishes and new pickups. take it to the sadowsky shop if youre in NYC, it cant be too far for you, its only 1 and a half hours or so from me and i live in CT. i sure they could figure something out for you.

Mrdak · #19 08-03-2006, 03:50 PM

Two questions? Where do you live? and Can you borrow a camera from a friend or someone??? You need to post a pic. Wait! I do have a third Q.... How did you determine it's a 1978?
Where is the serial number located? ok 5 questions...

I sure would like to see it.

TydidezDiomedez · #20 08-03-2006, 05:35 PM

I work at MacDowels, located at 3702 Queens Blvd, and have a house in Jamaica Estates. Stop by and say hello to my manservant Semi...

The front of the peg head, beneath the tuning machines reads as follows:

Fender Precision Bass
Serial S8----- Made in USA
Number

According to the fender website a seriel number beginning S8 followed by five digits is consistant with a bass made in 1978.

PS if no one answers at the above address, try my place over at 1060 W. Addison in Chicago.