neck wear problem

[ozrider]

I posted this in the luthiers corner and am wondering whether I have put it in the wrong place as I am talking about mechanical repair issue.

I have an old p bass and the neck is starting to wear along the bottom edge. I can feel an edge of the the finish (like when you get a ding in a surfboard and you can feel the edge you know the glass has cracked). I can rub it with my fingers and can feel the edge of the finish flick back a little. HELP!

[J.D.B.]

It can likely be repaired by a pro. Maybe sanding and refinishing. Can you post a pic or two?
Josh

[ozrider]

Hi thanks for the response, I can't really get anything to show up in a pick but I contacted a luthier and he said it was respray. I may leave it an see if gets a bit worse as it is an 83 p bass and I'd rather keep it original for now.

[J.D.B.]

A good repair won't hurt the value. An amateur, poop, shot in the dark onw will, however.
Josh

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by J.D.B.

A good repair won't hurt the value. An amateur, poop, shot in the dark onw will, however.
Josh

Depending upon the bass, this is not true. As this bass heads into 'vintage' territory (its now 25 years old) such things do become important for resale. Oversprays, and refins will take from the bottom line price of an instrument. That kind of wear is actually sought after by many...filed under the title 'mojo'.

[ozrider]

thanks for the advice. I have been told a licensed fender/gibson luthier (I think such exists??) is living in my city and I can go to him for a touch up but I think I will leave it till it gets worse. thanks for the posts. I guess in the end I am never selling this baby so I may respray if it affects the playability in anyway...but right now she sounds soooo sweet.

[J.D.B.]

Mojo...........L O L!!! Does it have a sound I can hear????
Josh

[Jools4001]

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

That kind of wear is actually sought after by many...filed under the title 'mojo'.

Stuff that lends character and patina of age - yes.

Stuff that affects playability - no.

[J.D.B.]

Interesting how that works. I have always preferred to buy my old stuff in the best condition I can. "Patina" is a very touchy thing. Mostly it DE-values a given item(having no other provenance, ie: a beat up example from a famous person or event,etc.) It appears at least VG agrees as they compile their yearly "price guide" with a range. The more valuable instruments are in better(less "patina'd") condition. I haven't seen a "mojo" value in any of their guides. Mojo, as a concept is interesting to me only as it applies to provenance or extreme age. A very good friend of mine collects Katanas. Most of his are more than 100 years old but less than 300 years old. Patina? Some. "Mojo"? Ungodly. They seem to speak to you when you handle them. They are still more valuable with bona fides, whatever the condition, and that is kept as well as possible. They are cleaned regularly and repaired as necessary. I'd be interested to hear more about why you prefer lesser condition to better, in the case of ordinary(no famous provenance) instruments.
Josh