Teisco EB-200

Joronamo · #1 09-05-2010, 05:02 AM

I recently purchased a Teisco EB-200 Del Ray is very good condition. All the original parts are in tact. I think the electronics need a slight modification like getting the pots cleaned and the temporary jumper-wire the previous owner installed removed.

Anyways, even though its vintage and its a beautiful instrument, its unplayable for gig standards. I want to gig with it. Since Teisco was considered a (budget) brand back in its day, the parts arent very good even though they look cool.

My question is should I replace all the original parts such as machine heads, fretboard, pickups, bridge and strap buttons with new quality parts to make it playable or just leave it as it is. I mean you can easily play it as it is now but just isnt that good...

Pilgrim · #2 09-05-2010, 01:27 PM

If you want to keep a Teisco, FIRST do a complete professional setup.

Teiscos may be "cheap", but that doesn't mean the parts won't work. Tuners may need lubed, pickups are a matter of taste but they SOUND like a Teisco. If you change them, they won't sound like a Teisco (and that can be good or bad, depending on your taste.)

Cleaning or replacing pots is trivial. Jumper wires are highly suspect since most owners know absolutely nothing about electronics except how to screw them up. Strap buttons don't matter - use what you want. If they're just loose, use toothpicks and glue to get them tight.

WHY would you replace a fretboard????? That would cost more than the bass is worth. If you have an issue, let a luthier check it while doing the setup.

Joronamo · #3 09-14-2010, 06:42 AM

I understand. I didnt really buy the Teisco for its sound. In fact I have never even heard a teisco being played before. I just bought it for its shape. Hence do you still its still viable to replace the parts? I dont care if it costs more than the bass. The bass is vintage and isnt made anymore so I dont think the 'Is it worth it?' question really matters anymore. I dont mind spending the $$$

Pilgrim · #4 09-14-2010, 11:11 AM

Hey, do what you want to. There's really no collector value for Teiscos. Just do some homework and don't start hacking things up. I wouldn't change the pots unless they have problems, but I would remove the jumper - although that might get you into some re-wiring. However, there are wiring diagrams all over the web for various pickup configurations.

The electronics on most of those are simple. I do recommend against messing with the fretboard, as I believe from your post that you're not familiar with working on instruments...and if you screw up the fretboard, the project is over.

Joronamo · #5 09-14-2010, 05:53 PM

I wouldnt be doing any of it. I would be taking it to my luthier.

XansNiceSweater · #6 09-14-2010, 10:19 PM

I hacked up an Ibanez wizard neck and put it on a Teisco. They're fun instruments. Don't worry too much about collector value.

christpncher · #7 09-15-2010, 08:13 AM

i would say get a new nut, have the frets levelled and dressed and new tuners. possibly bridge replacement but thats not easy. if you actually get this work done it would be cool to see how it turns out.

i have a Teisco tulip bass and its a terrible player.

I also have the body and neck of a Teisco Del Ray KB2 (shark-fin body, 3+1 headstock) and a im planning on replacing the neck with a nicer Ventura (similar to Univox) i have and installing a Rickenbacker bridge. gonna try this Rick neck pickup too. i know it wont intonate and string spacing probably wont be right but dont have much to lose.