Undeniably stupid bass modification

TreeTheStudly · #1 07-26-2011, 07:17 PM

A former owner of my Guild B301 decided that it was a great idea to shove an acoustic guitar strap pin into the body when the original strap button failed

. Not to mention, he also decided that a drywall screw was a great replacement for the other strap button's screw.

It has been many years since I've had this bass, but I have decided to correct this problem.

My plan right now is to rip it out using a combination of finesse and brute force, cut and carve a dowel rod to fit into the gaping hole, glue it into place and sand it. I am not sure what I will do for the finish, but matching the original finish is out of the question. I don't plan on refinishing it anytime soon, but I am thinking nail polish.

Feel free to express your distaste for this modification (or you can praise it [but please, tell me why you would praise it]). Does anyone have any tips, pointers or warnings before starting this endeavor? Honestly, any help would be much appreciated.

202dy · #2 07-26-2011, 07:21 PM

Is it an acoustic guitar end pin installed in a tapered hole?
Is the bugle head screw installed in a hole bored through the end pin?

TreeTheStudly · #3 07-26-2011, 07:32 PM

It's strange...the original owner redeemed himself (somewhat...sort of) by drilling a new hole NEAR the original hole for the strap button. Honestly, it seems like this guy lived on a farm, millions of miles away from a shop that carried any replacement parts/screws he may have needed.

The acoustic end pin is just jammed and glued into a hole that was drilled/bored out for it. I am unsure as to if it is tapered or not, but it is definitely snug. The other strap button looks like an original one, but perhaps the screw came loose and he decided to just up the size and length of the screw instead of repairing the original hole. I'll upload a pic of the acoustic end pin when I can - I need to get a new cable for my camera.

202dy · #4 07-26-2011, 07:42 PM

Method 1

Cut the end pin off flush to the body.
Center punch the pin.
Bore a hole through the pin.

If you elect to size the bit smaller than the pin diameter the remainder can be peeled out of the hole.

Plug, refinish, and install new button.

Method 2

It is probably a tapered pin in a cylindrical hole. You may be able to use a pair of vise grips to twist and wiggle the pin out of the hole. The danger here is crushing the wood fibers at the surface of the hole. Plug, refinish, install.

It's your call.

96tbird · #5 07-26-2011, 08:12 PM

The refinishing would be a pain, no? I had a thought that you could drill the pin out, plug below surface and insert a piece of mother of pearl flush with the finish. Drill for new button done.

m.oreilly · #6 07-26-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

Method 1

Cut the end pin off flush to the body.
Center punch the pin.
Bore a hole through the pin.

...then, using a felt washer to help hide any nicks, mount the desired dingus. i feel your pain dude

TreeTheStudly · #7 07-26-2011, 08:59 PM

You guys are awesome! It never crossed my mind to cut it off, flush with the body. The original owner must be channeling some of his stupidity into me through our common bass.
Thanks homies! I operate tomorrow.

john grey · #8 07-27-2011, 09:08 AM

Do NOT use nail polish or anything in fact. Leave it as it is until you have reached an appropriate decision. There is NO need to place an acetone based polymer paint on the finish. You have time: there is NO rush to clean it up.

TreeTheStudly · #9 07-27-2011, 02:43 PM

Thanks john grey. I will heed your advice. The plan was to put the nail polish over the dowel rod or over the ground end pin rather than on the original finish itself, but it still has the potential to touch it so I can understand definitely not doing it.

As for the operation, it went smoothly! I was able to cut and shave the end pin down smoothly without nicking the finish around it much at all. This thing is a player's bass, for sure - it looks it has been to hell and back, so the finish is no big deal. I was able to drill into the remainder of the end pin and the depth that the screw had to be put in was touching enough wood for me to feel comfortable. My bass now has a proper strap locking button and I couldn't be happier. I've been playing it for the past 10 years with that end pin.

Thanks again, guys!