Fingerboard Repair?

gb_kaybass · #1 04-19-2006, 05:16 PM

Hey Guys. First posting, so bear with me. I recently purchased a 1951 Kay bass in awesome shape. Only, the FB has ruts/worn grooves at the A & D strings at the C & F position. When playing a C, you'll get a little rattle going on. My question is ...Does this qualify as a complete FB dressing or is there a way to repair just the worn spots? The rest of the FB is good. Thanks in advance for any help!

Ed Fuqua · #2 04-20-2006, 08:46 AM

You kind of have to plane the whole fingerboard so that you restore a playable surface. Because if you just fix the "spots" then the rest of the fingerboard is going to be higher, right?

51 Kay, prolly a nice rosewood board? If it's not too thin, a dressing will be OK. You would be amazed at what a nice, thick ebony board will do for the sound of the bass.

reedo35 · #3 04-20-2006, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

You kind of have to plane the whole fingerboard so that you restore a playable surface. Because if you just fix the "spots" then the rest of the fingerboard is going to be higher, right?

I made that mistake. Once. That was all it took.

gb_kaybass · #4 04-21-2006, 12:13 PM

I apologize for not being more specific, but I was trying to ask for a simpler, temporary "fill in" solution to hold me until the gigs slowed down and I would have an opportunity to take it to get the FB dressed. However; I just made an appointment to take it to a luthier who will do it the same day and I can keep on rollin'. Thanks for the advice. I love reading all of your advice and comments. Very informative! GB