'72 Fender Custom Shop Tele Bass Build

nicfargo · #1 10-25-2009, 05:41 PM

Hey Everybody,

I'm starting a new build of a 72' Fender Custom Shop Tele Bass...pretty much just like the one on Guitar Center's website that they want 6k for found here. I'm taking a Squier VM Precision Bass TB as my base for the build (it was free). I've already ordered the 2nd pickup for the build and now I'm looking at refinishing it. As you can see from the photos, I've got everything routed. Now I'm to the refinishing stage of my build and here's where I could use some help.

I've been looking on reranch.com for my information and I'm asking you guys for some clarification. Reranch says that if your current finish is poly, you can use 220 sand paper on it and then prime over that. I've sanded my bass with 220 dry, and gotten all the shinyness out of it. Anyone able to tell me if I'm on the right path, or would you suggest doing something else when refinishing a bass? I'm planning on using a metalic color, so any tips would be appreciated.

Here's the pics of where I'm at currently:

scotch · #2 10-25-2009, 05:57 PM

'scribed... I like where this is going!

jworrellbass · #3 10-25-2009, 06:15 PM

6k for a fender, custom shop?

Please build it and tell Fender what they can do with theirs.

Beej · #4 10-25-2009, 10:31 PM

Great idea, 6K, what are they smokin'? You're on the right track. If your poly finish is intact, then scuffing the surface and priming should get you where you want to be. Are you using fender pickups like the custom shop?

nicfargo · #5 10-26-2009, 11:09 AM

Yup, sure am. The Squier actually comes with a huge Fender humbucker (mudbucker?), so I just ordered another one. It wasn't too bad, the pickup set me back $90.

I'm also getting a pickguard blank from allparts and cutting it using a template from terrapin guitars of a 72' CS Telecaster that I'll modify for the bass. My goal is to get it to look just like the one on the website, except for the color which I'm thinking of doing Ice Blue Metalic off reranch.com website.

scotch · #6 10-26-2009, 11:15 AM

Fight the temptation & don't buy a pirated "Fender" logo! Come on man, keep it real!

nicfargo · #7 10-26-2009, 11:17 AM

Yeah, I don't think I'm going to...but I can't decide if I want to do a matching headstock or not. I think it would be cool...but I'm just not sure. What do you think? If I do decide to do a matching headstock, it would make it that much harder not to just put a Fender tele bass logo on there

jcpowell27 · #8 10-26-2009, 11:20 AM

Great idea, I've always liked those basses but they are not worth the 6k!

-Joe P.

Jools4001 · #9 10-26-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jworrellbass

6k for a fender, custom shop

Well, in the UK the usual abreviation for feet and inches is to say 5' 9" (for 5ft 9ins), So the way I read it is that 6K is not bad value if it's 72 feet long

Of course it could always be a '72, in which case it looks like a really nice project, but I'm with you...c'mon 6K for a Fender, when it looks as if you can make a really good version from a Squier

bassgod76 · #10 10-26-2009, 12:10 PM

Subscribed!

JMac4strngr · #11 10-26-2009, 12:17 PM

Should turn out sweet! What type of neck are you looking at using? Keep us posted...

KaizerWilhelm · #12 10-26-2009, 12:24 PM

Subscribed! This is going to be legit.

nicfargo · #13 10-26-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMac4strngr

Should turn out sweet! What type of neck are you looking at using? Keep us posted...

I'm going to be using the neck that came with the Squier. It's a telecaster style neck...and honestly is one of the best necks I've played. I'd rate it right up there with my EBMM Sterling for sure...blows my MIM Jazz, Hwy 1 Jazz, and Ric right out of the water. It won't have the block and binding unfortunately...maybe someday I'll replace it with a neck that does, but for now it'll do.

I just went out and got the primer, color, and clear coat for this thing. I'm going to start the primer here in a little bit. It's just a primer, but I'll post pics anyway.

I was going to get some stuff from Reranch.com, but just decided to see what my auto parts store had. I got some Dupli-color grey primer, some Dupli-color light blue metalic color, and Dupli-color Clear coat. The clear coat is a high quality acrylic lacquer...anyone know how this clear coat works and holds up?

scotch · #14 10-26-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicfargo

Yeah, I don't think I'm going to...but I can't decide if I want to do a matching headstock or not. I think it would be cool...but I'm just not sure. What do you think? If I do decide to do a matching headstock, it would make it that much harder not to just put a Fender tele bass logo on there

Well ,yeah, it's tempting. But, in my opinion, it's disingenuous. Besides, if you're the one doing all of this customizing, why not come up with your own? Coming up with your own logo is a whole lot cooler than passing off a Squier as a Fender.

What's not my opinion, however, is that Fender doesn't sell their logo decals (trademark) on the open market. By buying one, you're just sponsoring a crook.

bassgod76 · #15 10-26-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

Well ,yeah, it's tempting. But, in my opinion, it's disingenuous. Besides, if you're the one doing all of this customizing, why not come up with your own? Coming up with your own logo is a whole lot cooler than passing off a Squier as a Fender.

What's not my opinion, however, is that Fender doesn't sell their logo decals (trademark) on the open market. By buying one, you're just sponsoring a crook.

Yeah, but what if you want to refinish your headstock in a different color, but want the Fender logo to remain? Or waht if you want a different era Fender logo?

Fender wants in on the action; maybe they should offer such a product.

scotch · #16 10-26-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

Yeah, but what if you want to refinish your headstock in a different color, but want the Fender logo to remain? Or waht if you want a different era Fender logo?

Fender wants in on the action; maybe they should offer such a product.

Ahhh, but they do! If you have an original Fender neck that either due to a repair or damage needs a new decal- you can contact them through any dealer to get the decal. All you have to do is prove that a) you own the corresponding instrument, and b) a new decal is necessary.

Regarding period-correct decals, you'd have to do what any "restorer" has to do for any other original vintage part- buy it on the used market. Usually this means buying a whole neck.

Either way, a pirated decal is a pirated decal.

bassgod76 · #17 10-26-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

Ahhh, but they do! If you have an original Fender neck that either due to a repair or damage needs a new decal- you can contact them through any dealer to get the decal. All you have to do is prove that a) you own the corresponding instrument, and b) a new decal is necessary.

Regarding period-correct decals, you'd have to do what any "restorer" has to do for any other original vintage part- buy it on the used market. Usually this means buying a whole neck.

Either way, a pirated decal is a pirated decal.

Well, I guess that means I'm walking the plank.

scotch · #18 10-26-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

Well, I guess that means I'm walking the plank.

I didn't bring this up as an attack, and I don't think you're taking it as such bassgod76.

Obviously, were getting off-topic a bit here, but consider this:

Yes, Fender is now a corporately owned medium-to-large business. Yes, there's probably a small handful of executives "raking it in". But, there's also a small army of hourly employees and salaried working stiffs that would appreciate it if we stopped stealing their companies trademark- thus making it more difficult to continue putting groceries on their families tables.

***full disclosure*** I am a Fender endorser with a relationship with the company through it's artist representatives. I've never received a dime of payment from Fender, of course, just free & discounted products and service.

For the record, I'd defend any companies' or individuals' intellectual property. Fender may have dropped the ball decades ago by not defending their instruments' body designs- but lets not take them for granted, either, by acting so cavalier about their headstocks & trademarks as well!

I still can't wait to see the finished bass, nicfargo! I'm sure it will be awesome. Heck, maybe it could inspire Fender to make an affordable version available? Perhaps a dual humbucker tele Squier?

DuffMac87 · #19 10-26-2009, 01:42 PM

I would pass on a finished headstock, i have never been a fan of a maple board with colored headstock.I got one of those tele basses for 150$ great bass, this one bassist beg to buy it from me and i turned him down but when he pulled out 200$ i agreed. I miss it tho.

nicfargo · #20 10-26-2009, 02:12 PM

Yeah, now that I look at the photos of the bass I'm copying (and rightfully so since I'm reproducing it for way less then 5%), since it doesn't have a matching headstock, I don't think I'll do it to this one either. Which means, the Squier logo stays!

Anyone have a good way to get ferules out of a bass? The bass is equipped for string through, but I can't get the ferules out...any pointers?