Black finish green in some areas under blacklight

BassShifter21 · #1 01-22-2009, 08:39 AM

Did a search for this, but no results found. I have a Jetglo '79 Ric that I bought used. The finish looks to be mostly original, but I think someone did a repair on the back, perhaps to mask buckle rash. Anyway, at a recent gig, there were blacklights at the ceiling level. Much to my amazement, my black bass turned a weird shade of florescent green, but only in certain areas. The repaired area and the back of the neck, as I remember. That being said, I can conclude that the bass was most likely partially refinished at some point. Would I reduce the value of the instrument any further by refinishing it all over? Also, has anyone ever seen this phenomenon, and what was the cause? Thanks to all for your help.

mikeyswood · #2 01-22-2009, 11:09 AM

I believe that it is lead in the paint that is fluorescing. As to being original, I am not sure. That is around the ban time of lead and Ric might have had leftovers still. Perhaps someone else with an original Ric can say...

BassShifter21 · #3 01-23-2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyswood

I believe that it is lead in the paint that is fluorescing. As to being original, I am not sure. That is around the ban time of lead and Ric might have had leftovers still. Perhaps someone else with an original Ric can say...

Good point, but I'm not sure why it is only showing up in certain areas. Perhaps there was a touch up paint used that has a lead content. I would really like to refinish the bass, as the apparent repair on the back isn't the best, and the headstock has some war wounds. Maybe the mojo is o.k., and I should leave it alone, but I like my stuff to look pristine, normally. I just don't want to destroy the value by messing with it.