Modulus body damage repair. Help appreciated!

IdealWay · #1 02-27-2009, 12:26 PM

Here's what I'm looking at fixing and I would greatly appreciate your opinions about what to do. I'm thinking about possibly having the body refinished, or maybe just trying to repair the bottom, which is the only part of the bass that's damaged. What would be a cost effective way to at least make this bass look a little more aesthetically pleasing. Thanks for the help!

mikeyswood · #2 02-27-2009, 12:51 PM

Welcome to the LC.

If it is cracks in the finish that is pretty easy. A GREAT finisher can match the amber of the damaged section with the old finish BUT a good refinish will gove you an even clean finish across the whole body.

Is there wood damage?

IdealWay · #3 02-27-2009, 03:28 PM

There is a little divet in the wood, not very big at all, which I don't really mind. Any idea of how much a partial refinish (just the bottom) might cost? I'd really rather not do a full refinish if at all possible.

mikeyswood · #4 02-27-2009, 06:37 PM

A refin that looks like no refin was done will cost more than a whole refin.

IdealWay · #5 02-27-2009, 08:05 PM

well, maybe a complete refinish is the solution here. Any idea how much that would run me? Any way I could do it myself? I do have a friend in town who builds custom basses from the ground up, maybe with some guidance it could be done. It's such an awesome bass, it's a shame its in such condition. thanks

Fred19137 · #6 02-27-2009, 08:19 PM

I would say do it ur self. It is not too hard. U juust have to be patient with drying time and u need to wear proctective gear. Breath mask all those kinds of things. So just take it apart sand the whole thing down finishing the sanding with 400 grit. then selecting a finish u want wiping the guitar with it until it is the color u want then add a clearcoat, then put back together.

Trevorus · #7 02-27-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred19137

I would say do it ur self. It is not too hard. U juust have to be patient with drying time and u need to wear proctective gear. Breath mask all those kinds of things. So just take it apart sand the whole thing down finishing the sanding with 400 grit. then selecting a finish u want wiping the guitar with it until it is the color u want then add a clearcoat, then put back together.

I would recommend the opposite myself. Unless you have some experience with finishing, don't make this one your first one. I would send this to a pro to get done right. It's too easy to mess up a refin, especially if you have to strip the old stuff off. Not saying it's impossible, but if you want predictable results, let someone with experience do it.

svtb15 · #8 02-27-2009, 08:29 PM

I love that look.... it takes years for my basses to get bumped up like that..
There is a story in every bump

Beej · #9 02-27-2009, 09:22 PM

You're probably going to need a quote from someone in your area, have you thought about asking your friend what he'd charge to refinish it?

Its hard to tell from the pics, but if its going to need a complete refinish, expect to pay in the neighbourhood of 2-500 dollars depending on how much work is involved. If its a bolt on neck, it will be on the lesser end, but if its a set neck it will likely be higher. A poly finish is a b**ch to remove, so that's going to take more time than a nitro finish. It all depends on what you want, and the best way to work that out is to get a direct quote.

mikeyswood · #10 02-27-2009, 09:36 PM

It will cost you about $100 in materials to do it yourself. An autobody place might do it between $400 - $1000 is you have all of the prep work done.

have you searched for some finishing tips?

LowRanger · #11 02-28-2009, 12:56 AM

I would send the pics to Mike Dolan and get a quote. I've had him do some serious woodwork and repair on a couple basses, and the fixes were invisible. I thought his prices were reasonable and his turnaround quick. Nice guy to deal with.

Don't know how he does it. I have no hand-work skills at all, but Mike Dolan is the schiznit. Very under-appreciated luthier.

I wish I had pics of the Roscoe six I had that he replaced the Barts with EMGs. Quite a bit of delicate woodworking since they weren't drop-in replacements. No indication that it was anything other than a stock Roscoe--amazing.

No affiliation, just a very, very happy customer.

IdealWay · #12 02-28-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowRanger

I would send the pics to Mike Dolan and get a quote. I've had him do some serious woodwork and repair on a couple basses, and the fixes were invisible. I thought his prices were reasonable and his turnaround quick. Nice guy to deal with.

Cool. Do you have his contact info? Where's he located?

The thing about my friend who builds basses is that he usually builds them out of exotic woods and uses oiled finishes. I am going to contact him though and see if he has any expertise in this area. Anyone know if Modulus uses Nitro or Poly finishes?

Thanks