My poor bass neck!

[jerseyrichSnr]

[quote=GeneralElectric;5424460]Would it be possible to just put a layer of masking tape on the fretboard, as well as on either side of the red lines to keep the majority of the neck finish intact?

Also, would I have to remove the neck and hardware?



Yes, you can mask the fretboard from the action of the stripper using high quality masking tape. I would only recommend the blue stuff from 3M. Cover every area you don't want to strip, and press down well at the edge of it to make a good seal.
I would mask at the same point you suggest at the nut end, but at the heel end you can or should mask much lower , pretty well at the point where it enters the pocket.

To do this you will have to remove the neck from the body. I recommend this as it will make the refinish much easier. It's no big deal, Leo designed it to be easily taken apart. I would also take the hardware off, but that is optional. You may shroud the hardware in masking tape.

The first time I took a neck off a Fender, I neglected to loosen the strings or take them off. I found myself rapidly retightening the neck screws. Now who's a ******?

Another tip about masking tape, don't leave on for longer than necessary. It can bond to the finish it is supposed to protect after a day or so.

BTW, nice bass.

[GeneralElectric]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll post some camera phone pics later in the day as my bass is at the rehearsal room still.

I'll hopefully start this next weekend.

[GeneralElectric]

Oh if you thought that that jazz was mine, its not. I just Google image searched Fender Bass neck and that was the first where you could see the back of the neck. :P