Should I buy a used OLP and convert it to fretless ??

vibhas_2310 · #1 12-22-2010, 06:44 AM

Hey !!

So there's a luthier who's selling a OLP 5 string real cheap. I don't know what the body is made of but the neck is maple and the fingerboard is rosewood.

I am thinking of purchasing it and replacing the stock pickups and electronics with Bartolini pickup and a 3 band preamp.

Doing all of this including the charges for the fretless conversion will set me back by about $ 550- 600.

Do you think its worth it ??

Thanks,
Vibhas

RCCollins · #2 12-22-2010, 06:47 AM

i see much nicer fretless basses selling used for 500-600 all the time. keep your eyes peeled. that OLP is not worth the trouble or expense - fretless basses are too easy to find used

vibhas_2310 · #3 12-22-2010, 06:57 AM

I actually also have thought about the squier vintage modified fretless. I kinda dig that bass. What do u guys think of it ?

Emibass · #4 12-22-2010, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vibhas_2310

I actually also have thought about the squier vintage modified fretless. I kinda dig that bass. What do u guys think of it ?

played one and really liked it!

Octoplus · #5 12-22-2010, 07:04 AM

I converted an OLP MM44 (double humbucker) last year with good results. If you're really wanting to do a fretless conversion project for the first time, then the OLP bass is probably a good low-risk investment to start on. If you're simply looking for a fretless "player," then I agree with RC that you're better off finding something a bit more substantial. It's amazing how much $$ one can put into an instrument just to make it one that you actually want to pick up and plug in every now and then.

By the way, my OLP is basswood. The neck plays remarkably good now after sanding it down, doing an epoxy job on the fretboard and doing a tung oil finish on the neck.

whisper14072 · #6 12-22-2010, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

i've see much nicer fretless basses selling used for 500-600 all the time. keep your eyes peeled. that OLP is not worth the trouble or expense - fretless basses are too easy to find used

+1

I used to own an OLP... real nice bass.. but not worth dumping that kind of money into it... take the 500- 600 and find a nice used fretless like they said