Should I defret?

RxFunk · #1 02-01-2013, 08:55 PM

So, today I just picked up a Peavey Foundation from the 90s. The body has been repainted, and I don't believe that it's original besides that either. The body is a bit rough(chip, dings, scratches,etc). I've been wanting a fretless forever, and am wondering if you guys think I should defret this one. Will I be taking any possible value away from the bass if I do?

bootsox · #2 02-01-2013, 09:41 PM

There's not a whole lot of monetary value in it in the first place. Nearly any peavey is a good candidate for a defret.

RxFunk · #3 02-01-2013, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bootsox

There's not a whole lot of monetary value in it in the first place. Nearly any peavey is a good candidate for a defret.

That's what I'm thinking, I'll probably try it when my regular bass gets back from the shop. By the way, have you done it, if so, what kind of epoxy did you use?

**Lowactnsatsfctn** · #4 02-01-2013, 11:11 PM

Id sugest watching these first, Its a detailed series about a fretless conversion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=115gvPzHMqw

Skygonzo · #5 02-01-2013, 11:34 PM

get a used squire fretless for like eight bucks and practice instead of investing time on defretting junk.

mntngrown · #6 02-01-2013, 11:39 PM

A Lakland 5502 fretless just sold for 550.00 on ebay.
Sell that and buy a fretless. But if you consider it fun and cheaper than golf or hanging out at a bar, then by all means hack away!

mntngrown · #7 02-01-2013, 11:40 PM

By the way I am a hack from way back, hate golf and drink at home.

DiabolusInMusic · #8 02-01-2013, 11:47 PM

De-fret it, it is super easy, that bass isn't worth much now anyways.

The epoxy job is where it gets tricky and could easily be where you ruin the neck.

**Lowactnsatsfctn** · #9 02-01-2013, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skygonzo

get a used squire fretless for like eight bucks and practice instead of investing time on defretting junk.

One could spend his entire life waiting for the perfect 8 dollar Bass.

kochkoch · #10 02-02-2013, 12:12 AM

Defret it if you'd like to experience or learn how to do it. Otherwise, don't spend too much money paying a professional to do it for you. Goodluck!

RxFunk · #11 02-02-2013, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowactnsatsfctn

Id sugest watching these first, Its a detailed series about a fretless conversion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=115gvPzHMqw

Thanks for the videos!

RxFunk · #12 02-02-2013, 09:12 PM

Has anyone defretted a Foundation? How do the Super Ferrites sound fretless?

Bassamatic · #13 02-02-2013, 09:28 PM

I have been down this road - I would never de-fret a bass.
- Good chance of ruining the neck
- De-values the bass
- It will never be as nice as a true fretless
- When you realize that you don't like it, it is big bucks to re-fret.

Maybe it is old and beat up, but but it is a Foundation.

Save your $$ and buy a used Squier or SX fretless.

RxFunk · #14 02-02-2013, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassamatic

I have been down this road - I would never de-fret a bass.
- Good chance of ruining the neck
- De-values the bass
- It will never be as nice as a true fretless
- When you realize that you don't like it, it is big bucks to re-fret.

Maybe it is old and beat up, but but it is a Foundation.

Save your $$ and buy a used Squier or SX fretless.

Yeah, I'm kinda feeling this way too. I think I'll grab a cheap Squier P in a few months and defret that.