Antique store find

[Troberts 98]

found this at local antique store. Listed as a 1970s p bass. Clearly wrong! Checking the serial number and other details it's a California special from the 90s. Pick ups and tuners look original but I don't think the Badass bridge is stock. So! Do I try and put this back to as close to stock with the anodized pick guard or I was thinking going with tort. I'm assuming it's wired the same as the Jazz bass because the output jack is moved to the outside edge. It has a typical 13 hole pattern for the pick guard. Am I right in thinking that the tone control pot would go in to the third hole of the pick guard?
I'm only into it for $150cdn so would like to put back together and see if it's a keeper.

 

[bholder]

Looks like a score if the neck is straight.

 

[two fingers]

Not sure about the holes in the guard. But nice bass!

 

[Oren Hudson]

Great deal. Some fun cleaning and assembly and you have a cool bass. Either guard would look good IMO. Tone does go in the third hole nearest the outside of the body. Picture it up when you finished.

 

[RED J]

Those Cali Specials were nice. Great score !

 

[RED J]

Am I right in thinking that the tone control pot would go in to the third hole of the pick guard?

Yes VVT just like a Jazz Bass

 

[Grumry]

Very nice, keep us updated.

 

[gfaulkner]

Nice find! I used to have one in CAR and it was a great bass,and the CaliSpecial model is sort of rare,too.The 13 hole anodized pickguard is the way I would go,and the control layout is as you figured,VVT.

 

[StevieMac]

Nicely done, wow.

 

[Troberts 98]

Haven't strung it yet but even if the neck is toast I have a pretty good start on something I can relic for fun and not a whole lot of money. I will update the thread when finished. Thanks for the info on controls

 

[byrdzeye]

Throw a Sadowski control plate/preamp on that sucker. Would sound amazing...as I'm sure anything you do to it will.

 

[DChalo]

Fire the drum.... ahh not relevant.

Nice score though!

 

[rojo412]

That's a great deal! The bridge alone is worth more than half of it.

 

[Lee Kirkham]

Here's hoping the truss rod works. If so, then great find. As far as wiring is concerned, you can follow a Jazz Bass wiring chart, pretty straight forward.

 

[Mike N]

Judging by the lack of strings, I'd have to say it's the ultra rare California Series Air Bass.

...... and yes, it's the best Air Bass for metal.

 

[JRA]

wow! neat find. i'm not one who would be concerned about a 'resoration', but i'd be anxious to know if (when it had all of its parts) it could be a player. i hope it turns out for you.

 

[b/o 402]

I'd get a nice tort guard, anodized always looks off to me with RW/TSB. Nice score!

 

[Bolsyo]

Nice score! My PJ basses are factorywired VVT, hence the jack has been moved to the side. Here's a standard PJ wiring diagram:
Wiring Diagrams

 

[lfmn16]

Fire the drum.... ahh not relevant.

Nice score though!

It's always relevant to fire the drummer!

 

[Plucker Tom]

so.? what makes these SO SPECIAL anyways..?? whats the dealio