Bass suffering from Oxidization

[Fullmetal]

Hey, I'm not very chemistry savvy and I've never encountered this before.

So theres a used bass I've got my eye on, I havn't agreed to a sale but It's going dead cheap. However, in the ad it says "Bass is suffering from Oxidization". Is this repairable? Is it even a major problem?

A quick response would be nice, don't wanna lose out.

Many thanks
Jak

 

[Dave R]

Oxidation means rust where I come from....

 

[snyderz]

You should see my Nash! Just kidding. If the saddles are adjustable, the tuners turn, and the poles are functional on the pickups, don't worry about it.

 

[denchiq]

I have one like this:
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it's on the second bass from the left:
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I cleaned up the bass and degreased the metal parts but spared all the "oxidisation" and scratches. With that much of mojo, it looks like a Closet Classic from the 60-ies. Doesn't affect the sound too. I don't know why the seller would say that the bass is "suffering", if only it is a Kramer with an aluminum neck =)

 

[espace]

Probably rust. But it could also be nickle plated hardware that has tarnished and looks cloudy or whitish. You should ask what they mean or have them send you pictures.

If it is badly rusted hardware it can be cleaned up somewhat. I had an old guitar with a badly rusted bridge that had frozen saddle screws. I took it apart (after using WD-40), scrubed the rust off with an old toothbrush and fine steel wool along with some naptha (or liquid lighter fluid). Then I rubbed on some light oil to keep the rust from coming back. It now looks much better, not perfect, but the screws turn. Aside from a screw with a partially stripped hex head, the bridge works.

Or, if the bass is cheap enough, you could always replace the bridge, pickguard screws, etc. Rusted pickup poles are another issue.

 

[Fullmetal]

So it has nothing to do with the wood? If the hardware is rusted, cos it's a cheap deal I can just replace them.

Many thanks

 

[Byzcat]

Maybe it has a metallic finish and the sparkles are rusty?