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Gonna refinish the "beater"

Munjibunga

Munjibunga

Total Hyper-Elite Member
May 6, 2000
37,499
14,776
San Diego (when not at Groom Lake)
#1
Well, I have a 2001 Fender American Deluxe Jazz FMT V that has seen a lot of gigs. From 2 feet away, it looks pristine, but it's got some little nicks and dings I've stupidly inflicted on it over the years. So I've decided to have it refinished by Marty Bell - he lives nearby (when I'm not at Groom). It's a pretty bass as it is with an amber-finished quilted maple top on alder. (No, it's not a QMT. It's an early one from when the designation was FMT - figured maple top - for both the flamed and quilted versions.)

Anyway, I saw a video of Nate playing a beautiful dark, slightly bluish green Yamaha, probably a one-off of his BBNE2, and I loved the color so that's what I'm going for. Here it is in amber. Don't try to talk me out of it - I've already taken it apart. George at BSD conditioned the fretboard for me, too.

I'm pretty excited about it. It's like getting a new bass, only one that I know is a great player. Can't wait. I'll keep you updated - Marty has a couple week backlog right now. I guess I'll have to dig something out of the archives to play until I get it back.

Fender Jazz FMT 01.jpg
 
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#4
Blue green? Like algae? Really.

I have a newish bass, a MIM jazz. Have swapped the neck and pg, etc. I am careful with it, more so than any other of my basses.
It will take a hit, a tumble from a stand, a side swipe from a falling music stand. You know how it goes. I kind of like it that way.

While on my main axe, a Sparkle Blue MM Sterling, there are a few deeper scratches and a dent here or two, I am not one to consider a refinish.

It's a way of marking time, like the wrinkles around my eyes. Just happens while we are asleep I guess.
 
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#5
StyleOverShow said:
Blue green? Like algae? Really.

I have a newish bass, a MIM jazz. Have swapped the neck and pg, etc. I am careful with it, more so than any other of my basses.
It will take a hit, a tumble from a stand, a side swipe from a falling music stand. You know how it goes. I kind of like it that way.

While on my main axe, a Sparkle Blue MM Sterling, there are a few deeper scratches and a dent here or two, I am not one to consider a refinish.

It's a way of marking time, like the wrinkles around my eyes. Just happens while we are asleep I guess.
Click to expand...
Well, this one doesn't neeeed refinishing, but I'm in the mood for a change of pace. Most of my basses are in like-new condition. What ultimately led to this was a chip in the clear coat where the truss rod adjustment slot is and my inept attempts to fix it with CA glue, followed by my increasing ineptitude in trying to fix that fiasco. In all actuality, though, you can't see the ickyness from two feet away.
 
#10
N.E.'s green(ish) bass is nice all right. But I love that amber quilted on yours. And IMO, the amber would stand out better under stage lights.

BUT... Since the clear coat is already on it, I'll just say enjoy! You really couldn't go wrong either way. And I totally get the "...It's like getting a new bass..." line of reasoning! Kinda' like bringing home a blonde wig for your brunette wife... :thumbsup:
 
#14
Your example vid appears to be closer to "TEAL" than anything. Is your finished product landing in that teal-y middle ground or is did it take a turn towards more blue or more green?

My .02¢ worth…TEAL rocks something fierce! :cool: But whichever way it goes, if the quilting still shows through nicely, it should still look gorgeous. :thumbsup:
 
#15
Malak the Mad said:
Your example vid appears to be closer to "TEAL" than anything. Is your finished product landing in that teal-y middle ground or is did it take a turn towards more blue or more green?

My .02¢ worth…TEAL rocks something fierce! :cool: But whichever way it goes, if the quilting still shows through nicely, it should still look gorgeous. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
More green, with a hint of blue. Just a hint.
 
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#19
I have found that if it looks good on a dark stage,
from 10 feet away, that's about all you really need.
The trouble with getting anything perfect is that,
sooner or later, you have to take it out of the case.
Then 'stuff' happens and you will be heartbroken.

Not that I would complain about having a perectly finished bass.
It's just that I've been smacked in the face by reality a few times.
 

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