Headstock Nick

[SEStingray]

Hi All,

I've played for almost 25 years but only recently joined this forum, and find the discussions here fantastic. Unfortunately, my first post on here isn't exactly the best of topics - I just picked up a Black Sugar (BFR) Stingray 4 (with the roasted maple neck), and absolutely love the bass (this was actually my first Musicman, having played Fenders and Yamahas to this point). The bass is currently 5 weeks old. At any rate, in the process of restringing it with Cobalts, it slid and knocked into the edge of an adjoining coffee table, with the results attached (hopefully) below.

I cried. Okay, I didn't cry, but my lower lip quivered. This is something purely cosmetic - the bass literally slid sideways and knocked into a nearby piece of furniture (versus, say, being dropped on the floor or jammed into something), and of course still plays like a dream, but obviously it's disappointing.

My question is this: will this continue to flake/chip, with time? If so, any recommendations for how to prevent that?

Thanks in advance for any advice - I am currently seeking solace in the bottom of a bourbon glass.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Clear nail polish is your friend. Or, if you are real careful, you can coat it with some CA and then polish it out.

 

[lowfreq33]

You should be happy. The first ding's out of the way, now you can relax and just play the thing.

 

[cassius987]

Dude, you should see the headstock of my first Ric bass. Looks like Sid Vicious got to it or something! It happens and unless you're a hardcore investor I really don't think it should bother you. As for chipping, in the case of the Ric finish, the nicks are stable. EBMM finishes some of their necks with a poly amber tint if I remember right... so I think you are fine. Clear nail polish probably would fill it in nicely like Jeff said, maybe just call EBMM first and see what they might have to say about it.

 

[SirMjac28]

same thing happened to me not that deep but I hate any kind of ding or dent drives me crazy that looks like more than some nail polish to fix

 

[SEStingray]

Guys, thanks - just spoke with someone knowledgeable in woodworking, and they recommended clear nail polish as well. I'm thinking a luthier would say the same.

 

[mikeswals]

Nailpolish is okay, but I like using CA (superglue). It's harder when dried, polishes out super glassy.
That chip is an easy fix: build layers til it's level, then I smooth it with ultra fine paper, and polish.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Nailpolish is okay, but I like using CA (superglue). It's harder when dried, polishes out super glassy.
That chip is an easy fix: build layers til it's level, then I smooth it with ultra fine paper, and polish.

+1

Sorry about the nick, but the "mojo" has just started.

 

[iJazz]

+1

Sorry about the nick, but the "mojo" has just started.

I was just thinking the same thing. Not that I'm a big fan of the road worn look, mind you, but in many players eyes you probably just raised the value of your baby about $100.

iJazz - Quick, grab the bike chain and finish the job!

 

[SEStingray]

I went ahead with nail polish layer #1 last night, and was pretty amazed at the difference even 1 coat makes. I'll take some 'after' shots if there's interest.

 

[iJazz]

I'll take some 'after' shots if there's interest.

Yes.

 

[SEStingray]

Probably still some layers to go, but the finish is now essentially matched.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Excellent!

 

[The Birdman]

I got into this thread to say "clear nail polish" as well. I've had excellent results filling dings with it. I fill the ding to a bit over the surrounding surface, and then polish it out with Stewart-MacDonald Micro-Mesh pads. It is usually hard to even see where the ding was.

Looks like you are well on the way to a good fix!

Roger

 

[SEStingray]

Excellent, thanks! I will probably pick up some of the micromesh momentarily.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Good job. You can hardly see it.

 

[Nobody]

I had a buddy called Headstock Nick...... cool dude....

 

[joeyl]

I had a buddy called Headstock Nick...... cool dude....

yeah I was going to say: cool nickname.

 

[P. Aaron]

The headstock of my 2002 Precision has gotten acquainted with the cymbals of a few drum sets. My 2010 Precision V has yet to have that happen. Both have however, a bit of rash from the buttons of my western shirts.

I have kinda gotten over it but, naw. I haven't.

 

[iJazz]

The stuff one learns hanging out in this place. Glad to see it worked as well as it did.

iJazz - Not a road-worn fan.