Ibanez PL5050

[Gene Doctor]

I just bought a made in Japan 1986 Ibanez Pro Line Series PL5050 with an ebony fretboard and a pair of LO-B soapbar pickups with a 2 band EQ.

It needs a good cleaning and setup (and new knobs) - I’m open to suggestions on how to clean up the black bridge without removing more of the finish. Vinegar, stripper, soap and water, WD-40, etc? Any comments or suggestions on the best way to setup the bass (strings, etc) would also be appreciated.

 

[ZedLepp]

Nice bass. I would use just water and a toothbrush and just go at it.
Hope you got a good deal on it.

 

[Gene Doctor]

Nice bass. I would use just water and a toothbrush and just go at it.
Hope you got a good deal on it.

I think $225 was a good price. Going to try GHS Brite Flats on it (my other Basses have GHS Precision Flats on them).

 

[ZedLepp]

Hell yeah, good deal. Would love to see it when it you get it all cleaned up.

 

[Gene Doctor]

Another restoration project completed! Here’s the Ibanez PL5050 all cleaned up - neck is very comfortable and it sounds pretty good with GHS Precision Flats.

 

[Gene Doctor]

Did an upgrade with an EMG David Ellefson kit and added a 3 way toggle to go with the dual volume and master tone knobs. Big improvement!