So gonna buy a bass soon and gonna inspect the pickups, I just unscrew the screws all the way look at the pickups put the spring back in then the screw over it again and it should work right?
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Inspecting a bass to check its legit
- Thread starter Mrtoodamnsabre
- Start date
Why would you remove the pickups? Is it a vintage bass and you want to make sure they are original?
Yes, you can back the screws out. You might (depending on the length of the wires) be able to pull them out of their routes and look at them. Yes, if you put it back together the way you found it things should be fine.
But why?
More info would be helpful
Yes, you can back the screws out. You might (depending on the length of the wires) be able to pull them out of their routes and look at them. Yes, if you put it back together the way you found it things should be fine.
But why?
More info would be helpful
I got burned with the same year and model before buying it so I’m gonna be extra paranoid about buying a bass from that year and whether or not the electronics are right, the bridge pickup is so distinct that I’ll have an answer immediately! Just making sure I’m not risking any of the electronics fiddling around with them!
86 Sabre! My 84 had gutted electronics and I had to track down stuff, and I bought a reissue but it likely trading my reissue for an 86 soon!
Very cool. I just checked them out online and yeah, just take the screws out and gently lift the pickup out. I don't know if they used springs, or little pieces of rubber tube (which are easier than springs). In any case put things back the way you found them (and post a bunch of pics here 
)
)Very cool. I just checked them out online and yeah, just take the screws out and gently lift the pickup out. I don't know if they used springs, or little pieces of rubber tube (which are easier than springs). In any case put things back the way you found them (and post a bunch of pics here
I have very little doubt that this is original but it is a gorgeous honeyburst too! Really hoping the trade works out, I’ll miss my reissue but I really wanna have this 86!
Forgive my complete imbecilic question. Is that the year they switched to full covered pickups?
This guy, I think his name is Gav, is the hero of all things MM bass. He has generously assisted me in a search. I have added basses to the registry he keeps. If you are really uncertain send him the serial and he'll probably be able to tell you as much or more than the EBMM staff. That said, if you contact EBMM customer service they are also very fine folks and will usually be able to pull build records for your bass.
Music Man Bass Global - Serials Pre-EB Sting Ray
Your year is within the range that they were still utilizing a large backlog of semi finished neck and body blanks and the stockpile of hardware from pre-EB days. My Sabre is in that category as well. The best, most accurate date of final assembly is actually, usually written inside the control plate on the front of the bass.
There is a club for like minded folks here. I am #85. Post any questions here and someone with a bigger brain than mine will know.
Musicman Sabre Club
This guy, I think his name is Gav, is the hero of all things MM bass. He has generously assisted me in a search. I have added basses to the registry he keeps. If you are really uncertain send him the serial and he'll probably be able to tell you as much or more than the EBMM staff. That said, if you contact EBMM customer service they are also very fine folks and will usually be able to pull build records for your bass.
Music Man Bass Global - Serials Pre-EB Sting Ray
Your year is within the range that they were still utilizing a large backlog of semi finished neck and body blanks and the stockpile of hardware from pre-EB days. My Sabre is in that category as well. The best, most accurate date of final assembly is actually, usually written inside the control plate on the front of the bass.
There is a club for like minded folks here. I am #85. Post any questions here and someone with a bigger brain than mine will know.
Musicman Sabre Club
And please post pics when you get it. Sabres are fantastic. Mine is Steve Morse trans blueburst with clear pick guard and tons of birdseye, all maple neck, and I still have the original pads on the bridge.
absolutely will! It’ll be a contender for most handsome
I gotta see that blue burst too! All parts original!! Mine now too!!
Attachments
Love that maple neck. Nice color too. Enjoy.
Here’s mine. I’ve changed strings and the battery but nothing else. Has a few scars but not too beat up for the abuse I gave it. I have the receipt still. $725, I got a deal from the shop. And true story the employee who wrote it up was Derek St. Holmes working at the store between tours with Nugent. Every bass needs a story.
that is a profoundly gorgeous colour!
Thanks. Your burst is sweet. The blue/clear/maple is the scheme of the Steve Morse Sabre signature guitar and they made it as a bass for a short while. You're going to love that Sabre.
It sounds so good already, it’s got less sustain than my 84 with 79 pickups but that bass is like a rolling thunderstorm of bass noises, this is as warm and as big but a little bit tighter sounding
