Matching Headstock Blues

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by bassrique, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. I have a bass in shipping that should be a keeper. It does however have a matching sunburst headstock. Perhaps a matching black headstock for a metal bass or an all white bass like Larry Graham's Moon Bass, but this sunburnt headstock has me looking for an answer.

    Suggestions? Sanding then replacement decal? Brown paint?
    0719161746_HDR.jpg 0719161745a_HDR.jpg 0719161746a_HDR.jpg 0719161745_HDR.jpg
    Note: This is the same model bass but the pics I posted are not the same bass that's on the truck.

    Th
    I wanted the best pics to give the best detail and these are the best I could find. They are from an old classified ad.
     
  2. A lot of people put a premium on matching headstocks. If it bugs you that bad, and you're going to have this bass for a very long time, I guess you'll need a "solution" to the "problem." But for re-sale, and just the general admiration of the significant number of people who dig it, you might want to think about this for awhile.
     
  3. jd56hawk

    jd56hawk

    Sep 12, 2011
    The Garden State
    Skin it and clear coat.
     
  4. This headstock "problem" is more like a headtrip then? I leave the option open that I could be way off and procrastination may be in order here as it may grow on me.
     
  5. Is there a gel to put on to speed up the process?
    I tried to find a suitable Ibanez decal but to no avail.
     
  6. jd56hawk

    jd56hawk

    Sep 12, 2011
    The Garden State
    Not that I know of but might be worth a shot and easier than sanding, staining, etc
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
  7. B-Mac

    B-Mac Happiness is a warm puppy and a great bass Gold Supporting Member

    Sell it
     
    porterbass likes this.
  8. cdef

    cdef

    Jul 18, 2003
    IMHO it won't look any better with a stripped headstock. It's the way it is by design, and ought to stay so.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
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  9. johndb

    johndb Bass is the Place! Supporting Member

    Jul 3, 2014
    Illinois
    Remove the tuning machines, mask off the sides and the nut, and spray it satin black enamel without sanding or scuffing the poly. Reassemble and enjoy the Spinal Tap "none more black" headstock! It will look more custom with no logo, and you can always easily remove the black paint and the indestructible poly finish will still be there.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
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  10. B-Mac

    B-Mac Happiness is a warm puppy and a great bass Gold Supporting Member

    What’s the problem? You don’t like matching headstocks? They’re usually sought after.

    Get some black contact paper and cover it temporarily, but please don’t hack up this great looking bass.

    Or sell it and look for something nice and meh.
     
  11. Pilgrim

    Pilgrim Supporting Member

    Any modification like this reduces the value of the instrument, and unless done carefully and with great care, looks bad.

    I'm among those who prefer matching headstocks. Certainly if you take the logo off and re-paint the headstock, you make the bass less visually desirable as well as reducing the resale value.

    I suggest buying a bass that doesn't have a matching headstock.
     
  12. hypercarrots

    hypercarrots

    Jan 28, 2009
    california
    i like blue basses with matching headstocks so i was suckered into entering this thread...
     
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  13. B-Mac

    B-Mac Happiness is a warm puppy and a great bass Gold Supporting Member

    upload_2019-6-25_18-31-56.jpeg
     
    twc1313, kobass, Oddly and 6 others like this.
  14. Ian McLaughlin

    Ian McLaughlin

    Aug 11, 2018
    Schmear some black silicone on it with a plastic putty knife, then rub it off when you sell it.

    I think it's fine the way it is, looks sharp!
     
  15. dalkowski

    dalkowski It's "rout," not "route." Supporting Member

    May 20, 2009
    Massachusetts USofA
    Live with it or sell it.
     
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  16. buldog5151bass

    buldog5151bass Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.

    Oct 22, 2003
    Connecticut
    When is the last time you looked at your headstock while playing?
     
    Ian McLaughlin likes this.
  17. Malak the Mad

    Malak the Mad Over the River and through the Looking Glass Supporting Member

    Don’t. Just...don’t. :rollno:
     
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  18. wintremute

    wintremute mediocrity at its finest

    Oct 16, 2014
    Vegas
    Endorsing Artist: Langstrom Carrot Farms
    Looks good as-is. It will grow on you.
     
  19. Neck swap, and keep it for when you do sell it.
    I don’t care for matching neck and body colors myself, unless natural.
     
    Oddly likes this.
  20. Ian McLaughlin

    Ian McLaughlin

    Aug 11, 2018
    I believe this is the correct answer. Better than mine.
     
    mrcbass likes this.