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NBD! Clean-or-Return Thread

#61
That is one seriously pretty bass. Tweaking the action is easy, and it sounds to me like you may know how.

If the action can be improved to where you’re happy with it, and you like the tone, I say keep it. The other issues are simple to fix and really don’t affect your ability to play it right now.
 
#66
DoctorZee said:
It's NBD over here, with a pre-owned Sterling Ray34CA from Guitar Center's used site. Surprise, surprise, there are a few blemishes that couldn't be seen in GC's tiny blurry photo.

I'm starting this thread to gather some advice and document my journey as I dive deeper and decide whether to ultimately clean it up, or return it. It sounds great and the price was fair, so I am leaning toward keeping it, and wouldn't mind investing a small budget into giving it some TLC.

View attachment 4384227

Issue #1 is the pickguard, which was apparently plastered in stickers at one time (see image below). From searching old threads, it seems like WD-40 or Naphtha should do the trick. I may start by trying Goo Gone, since I think I have some on hand. I'd rather not have to buy a replacement, but that's an option, too. There's a general layer of funk on the body and neck, too, but a plain rag seems to be doing the trick there so far. Any other suggestions?

View attachment 4384229

Issue #2 is the volume pot, which feels like it kind of... sticks?... about 2/3 of the way down if I'm rolling it off. Like all of a sudden it hits some resistance. There's no audible noise, it just feels off. Any suggestions from the group on this?

Issue #3 is the action, but the neck looks straight and hopefully a quick home setup will take care of this.

Those are the only issues I've been able to find so far! Will they be easily fixed? Will I find more problems? Stay tuned to find out!
Click to expand...
New pickguard = 20 bucks
New pot = 7 bucks

27 dollars for awesome, sounds like a sweet deal for used to me.

But, rubbing alcohol takes off sticker glue. Start with a plastic putty knife for the bulk, finish it off with a rag.
 
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#67
DoctorZee said:
It's NBD over here, with a pre-owned Sterling Ray34CA from Guitar Center's used site. Surprise, surprise, there are a few blemishes that couldn't be seen in GC's tiny blurry photo.

I'm starting this thread to gather some advice and document my journey as I dive deeper and decide whether to ultimately clean it up, or return it. It sounds great and the price was fair, so I am leaning toward keeping it, and wouldn't mind investing a small budget into giving it some TLC.

View attachment 4384227

Issue #1 is the pickguard, which was apparently plastered in stickers at one time (see image below). From searching old threads, it seems like WD-40 or Naphtha should do the trick. I may start by trying Goo Gone, since I think I have some on hand. I'd rather not have to buy a replacement, but that's an option, too. There's a general layer of funk on the body and neck, too, but a plain rag seems to be doing the trick there so far. Any other suggestions?

View attachment 4384229

Issue #2 is the volume pot, which feels like it kind of... sticks?... about 2/3 of the way down if I'm rolling it off. Like all of a sudden it hits some resistance. There's no audible noise, it just feels off. Any suggestions from the group on this?

Issue #3 is the action, but the neck looks straight and hopefully a quick home setup will take care of this.

Those are the only issues I've been able to find so far! Will they be easily fixed? Will I find more problems? Stay tuned to find out!
Click to expand...
Rubbing alcohol. Stay away from other thinners, solvents, and cleaners.

Rubbing alcohol and 10 minutes took this
20180326_194502.jpg
20 years of stickers

And turned it back to this.
20180825_204320.jpg

20 years of stickers. 20 years. 20. Two Zero. Years.


Rubbing alcohol.
 
#70
1. Use a gentle goo loosener, apply and quickly remove, several times if needed. I've done this many times. 2. Check to see if the knob is making contact with the control plate. You can loosen the knob, reposition so it spins freely, then tighten it back down. I guess it's possible, but I'd be surprised if the problem goes any further than that. If it is the pot, try a couple of hits of electrical contact cleaner. 3. Yes, it may very well need a set up by an experienced tech or player.

Finally, if you got a good deal and this is a great playing and sounding used bass, there is no way in hell I'd return it over the things you outlined. Basses that sound and play great can be hard to come by.
 
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#71
It looks nice, OP. As long as the neck, truss rod, and saddles are in good shape, I would pull the pickguard off and start scrubbin'! I always expect to do some cleaning on a used purchase. As our esteemed colleague @JeezyMcNuggles points out, the parts in question can be replaced for less money than a tour shirt, and that's the worst-case scenario.

Ultimately you bought a used item, at what you consider a fair price, from a corporation as notorious for its bad reputation as it is for its bankruptcy filings. Seems to me that you're coming out ahead on this deal. Don't stress yourself out over it!
 
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#74
Late to the party here, and didnt' read through yet, but I wouldn't try goo gone on the plastic, I'd try a little rubbing alcohol first... IME that goo gone is heavy duty nasty and I'd be afraid of permanently dulling the pickguard. If you've already done it with no issues, then great...and you're braver than me!:D
 
#76
DblG said:
Late to the party here, and didnt' read through yet, but I wouldn't try goo gone on the plastic, I'd try a little rubbing alcohol first... IME that goo gone is heavy duty nasty and I'd be afraid of permanently dulling the pickguard. If you've already done it with no issues, then great...and you're braver than me!:D
Click to expand...
I did! Tested it on the back first and it was fine. I only used a little, and washed it off immediately with soap and hot water.
 
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#78
Update: folks, I got this thing purring like a kitten. It plays fantastic! My only concern is that the saddles had to come basically all the way down to do it, even after some major turns on the truss. Going to take it to my guy to take a look, but for right now it is set exactly how I like it. The gloss finish on the neck bothered me, but a scotch-brite pad took care of that.
 
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#79
I don't understand why a high action would be an issue. Just lower it. Obviously if the neck is warped and the bass can't be set up that's another matter.

As for the PG, if WD-40 doesn't work you can always use WD, thr pickguard manufacturer
Again, not an issue whatsoever.

A new potentiometer costs a few bucks.

Keep it if it sounds and feels good and if it's possible to set it up properly (don't see why not)
 

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