NBD / Rescue project: Hohner MIJ P-bass

[JW56789]

Terrific. Thanks, ATL. I love these 'homemade' fixes that don't require some exotic method, or one more trip to StewMac for some specialist gear.

Something I do that may dovetail with the vinegar treatment: After I get the shiny bits shiny, I rub on a tiny bit of VO5 hair dressing (yes, that stuff in the toothpaste tube). It tends to coat the parts, it's organic and harmless, and tends to keep the shiny bits shiny for quite a while. And to keep the threaded bits working smoothly from now on, a drop of BreakFree, the firearms lube, it almost 'sweat proofs' screws, etc.

 

[ATLbassist]

Here's a visual:



Also, I got sent Jazz pickup covers instead of Precision ones, so it's back to parts hunting. Oh well - it gives me more time to mess with the shims.

 

[SeanRock]

What is the value on this? I have an opportunity to buy a 78 but have no idea of the value.

 

[ATLbassist]

I'm curious about that myself. Like the Memphis basses, there seems to be a wide range in quality depending on what factory made it. To me, this one is right up there with my Tokai Hard Puncher; if I didn't already have the Memphis, it would be a keeper. I'd like to get $350 - $400 for it, but anything is only worth as much as someone's willing to pay.

Also, I haven't done a thing with the bass in a while. I don't have the proper cutting tools, very little spare time between work / family and it's cold outside. Maybe in the spring...

 

[SeanRock]

My friend just bought it. He paid $45! It's pretty mint. Guy was asking 55. How he had the balls to talk him down, I don't know. He's gonna clean it up and flip it. Maybe ask 400 and jump on 300?

 

[ATLbassist]

Throw up some pictures and let's see! There are so many variations in the lawsuit basses. Some have pickups that look like humbuckers but aren't; some look like Telecaster neck pickups. The important thing is to see how it plays and sounds.

 

[ATLbassist]

It's been a busy few months between family, house and job priorities. However, I finally got some time to finish up this project if anyone is still paying attention. So, here we go...

Untitled by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

I finally got a jigsaw and cut a full-pocket shim out from a thick sheet of quilted maple from a local veneer shop. This raised the neck evenly and helped me get the saddles off the deck.

Invalid Link Removed by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

I also used a business card shim to get a little bit of tilt and even low action all the way down the fretboard. I also put another layer of foam under the pickups to raise them up accordingly.

Untitled by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

And here's the finished product - all ready for a new owner once I get around to making an ad.

Hohner p-bass shims by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

I did try a set of covers on it, but the side effect of raising the neck was that the pickup cover touched the strings. So, I'm just going to sell those separately. It was a great experiment with the full-pocket shim so I can repair my Peaveys.