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Reversing P-J Mod???
- Thread starter ExaltBass
- Start date
Still awaiting the body. Getting excited - maybe soon! Nashville NAMM slowed up the process. I'm down to (only) 4 basses 
(my Warrior is in for work too). Now, I feel naked with only 4! Silly I know! 
(my Warrior is in for work too). Now, I feel naked with only 4! Silly I know! 
Interesting thread, and some cool things you've discovered.
I have a '63 P with a neck that broke and was replaced in '72. I just call it a '63. Terminology doesn't matter much because I'm never selling it...I've had it since 1967.
I have a '63 P with a neck that broke and was replaced in '72. I just call it a '63. Terminology doesn't matter much because I'm never selling it...I've had it since 1967.
Thanks for all the interest (and pms). I can't imagine gifting/selling this until I can no longer remain upright and conscious, so resale is not even in the equation for a LONG time.
I'm starting to think of this bass as 'my '59 with mods', which is a paradigm shift for me. But, I will be sure to document her history for future owners. (hard concept
)
I am very impatiently awaiting arrival of the repainted body. I have gig (playing before the St. Paul Saints game) on the 29th of July that I REALLY want to use her for. Here's hoping! The last 3 months have been hard, since I played her almost every day for over 34 years.
I'm starting to think of this bass as 'my '59 with mods', which is a paradigm shift for me. But, I will be sure to document her history for future owners. (hard concept
)I am very impatiently awaiting arrival of the repainted body. I have gig (playing before the St. Paul Saints game) on the 29th of July that I REALLY want to use her for. Here's hoping! The last 3 months have been hard, since I played her almost every day for over 34 years.
This is very interesting. I did the exact same thing -- with EMGs -- to a P-Bass with quite a bit less value (1978) back in the mid 80s. Even down to the placement of the J pickup -- closer to the bridge than "normal" as it looks like the OP's is as well.
Anyway I have been thinking about restoring mine to her original condition at some point. The thing is, it has a very unique sound that I get a lot of compliments on... so not sure I want to give that up. Also it would mean a re-finish and I have gotten kind of fond of all the mojo it has accumulated -- crappy checked and crazed paint and all.
Very eager to see how this turns out.
Anyway I have been thinking about restoring mine to her original condition at some point. The thing is, it has a very unique sound that I get a lot of compliments on... so not sure I want to give that up. Also it would mean a re-finish and I have gotten kind of fond of all the mojo it has accumulated -- crappy checked and crazed paint and all.
Very eager to see how this turns out.
I know what you mean. This Ford metallic gold color has been on my '63 for more than 30 years, so it's rather 'vintage" on its own.
I know what you mean. This Ford metallic gold color has been on my '63 for more than 30 years, so it's rather 'vintage" on its own.
I always drool over that bass... one of my favs! That's the vibe I'm seeking... we'll see.
Pilgrim, that is a freakin' amazing looking bass. With the bling, the tort guard, tug bar... I mean that thing just has it ALL goin' on!
I know what you mean. This Ford metallic gold color has been on my '63 for more than 30 years, so it's rather 'vintage" on its own.
This thing is f'ing sweet!
Recently spoke with Steve at Southbound Customs (Nashville). They've been great! Spraying Nitro this week, dry time, then aging and light relic following. Still looking at 2-3 weeks 
I want it done right... however, I'm really missing this bass!
I have a band reunion/concert the weekend of Aug 22/23 and REALLY want to bring this bass as it's the bass I played for most of our 16 year history. I'm ready to reassemble!
I want it done right... however, I'm really missing this bass! I have a band reunion/concert the weekend of Aug 22/23 and REALLY want to bring this bass as it's the bass I played for most of our 16 year history. I'm ready to reassemble!
Here's a progress pic (by a phone) of the bass. The routs are gone!
It will be interesting to see after the nitro, buffing, and aging etc.He said "Your body is looking really good. The color isn't very true in the photo. It looks a little more blue than it really is. So far the filled areas are looking really clean."
He has more progress pics on his computer that he will send with the bass. Hopefully we're getting closer. (edit: expected ship date is end of next week)
(Finally) got the body today. I am HAPPY! 
Now, I've got to reassemble...
Got a gig Saturday, I'm PUMPED!
(I'll post more as I make progress)
Now, I've got to reassemble...
Got a gig Saturday, I'm PUMPED!
(I'll post more as I make progress)
This will have to hold you until Friday. Going in for a pro setup tomorrow. BTW - I'm still HAPPY!
there better be very thorough pics in this thread this evening, or i shall be forced to exercise my non-existent "pics or ban" authority (that i dont really have)...
...
...
These are all I have for now. This is the '73 replacement neck I purchased in '75 because the original neck was twisted and looked like it could shoot arrows. So, it's been on the bass for nearly 35 years.
I'm waiting for the in-progress pics from Southbound Customs, for the repairs to fill the routs and the refinish. They were to have shipped with the body. I'm more anxious to see those than anyone.
The bass will be out of my hands for today for a setup and replacing the cracked nut, and I'll post more when I get it back later.
I'm waiting for the in-progress pics from Southbound Customs, for the repairs to fill the routs and the refinish. They were to have shipped with the body.
I'm more anxious to see those than anyone. The bass will be out of my hands for today for a setup and replacing the cracked nut, and I'll post more when I get it back later.
Leonard (Shapiro Guitar Repair) did a "quickie" setup for me today. Now she plays like the proverbial "butta" - thanks to a low action setup, new nut and Elixir Lights. Leonard is sooo GOOD!
I installed Lindy Fralin pups with .05 cap. WOW!!! I'd pulled the whole wiring setup when I went active in the late 70's and just slapped it back in. Haven't found the original pups...yet - might not use them though, because the Fralin with the .05 RULES!
This one is very close to the actual color - but lighting REALLY changes Ocean Turquoise MANY thanks to Ben Lindsay at Madisons Music for the AWESOME job on the pickguard, aged chrome covers and screws. I actually got 3 PGs from him (Mint, Tort & Gold Anno). My wife gave the nod to the Mint and I agreed... but, I might do some swapping later I'm going to have to lose the pup cover for playability, but I'll be able to keep the bridge cover on.
Partial family portrait (my son borrowed my other Jazz for a while) The bass looks grayer here. Must be the metallic reflecting light. Looks just the way I'd hoped, with surface cracking in the nitro - that matches the look of the neck. Body looks like it's been with me forever (and it has). I can't believe it's mine!
... and it's hard to believe that it's DONE!!! I'll do more later, but now I've gotta PLAY
I installed Lindy Fralin pups with .05 cap. WOW!!!
I'd pulled the whole wiring setup when I went active in the late 70's and just slapped it back in. Haven't found the original pups...yet - might not use them though, because the Fralin with the .05 RULES!This one is very close to the actual color - but lighting REALLY changes Ocean Turquoise
MANY thanks to Ben Lindsay at Madisons Music for the AWESOME job on the pickguard, aged chrome covers and screws. I actually got 3 PGs from him (Mint, Tort & Gold Anno). My wife gave the nod to the Mint and I agreed... but, I might do some swapping later I'm going to have to lose the pup cover for playability, but I'll be able to keep the bridge cover on.Partial family portrait (my son borrowed my other Jazz for a while) The bass looks grayer here. Must be the metallic reflecting light. Looks just the way I'd hoped, with surface cracking in the nitro - that matches the look of the neck. Body looks like it's been with me forever (and it has). I can't believe it's mine!
... and it's hard to believe that it's DONE!!! I'll do more later, but now I've gotta PLAY
I know what you mean. This Ford metallic gold color has been on my '63 for more than 30 years, so it's rather 'vintage" on its own.
Well, it's different - but do you think it cops the vibe?
