Alright guys, time for another "I have a crappy bass and I need advice" thread.
I've had my Rogue LX 205B since Christmas, and it came in pretty banged up condition. Scratches on the paint job, an inconvenient "handle" that blocks the 22nd - 24th frets, a missing cover on one of the tuning keys, a bridge that won't take B strings, a dent and gash-covered fretboard, and strap holders that just weren't meant to hold straps. I figured "screw it." I was going to tough it out and play it as it was. Minus all of the visible flaws, it worked great. Good sound, very deep low end.
Until, three days after the full-price refund date expired, the bridge pickup decided it doesn't want to work anymore.
There's a music shop about 45 minutes out of town that was rated as a Top 100 NAMM music store. They offer repairs and customization for any instrument, and what I am wondering is this:
Should I just sell the bass now for $100, or make an investment and get a fully customized bass? The store might even let me have "Marc" put on the headstock of the bass over the new coat of paint. (It was an idea that the head of the bass department gave me.)
If I go through with the repair/overhaul, I might need some advice first. I figured if I am going to get this thing fixed, I might as well have fun with it. I have a list below for anyone to look. Recommendations, tips, advice, and shop links are also appreciated.
-New pickups
-New paint job
-Custom headstock
-Remove the "handle"
-Tuning key cover
-Readjust bridge to fit thicker B strings
-Fretboard repair
Cheers!
I've had my Rogue LX 205B since Christmas, and it came in pretty banged up condition. Scratches on the paint job, an inconvenient "handle" that blocks the 22nd - 24th frets, a missing cover on one of the tuning keys, a bridge that won't take B strings, a dent and gash-covered fretboard, and strap holders that just weren't meant to hold straps. I figured "screw it." I was going to tough it out and play it as it was. Minus all of the visible flaws, it worked great. Good sound, very deep low end.
Until, three days after the full-price refund date expired, the bridge pickup decided it doesn't want to work anymore.
There's a music shop about 45 minutes out of town that was rated as a Top 100 NAMM music store. They offer repairs and customization for any instrument, and what I am wondering is this:
Should I just sell the bass now for $100, or make an investment and get a fully customized bass? The store might even let me have "Marc" put on the headstock of the bass over the new coat of paint. (It was an idea that the head of the bass department gave me.)
If I go through with the repair/overhaul, I might need some advice first. I figured if I am going to get this thing fixed, I might as well have fun with it. I have a list below for anyone to look. Recommendations, tips, advice, and shop links are also appreciated.
-New pickups
-New paint job
-Custom headstock
-Remove the "handle"
-Tuning key cover
-Readjust bridge to fit thicker B strings
-Fretboard repair
Cheers!
), but everything else has been modded. Hofner tailpiece (also used on the 'bay - $19), new CTS pots (custom wiring harness from TundraTone - standard operation, just way better quality than the stock stuff), Switchcraft jack & switches. Backed up the stock control plate with black sheetstyrene - sanded in beveled edge, rounded the corners & polished. Knobs from StewMac (also installed pearloid banjo tuners from SM). Frets leveled & recrowned (StewMac has all the tools to DIY) and the bridge was dyed with Feibing black shoe dye (same stuff SM will sell you at 4X the price! Get it from a shoe store if you wanna do it!). Seems to have made the bridge much harder once it cured (particulates in the dye?). Seems to have put a little more definition in the tone - even though she's currently strung with LaBella flats. Oh yeah, took the pickguard off. Still have it in the case, but why hide that flame-top?
