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Should I mod my 70's P Bass

rakirksey

rakirksey

Jan 2, 2004
542
2
Los Angeles, CA
#1
So I bought this '78 fretless P-bass late last year and it has served me well. I just recently picked up another P bass, Lakland Skyline BG, and after playing this bass there are a few things that I would like to improve on my older P bass.

This bass has been refinished prior to me getting it. There is a sticker on the neck in the neck pocket area that has a sticker with some names of who refinished the bass.

Primarily I'm thinking of getting a professional to strip the paint, since the refinish seems a bit shoddy and then upgrade the pickups with some Lindy Fralin's.

The current pickups are fine, but they seem to be in a bit of disarray. They seem to be "stuck" to the area where they currently sit and I think if I did a refinish they might not make it out.

What I'm looking to get out of the upgrade is a couple things. One improve the kind of finish and then also get a little clarity out of the tone. There is a good warm tone in there, but it sound a bit covered by a blnket. Also, I currently have La Bella 760M's on there and I might move to some DR Low-Rider nickets.

Bass Shots Below:

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#3
I wouldn't do it myself. I definitely know that. I'd try to find someone in the LA area with actual skills.

The only work I do on my own are setups and soldering. Anything other than that and I'm pretty much ready to pay someone.

And I would agree the huge P/U screws aren't standard. The funny thing is even if I unscrew the screws, the P/U's don't actually move.
 
#7
Refinish a body that's already been refinned? Why not?
Pickups are reversible. No big deal again.

That's a nice bass but it's not a museum piece. I would do either of the things you mention without a hint of regret.
 
#8
cripula said:
Refinish a body that's already been refinned? Why not?
Pickups are reversible. No big deal again.

That's a nice bass but it's not a museum piece. I would do either of the things you mention without a hint of regret.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. That said, my 73 P(avatar pic)is a bad refin- textbook orange peel, sparayed over scratches, etc- & I hesitate to re-refinish for several reasons: One, the semi-naturally-ocurring 'relic' is appealing to me, & the alder body has some very nice figuring. I've considered pretending I'm some stoned hippie in 75 & poorly spraying it sherwood green, but I'd have to let a lot of wood show, for the sweet figure.
 
#11
Determine the original color, if you can. Determine if it is Alder or Ash. Restore it to sometime as close as possible as original. I would actually research your pickups. They may be the originals.

Once the bass is restored, then consider the Fralins. All IMHO.
 
#16
rakirksey said:
What's the best process to research to see if the pickups are original? I'm not really even sure where to start on that.
Click to expand...

Here is what I would do:
Get some good detailed multi-view pics of the wiring and pickups (without unsoldering). Post them over in the TB Pic-up forum and ask for guidance on the pots, cap, and a multi-meter reading on the pickup. See if things look and measure stock. :ninja:
 
#19
Yeah I've actually done a little more digging and I've noticed that. I put a post on the P/U forum upon the suggestion of Jim Carr finding out the vintage of the pickups. When I went to check them out I pulled them out and well there was some gooey stuff on the below the pickups that more than likely used to be foam. The pickups might be fine, but the whole setup below them might need some work.

I also checked around and it seems that Wilkins Guitar Finishes is in the area. I was thinking of having them do the work for a 3 tone burst and a satin finish on the neck and probably just do a thorough setup and put the pickups back in order.
 
#20
I modded my '75 P, but I bought it used in '80 so it wasn't a big deal then.
Now I'd think twice about it and prob wouldn't have been so radical about it.
I never thought either one of us would be around long enough to be "vintage".

I had to replace the bridge with a BadAss. I couldn't stand the stock Fender bridge at all. Still have it tho.
Replaced the nut with brass as well and made it into a J-P-J configuration.

That is a beautiful fretless BTW!!
 

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