I've had a Hohner B2V from new for the last 16-17 years or so. For me, it is the most playable and ergonomic bass guitar I've ever found (or maybe it's just that I'm used to its quirks, like the narrow string spacing). Also, mine has a story, in that I bought it when I lived on the Isle of Man from Rick Wakeman, who at the time was living there in tax exile from the UK, and who had a small studio and music shop.
Digression aside, it's a "keeper" with no intrinsic value, so I quite fancy personalising it. I've searched on the few TB threads re replacement pickups for these, and will be looking to do that, as well as rewiring it with 3-way selector switch and master volume and tone pots.
Now, the part I'd appreciate some input on. Like many other Hohners, mine has a thick synthetic black finish. I've looked after it and there's hardly a mark on it; but I think it might improve the sound if I strip it and refinish with Tru Oil (which I've already used successfully to finish a double bass). I gather that the consensus amongst those who have removed thick poly finishes is that it is a bugger of a job - but I would appreciate any comments in particular from anyone who has stripped one of the Hohner "cricket bat" basses. In particular, was the wood worth seeing after going to the trouble? I know no two are alike and there's no predicting what I might find under the existing finish, but if anyone has any comments (or better still pics) that might help me decide one way or the other whether to take the plunge that would be great.
Cheers.
Adrian
Digression aside, it's a "keeper" with no intrinsic value, so I quite fancy personalising it. I've searched on the few TB threads re replacement pickups for these, and will be looking to do that, as well as rewiring it with 3-way selector switch and master volume and tone pots.
Now, the part I'd appreciate some input on. Like many other Hohners, mine has a thick synthetic black finish. I've looked after it and there's hardly a mark on it; but I think it might improve the sound if I strip it and refinish with Tru Oil (which I've already used successfully to finish a double bass). I gather that the consensus amongst those who have removed thick poly finishes is that it is a bugger of a job - but I would appreciate any comments in particular from anyone who has stripped one of the Hohner "cricket bat" basses. In particular, was the wood worth seeing after going to the trouble? I know no two are alike and there's no predicting what I might find under the existing finish, but if anyone has any comments (or better still pics) that might help me decide one way or the other whether to take the plunge that would be great.
Cheers.
Adrian
