To Restore or not to restore....

[SRAC76]

I've got an 1960's Framus Star-Bass and I was wondering if I should restoring it to it's former glory? The pickup and wiring isn't original and tuners weren't as well (they didn't fit either) Only parts that are original are the neck, body, bridge, and fret guard. At one point the body was sanded to the bare wood and lacquered. I could also just replace all of it with new modern parts. Any opinion are welcome!

 

[jd56hawk]

I wouldn't restore it, but I'd definitely make the best of what you have while still trying to retain as much character as you can.

 

[sedan_dad]

I'd restore it visually. Not so much using correct dated parts but rather useable parts. Is the pick up original? I'd would want to get as close to the original sound and querks of the Framus.

 

[SamanthaCay]

Can't tell without seeing under the guard but pickup, switching, jack, ect.. all look original.
I'd say throw a floating bridge and set of tuners on there and see how it plays.

 

[SRAC76]

I'd restore it visually. Not so much using correct dated parts but rather useable parts. Is the pick up original? I'd would want to get as close to the original sound and querks of the Framus.

Unfortunately the pickup is not original.

 

[SRAC76]

Can't tell without seeing under the guard but pickup, switching, jack, ect.. all look original.
I'd say throw a floating bridge and set of tuners on there and see how it plays.

I do believe the original bridge is a floating bridge.

 

[TerribleTim68]

I'm in the same boat of "restore it visually" but don't get lost in the rabbit hole of trying to find original parts. I would look for the original bridge pretty fiercely, but I wouldn't sweat the electronics, you'll probably never find the stock pickup and if you do you probably won't like it. But try to find the bridge and make it "look" like it should have, then enjoy the heck out of it!

 

[SRAC76]

It has the original bridge here is a photo.

 

[SRAC76]

What are your thoughts on EMG pickups?

 

[SamanthaCay]

Mery Christmas, thanks to a quick Google. The only parts you are missing are the tuners and bridge.

 

[JIO]

I've done a few restorations - I only get involved when most all parts are intact and what's missing can be found or fabricated, the neck is straight with good life in the frets, it's a price I can justify and if the bass speaks to me. If not, it ain't worth all the time and effort. When I do take on a 'project bass' - I enjoy the challenge (research/discovery/recovery) and I've been happy with the results. Just depends on how far you want to take it.

 

[JIO]

View attachment 3729358
Mery Christmas, thanks to a quick Google. The only parts you are missing are the tuners and bridge.

...and the secondary clear pg (easily made) and white pointer & rotory knobs. Pu looks original. Tuners should be able to be found that will be 'close enough'. If he gets a closeup of the bridge - those types can be fabricated using available parts.

 

[james condino]

Are you going to play it or put it in a climate controlled glass case and stare at it?

 

[Volker Kirstein]

I've got an 1960's Framus Star-Bass and I was wondering if I should restoring it to it's former glory? The pickup and wiring isn't original and tuners weren't as well (they didn't fit either) Only parts that are original are the neck, body, bridge, and fret guard. At one point the body was sanded to the bare wood and lacquered. I could also just replace all of it with new modern parts. Any opinion are welcome! View attachment 3728969 View attachment 3728971

I believe a full "restoration" would be expensive, due to the difficulty of finding NOS Framus parts.

A "rebuild", where one would hand manufacture new components to old spec, might be doable. Again, it could be costly.

I would go the "tribute" route, with modern (overwound?) pup, wiring (preamp?), and tuners, and re-finish with a butterscotch cream color. Possibly an intonatable bridge w/similar visual style. Then I would string it with Pyramind tapes, and play the §°)# out of it.

That's what I'd do. Your sensibilities may tell you to do something different. You do you.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Sperzel tuners fit just fine into old European headstock holes.

 

[zubrycky]

As someone who buys old instruments for restoration I had to say: Restore it.

Sometimes it's possible to revive the original characteristics of the instrument. Sometimes this is not possible and one has to improvise with any available parts. That said, the most important thing in this process , IMHO, is to bring the instrument back to life.

 

[Ostie]

It’s already been refinished once. I wouldn’t hesitate to restore it.

 

[JRA]

I'd restore it visually. Not so much using correct dated parts but rather useable parts.

"restore it visually" but don't get lost in the rabbit hole of trying to find original parts.

I would go the "tribute" route

i'm with these fine folks: but i play my axes and don't care about collector's pieces. YMMV.

Are you going to play it or put it in a climate controlled glass case and stare at it?

 

[Scottgun]

I've never been a obsessive weight weenie, but looking at that I gotta ask, what's the tonnage on that thing?

 

[wraub]

Restore.