What bass is this?

[TinIndian]

Upgrade? HOW DARE YOU!!!



But seriously, don't touch a thing on that beautiful work of art! If the pickups are microphonic or something, just have them repotted. Appreciate that bass for what it is and don't try to make it something it's not and will never be, and you will be rewarded with unique and cool tones.

+1!

The fun of that bass will lie in the fact that it is unique in look and sound. I always wanted to do a gig where everyone played some of these late sixties Japanese instruments. Just because.

 

[skidrawk]

nice find. +1 on keeping it original. give it tlc. clean the pots, learn how to solder or find someone who can, etc. some wd40 on moving parts...

 

[Rip Topaz]

Replace the nut if you have to, but man, that bass has so much character as is that I'd try to leave it as stock as possible. Not that I'm trying to tell you what to do with your own stuff, but if I owned it, that's what I'd do. I'd also get down on the floor and look under every bed and cabinet for the original nut, too

+1.

It's never gonna be a Fender bass, let it be what it is. Clean it up and set it up, but don't change a thing.

 

[Munjibunga]

nice find. +1 on keeping it original. give it tlc. clean the pots, learn how to solder or find someone who can, etc. some wd40 on moving parts...

No WD-40 in the pots, though. Caig DeoxIT for those.

 

[skidrawk]

No WD-40 in the pots, though. Caig DeoxIT for those.

i meant on the tuning keys, bridge adjustments, etc. Use electrical cleaner on the pots.

 

[Sundogue]

i meant on the tuning keys, bridge adjustments, etc. Use electrical cleaner on the pots.

WD-40 ONLY to loosen. If you use WD-40 You HAVE TO re-lubricate with a real lubricant. WD-40 is NOT a lubricant and in fact will CAUSE rust if left anywhere.

It's great to get stuck/sticking things moving again though. But re-lube everything it touches, even if you have to wipe it clean afterwards.

 

[tastybasslines]

Upgrade? HOW DARE YOU!!!



But seriously, don't touch a thing on that beautiful work of art! If the pickups are microphonic or something, just have them repotted. Appreciate that bass for what it is and don't try to make it something it's not and will never be, and you will be rewarded with unique and cool tones.

Good advice!

 

[melodiaopus]

Thanks for all the input fellas. I'm definitely going to keep it all original now. Anyone have any insight as to how to re-pot the pickups? I had the original nut, but it broke off and I just moved into a new place. I'd like to get a bridge cover for it as well. I think that would look sick.

 

[JimmyM]

Repotting the pickups is done by putting the pickups in melted wax and can be done by any pickup guy. You can find instructions on the net, but you can ruin your pickups if you don't do it right, so I went to an expert. I used Invalid Link Removed in Cali for my Realistic violin bass. First thing I'd do before sending them out, though, is find out if they really are microphonic. An old bass like that, it's a good bet they are, but no sense paying money if you don't have to.

 

[wild4oldcars]

hehe... that bridge pic makes me laugh...