Grangur

[quote name='Roger2611' timestamp='1464338155' post='3058508'] ...... I do believe that the copy basses create a desire to own the real thing, I think Fender know that and that is why they are not so protective of their trademarks (and I guess the sheer amount of clones out there would make any effort at protection rather futile now) I do think Rickenbacker are wrong in their aggressive pursuit of copy instruments for the same reasons given above, however, you cannot argue that a Rickenbacker bass has better residual values than the majority of Fender basses have [/quote] You don't think there's any chance that the reason why the residual value in a Rick is better because there's less chance of it being a rip-off then? [quote name='paul h' timestamp='1464339174' post='3058527'] Obviously if the intent is to commit fraud then that's bad...mmm'kay, but I have no problem using a Fender logo just to finish off the headstock of a self or custom build. It's a nice logo and it looks good on a headstock. [/quote] Of course you wouldn't pass it off as genuine, would you? No! Not a chance. AND you will, of course make sure to keep in touch with all the owners after you to make sure they don't either, won't you. I mean, it's only natural to do so isn't it?

[quote name='AustinArto' timestamp='1464301485' post='3058378'] I think the Fender logo finishes off the look of a Fender-shaped headstock, and a lot of logos just don't look as good, so I quite like the idea of having a Fender logo to be honest. I wouldn't buy a Fender though, I just don't trust them. For the record my three current basses have Moses, Squier and Fender on the headstock. The "Fender" is a Mex P neck and the pickup is Fender too but the rest of the bass isn't. [/quote] So you should buy a Fender if you want a Fender logo. Fixing a Fender logo on a non Fender bass is theft of Fender's Intellectual Property and at some point someone will try to sell it as a Fender. A logo isnt simply a decoration. A logo is a certificate of authenticity and quality. Putting one on a non-Fender is a low-down thing to do; which I'm sure you never would as you're a decent guy. /rant

+1 to all above.

If you want an investment, get an ISA. If you want a bass get one you like and can LIVE and play. Instruments MIGHT become a good investment, but wrecking your back in the process doesn't make good sense to me There are lighter Fenders than that it would seem, if you need to have a Fender at all.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1464272562' post='3058108'] [size=5]Happy Birthday young sir.....get anything nice??[/size] [/quote] Thank you kindly, Sir. Alas no. I was hoping for a Ritter but no luck yet. Maybe there's someone here who might have one they might generously give me, perhaps? You know, one they don't want and have been trying to move on, maybe?

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1464262258' post='3057983'] It doesn't bother me. You'd be totally crazy if (for example) you bought an expensive vintage Fender without checking the serial number, the neck stamp date, the pot numbers and all the other usual indicators of authenticity before buying it. I'd also want to know a bit about the provenance, the seller, the reason for selling and a number of other factors before parting with my hard-earned wedge. No, I'd build a custom car and put an Aston Martin logo on the front. Frankly there are more important things to worry about. Like... which bass should I use for metal? [/quote] Have you ever been on either end of a sale where the bass has been taken apart to proved authenticity? I did sell one to someone who disappeared out of the room with the bass for a while, I guess that's what he was doing. I don't know if I'd have the courage to arrive at a seller's home and start taking it apart. As for the false logo - that's my point. If you're going to fake something, fake something worth faking. The only attraction to faking a Fender is they're SO easy to fake giving you a half-decently convincing end result. I guess Fender sell enough not to be worried about it, otherwise they'd make it harder to fake. ("Blow the sellers of used instruments, they don't matter")

This always is a cause for amazement to me. I've seen threads where a guy worked hard and skillfully built a bass from scratch. Then he "completed" it with a Fender logo.... what's that about? As asked him; "would you build a custom designed car and put a Ford logo on the front?" FWIW Warwick won't sell you a replacement neck unless you send the old one back. Plus the headstock would be a bit harder to fake.

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1464125702' post='3056834'] [url="http://s8.photobucket.com/user/peredur/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160524_223100_zpsmdcsif56.jpg.html"][/url] I had no idea that I was that attached to dot placement! [/quote] We never know we are perfectionists until we find something that bugs us. I'd probably be able to live with that.... I hope

[quote name='lefrash' timestamp='1464164595' post='3057001'] This is valuable advice. Especially about it being basswood.... never even contemplated it being a bit sh*t underneath! It may have put me off completely! I can't find anyone in the world having done it (Or atleast discuss it online) do that could be a telling sign! Great advice as always guys. Cheers [/quote] You're not the first. I remember I was somewhat disappointed the first time I stripped a body. I imagined beautiful wood grain that would be great in a natural finish. What I got was block board. It was a Squier, so I guess it was somewhat expected, but folk talk of Squier/Fender as "they would never use blockboard!" Oh yes they do!

Gary Mac of this parish, has a nice Squier bridge for sale for £10 if all the above mentioned tips fail.

I got a good pickguard for a P, and good service from northwestguitars.co.UK I'd use them again

[quote name='Bobthedog' timestamp='1464112006' post='3056662'] I am on the train home and just thinking how much I enjoy playing bass. I do not have quick fingers, my tone and volume are questionable but I just love picking up a bass and noodling. I have yet to gig and will not be the next Trujillo, Sting or Pastorious but, I do not care. So for those of you who think that only gigging players are real or that you have to be able to slap or play a certain number of strings, go boil your heads. I am happy playing bass and making music. That is all. [/quote] +1 my friend. I used to regret how my work prevents being in a band. Now, after reading more about the late nights and in-fighting. I'm happy to be out of all that and play tunes on my bass and really love the tone.

[quote name='Manton Customs' timestamp='1464117236' post='3056723'] Good luck if you decide to go ahead. One thing to keep in mind is that the paint could well be hiding some pretty unattractive wood, which might make a natural finish be a bad choice. I believe the aerodynes are basswood, which is a particularly boring wood to look at, it'll also likely be 3 or more pieces joined...not to mention its paint grade wood so could also have natural defects. It's a bit of a gamble what you're going to find under the paint! So have a backup colour in mind. [/quote] I do recall someone stripped his Ibanez GW fretless and the wood underneath had an interesting, large knot. Trying to sell it later it took a while.

[quote name='PlungerModerno' timestamp='1464110510' post='3056645'] There's being chicken - and then there's being aware of when you're out of your depth. I wouldn't try doing anything with binding on a MIJ/CIJ Fender - especially one like an Aerodyne which is a popular choice for those looking for a lighter Fender. [/quote] I would be out of my depth. recognise it, move on. To the OP: Good luck brother. I look forward to seeing the build diary, should you accept the challenge. I won't blame you if you don't

[quote name='operative451' timestamp='1464034736' post='3056028'] See, i think that looks cool, but i like rat rods... [/quote] Hey! Come on! Don't get personal. tch, tch

[quote name='spectoremg' timestamp='1464032620' post='3055981'] [attachment=219917:Car.jpg] I've just had my car reliced, all my mates are really impressed with the look and how much more cooler I look driving around in it [/quote] WOW!! Cool! Where did you get it done? I must get mine done. I'm sure my MD will be SOOOOOOOoooooo impressed when she see's this done to my company car.

Sounds to me like there's too much chance of it going wrong to my liking. I'd be inclined to taking Manton's advice and live with it or sell it. Let someone else have the problem. I generally tackle most things, but on this maybe I'm just chicken.

[quote name='solo4652' timestamp='1463999759' post='3055612'] Thanks for your replies. I think I may have sorted it out. I bought two packs of GHS brite flats from the same supplier at the same time and assumed they'd be the same. One set went onto the 424, the other onto the 1024. I've spent the last two hours swapping strings around all my basses (the third is a BB1200) and I think one of the new sets may be duff because, no matter what bass I put it on, that bass is quieter than the others. [/quote] Hey! Great to hear you have an answer. So the solution is to buy Elixir!

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1463984253' post='3055439'] He's sold it. Such is the ever-spinning carousel of Basschat GAS. [/quote] Well, it's not white. So it was never going to stay at Discreet Towers for long. It's days were always numbered.

The first thing I'd try is connect the pup straight to the Jack and eliminate all the electronics. Also what is the distance between the strings and the pups with the strings pressed down at the last fret? This measurement on both basses would be useful.

I can't help, but is this a solid body or a semi-hollow? Pics would be nice.