mart3442

Heres an update, with pics to follow, I've used acetone nail varnish swabs to remove the offending varnish from all the headstock, bar where the decal is. I'm treating this area very carefully, with a light application, and no rubbing. I'm hoping I'll be able to remove most or all of the varnish without damaging the decal.......

If its the same as mine, theres an optical sensor/potentiometer that controls the effect. Give it a clean with a soft cloth.

I've used Seymour Duncans for years, before the Basslines rebranding, and before they were building Antiquities. In terms of what I wanted from a pickup, I've always found them to be a significant upgrade over stock, punchier, tighter tone with better defined low end and more clarity throughout. What I want isn't going to be what the next player wants, but its a no brainer: You have the pickups to hand, put them in and see what you think... Its in the ears of the player at the end of the day.

That would explain why some '70's Fenders have that dirty orange headstock, whilst some are so clean, they could have been made yesterday... Thanks to everyone for the replies, I'll report back from the lab presently.

The decal is underneath the polyester. Just as It has been on every '70's Fender I've owned..The acetone solution could be the one. I''ll test it on a patch, it can't make it look worse than it already does.

Thats not an option for me. On the assumption that the original finish is polyester clearcoat, I'm wondering if theres something that could be used, that would affect the varnish only......

My '77 P Bass has a layer of orange(ish) varnish brush applied over the original headstock finish. Obviously the previous owners attempt to "relic" the headstock. Any ideas of the best way to remove this without damaging the original finish, and crucially, the factory decal and serial number? Cheers, Mart.

Couple of things, with regards to Jaco being a "soloing bassist" and not playing for the song.... He was actually one of the most supportive players out there, especially with Joni..... And James Jamersons lines being written for him...? Thats not actually true, a chord or lead sheet yes, but that was it. The lines for Reach out, and many many more, are on record (no pun intended) as being improvised. Theres plenty of documented evidence and first hand accounts to support this. "No love for Jaco". Each to their own, now I think I'll go start a thread about a player I'm not fussed on..... ???

A keyboard player I work with is 72, still fit as a butchers dog, until the doctor put him on statins. Its really knocked the life out of him and aged him. He's going back to see what can be done.......

Sold my Realist to Paddy. Great lad to deal with.

[b]Bought a set of EMG's from Chazz, great comms all the way. Items sent quickly and bulletproof packaging that was up to my own standards! Recommended geezer.[/b]

[b]I've always used Duncan antiquities. The "Pride" pickup is near identical to the tone of Fenders L series pups, but with a more defined and tighter low end.. I always remove the stock Fender jobs, they never have enough punch and the bottom end sounds sterile and flabby to my ears. I have an original '63 jazz under the bed, I'd change the pickups on that too, but its never been touched. I'll go against the grain: Had a set of Frailins in one of my jazz basses. Can't say I was that fussed. Good luck with it......[/b]

[b]I bought Rogers Underwood pickup, and he threw in one of his own design pickup clamps. Very knowledgable chap, and a pleasure to deal with.[/b]

[b]Bought Johns Dunlop strings. Good guy to deal with, buy with confidence.[/b]