SpondonBassed

That you work to tolerances that allow you to interchange bodies/necks successfully is remarkable. Well done that lad!

Ahhh! That's why he's such a short 4rse then. It's your fault.

That's all that really needs to be said. If you can't do things to your own taste, where is the point? I only asked because it looked like an attempt at a lightened body that didn't quite work. I hope you get some fun out of playing those too. What are you planning next?

I like that Wilkinson has recognised that there is more potential string movement at the nut than there is at the bridge when you tune up. They've put roller bearings where they are of most use. I was unable to find the equivalent for bass however.

That's how it would make me feel too if I was offered a bass in such condition. Like yourself; I'd want it looking its best for its age. The trick is knowing just how much restoration you can do without it looking like it's new. Age appropriate restos are a skill in themselves.

** Dependant on circumstances now. I have already had the kind offer of a lift with a friendly acquaintance and well respected member of the parish of BC. Since that was arranged, I have become responsible for the full time care of my good friend and housemate Trevor. Some of you may have seen him at last year's Bash. He drove me there but weeks later he became ill and partially disabled. Driving is off the cards for him for the foreseeable. He also requires attendance throughout the 24 hour day. Now I have to consider crying off unless one of two things happen: 1st scenario - His daughter and I find someone qualified to sit with him for the day. I can then take up the kind offer that has already been made for me travelling alone (with paddle bass). 2nd scenario - I mooch a lift with a member who has the capacity to stow a fold-up wheelchair, Trevor, me and my bass. When I say mooch, I will pay our share of fuel cost, no worries. @jebroad; Am I right to assume that there is a functional disabled toilet at the venue? The second scenario would require a vehicle that also has good passenger seat access and height off the ground because Trevor is a large man and he can't cope with the low seat height of most saloon cars at this time. Physio Therapy is aimed towards getting him fit to cope with getting in and more importantly out of a vehicle safely. Without a crystal ball, and for the purpose of this post, we have to assume his currently lack of mobility. I'd drive him in his own car (2005 Toyota Corolla) but it is too difficult for him to get in and out right now. There is a small chance that, by May, we might trade it in for something to suit but it is a small chance. I'm not wanting to cancel but that is a distinct possibility if things don't improve. Are any of the attendees in a position to help me out please?

This translates as "I did a functional field repair". If it passes the bass guitar equivalent of an MOT it's cool. No need to be afraid. I like the control plate too.

There's got to be a taker for this... I'd nearly take up the bow just to have a go with this beastie.

Victor is a mucky little pup though. He admitted to never cleaning his basses.

Yes. Even at my lowly level I see benefits from having to travel less with my fretting hand. I think it is easier to transpose keys on a five too.

I wasn't that far wrong then. Thanks for the clip. Interesting.

Yes. But what about the tone of the response? Do I detect a soupçon of honk in there?

It's been said before. "Reliced" as a word puts me in mind of something that has had fresh lice added. Like pubes... The proper word of course is "abused".

You are dead right. This is the nub of it. You can NOT buy soul unless you are the devil incarnate. Heeheehee

A good point. My own feeling is that I would like to use the instrument enough to build up my own patina. Like with the worn look jeans, it only looks good if the wear is genuine. Stone wash is only an approximation of the wear that an old pair of jeans gets through being broken in by one individual. The wear patterns are unique for that individual. Most people don't see that sort of detail. That or they choose not to. Then again, it may be that they just don't care... and really... why would they?

Talk about taking the wee wee. This instrument appears to have been defaced! Let's not try and convince ourselves that it has got that way through years of honest to goodness use as a gigging instrument.

In my opinion there is no need to ask the question, what you have is genuine battle damage complete with functional field repairs. If you can't live with the looks it is just the sort of thing that hapless hipsters fork out a lot of beer tokens for. Unless you let a restorer talk you down to a price that allows them to make a profit later on post-restoration that is. As a hack it looks quite respectable. All this assumes a playable instrument that sounds at least half-decent of course.

It would please me to think that it is so. I liken the practice of faking wear and tear to the practice of stone washing and ripping jeans that are sold as new on the retail market. The fact that folk pay for fakery of that sort makes me laugh. Having said that, I have room in my life to appreciate shabby chic. Examples like the one you've illustrated are fascinating to look at.

Brass is also a self lubricating material. That's a good quality to have because the strings are required to move slightly yet smoothly across the nut during tuning or with changes in ambient temperature and humidity.

That sounds interesting. I wish you every success.

I thought they looked like a series of parallel milled slots.

Talk about jumping in with a splash! That's a pair of eye catching rescues to start off with. Respect.

Are the slots for lightness? They'd normally be concealed, right?

Even without the top coat, that combination of grain textures is mesmerising. Excellent!