Mr.T

Genuine Fender plates are only about £15 with the screws. Personally, I wouldn't use a 99p plate... decent chrome doesn't come cheap. Also, with a branded item you know the screws will be of reasonable quality (hopefully). Can you imagine the hassle of a broken or rounded off screw?

Back in 1988 (when this conversion was done) I don't think Ricks were as desirable as they are now? I bought a nice natural finish 4001 from a music store in Miami for £200.

[quote name='Hamster' post='506170' date='Jun 5 2009, 10:31 AM']I've always been happy with my Digitech BSW, and I'm gassing for a fretless so I'll let you know![/quote] +1 for the BSW. It works great with my fretless... all the way down to Low E. I use it sparingly to add body to the sound.

[quote name='tauzero' date='Jun 2 2009, 04:16 PM' post='503938'] It also serves to remind people of how unsuitable the finish applied to Fenders is for musical instruments which might actually be used. Hmmm... That's a good point. I can't imagine that my Status Empathy which I have gigged with for 20 years would ever look that 'bad'.

[quote name='bassmeg' post='501511' date='May 30 2009, 11:34 AM']Dont know bout the lacquer, but paid 850 for it 7 years ago.[/quote] Sorry for the misunderstanding.. I was asking 'SixShooter' how much he paid for the re-finish on his bass. Just wondering what a decent paintjob costs. I would think that if you have the bass restored properly and to original spec, that you wouldn't devalue it. I have restored many motorcycles over the years and it is only bad work that causes a drop in value. If done well, who would know it has been restored?

[quote name='sixshooter' post='501043' date='May 29 2009, 03:45 PM']You could try Joe White 01252 520911 near Aldershot. He refinished my 1959 P bass, (see the picture on the left, and yes it is a real 59)[/quote] I hope you don't mind me asking... Just wondering how much you paid? And what type of lacquer was used?

Yes, the fan should be permanently running on the SMX.

Sold my SX fretless neck to Matt. Top bloke to deal with!

I have never noticed any dead spots on my Status Graphites. Although, there is one on my P-Bass... I seem to be able to lessen it with some EQ'ing.

[quote name='Clive Thorne' post='498130' date='May 26 2009, 05:00 PM']Out of interest, why not? I've had great results with it, though admitedly I've never actually used it on a guitar.[/quote] I am not knocking any method that may work, but.... I have been in the custom paintwork trade for 30 years, and therefore have the 'proper' materials to hand. I would also be concerned if flatting with wire wool, that microfibres could find their way into pick-ups. Also.... As mentioned by silddx, if the neck is flatted 'properly' with 2000 W&D the finish can always be restored to a gloss if required.

[quote name='AM1' post='493311' date='May 20 2009, 02:52 PM']If you ain't sweating then you're playing something w@nky, like jazz [/quote] Cool people just NEVER sweat! I leave that to our G**tarist....

Cool people don't sweat....

Each to their own, but.... I would rather own a bass that has been cared for and loved! I have owned my Status Empathy for 20 years, it has done hundreds of gigs, and it is still 'Mint'. I wonder if a beautiful young girl has ever had cosmetic surgery to make her look 'Relic-ed'?

I just don't understand the thinking behind 'Relic-ing'.... I wonder if anyone has ever bought a brand new car/motorcycle and relic-ed it?

Many years ago the strings on my bass went live due to an electrical fault. IT HURTS. Always use a breaker.... indoors or out!

+1 for Squier. My VMJ honestly seems to play better than the 70's Fenders I have owned/played... Back in the old days. (Or is my memory playing tricks?)

15 to 20 years ago I had to change my strings every few gigs... due to them going off. Maybe as I am getting older I sweat less, I can now get a year out of a set! Gigging almost as often, and still using Roto Rounds. Try using D'Andrea string cleaner.... If you can find it.

[quote name='Rayman' post='488553' date='May 15 2009, 09:44 AM']Nice bike mate, is that you in the avatar?[/quote] Thanks, it took me two years to build.

Having owned and sold 70's Fenders when they were new(ish), I can honestly say that my Squier VM Jazz is equal to any of them in sound/playability. However, I understand the concept of desirability for older basses (although I wouldn't call the 70's 'vintage'). If I had kept some of the basses that I have owned, I would be a rich man.... but at the time some of them were so bad they just were not worth keeping!

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='487251' date='May 13 2009, 08:47 PM']Thanks for the tips chaps. I'm a bit undecided whether to go ahead, but if I do, I'll probably post some before/during/after pics. The scotchbrite pads method seems appealing so maybe I'll experiment with that & some 2000 grit wet & dry on my old 80s westone guitar first to get a feel for both methods.[/quote] ...Or remove the neck and 'matt' the heel where it doesn't show. If you are going to use pads: I would definately suggest that you use the fine grade Scotch pads that are available from car paint suppliers. (They are designed to matt off a gloss finish... not remove burned on baked beans from a saucepan!). Oh... and make sure that you use the Scotch pad wet. Just make sure that you keep your hand (or fingers) flat to get an even finish.