Hutton

[quote name='4stringslow' timestamp='1456003827' post='2984527'] Indeed - there's no such thing as an English, Scottish, Welsh, etc, passport - though it may be on the agenda of the various nationalist nutjobs. I'd be perfectly happy with a European passport or, better still, an 'Earthling' one. One day perhaps. [/quote] It would be nice to make your point and leave it at that instead of describing those who follow a nationalist agenda as nutjobs. Nice to see tolerance id alive and well.

John is a marvellous guy. Loom no sooner ordered than it appears with the postie. Excellent loom has got my bass sounding just ooooooohhhhh! This man is 'Master of the Loom' Many Thanks!

If you are going to keep the bass for all time then make your choice based on the excellent advice above. If you are going to sell/trade the bass in the future then go for the American Standard.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1455876552' post='2983124'] A declaration of war! [/quote] I can't imagine anything worse than going to hear the same covers played over and over again. At least with an originals band you can make up your own mind whether you like their stuff or not. How do we ever get to hear anything new? Also, remember that all songs that are covered had to be original when first written and performed. Is the compromise perhaps to have one or two well chosen covers in a set if you are an originals band. People don't always need to have the familiar to 'feel' the song!

Many thanks for all the replies here folks. I've decided to fit a new loom as provided by our own KiOgon. The original bits can sit in the case.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1455788760' post='2982379'] I dunno, but I'm pretty sure you're definitely the guy who talks most about gigging at the bar band level [/quote]

I think there are many people who relate to Twincam's situation. I, for one, have found this thread very helpful.

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1455464230' post='2979292'] Problem is, if you need to take out the pot to fix it then the solder isn't virgin anymore.... Seems like a waste if time to me. I'd just replace it and include it in a sale IF someone is that bothered. Done it myself a few times on more vintage bases than an 81. [/quote] That's fine as far as it goes and I agree with you. However, when someone says that they can't offer you what you are asking for your bass because it isn't 100% original because of the replaced pot despite it being included in the sale then that is a problem. How much are you meant to knock off for an original pot not being fitted but included. Seems daft to me.

[quote name='Chienmortbb' timestamp='1455460706' post='2979258'] Vintage pots will be carbon track as said before. They often go noisy before the crap out completely. The US made basses and guitars were fitted with CTS pots as they were the cheapest US made pots at the time. So you have a number of options. 1. Try to get the current pot repaired. Do you have a picture of it from the front and back? Sometimes you can readjust the wiper contacts to avoid bad portions of the track. I will be happy to look at it for you, but as I am in hospital at the moment I cannot promise when it would be done. 2. Fit a new pot. If you are keeping the bass go conductive plastic. Be aware that there are two sizes of pot spindle. 6mm or 1/4". Now 1/4" is only 6.35 mm but that 0.35mm makes all the difference. Make sure you get the right one. Also some are straight and some are splined. If the knob is wobbly that will be s bigger no no than a mom original pot. 3. Spray inside with Deoxit. It is expensive for just one pot but often works. [/quote] Thanks man. An excellent and helpful post. Hope your stay in hospital isn't too long and you are up and about soon. Take care!

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1455439203' post='2979014'] This ^^ would imply that, to retain this extra 'value', one wouldn't, oneself, be using the thing, either. That's the 'museum curator' model (which has its own perspective...). The extra 'value' is dissipated as soon as the thing is actually used, and can never be recaptured, by definition. New-unused only occurs once, hence the premium in New Old Stock (NOS...). Is anything worth the difference..? That is a huge variable. [/quote] Once again - Exactly!

[quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1455384369' post='2978692'] Ah-hah.. this makes more clarity in your other thread.. probably the original pot was included when you bought it as some folks like to have the original (albeit knackered!) parts, even though it's unusable. Some folks will pay more for a thing if it still has the box, even though it's of no practical value. Unless it was a serious collectors piece, I really wouldn't be bothered myself. I'd be wanting the one with the working volume pot. Parallel to this, I'm sure I saw some mad Ebay item a while back of someone selling an original 1960s Fender P pot for some insane amount of money. Just WHY??? [/quote] I do have the original knackered pot. I would rather have a replacement pot than go to all the hassle of getting a pot refurbished just to retain value. Why in all seriousness should a bass be worth any less because a small worn out electrical component is replaced?

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1455381527' post='2978665'] I don't know how many 4 1/2 litre turbo Bentleys or Austin 7s still have their original tyres. For a museum curator, there may be an importance, and a bass that's as original as Trigger's broom would be the other extreme, but worn parts need replacing with suitable, working parts or the instrument needs putting in a glass case. One can't have it both ways, and not all that is old and original retains its value. An original 1lb of pork sausages, in original wrapper..? I think not. Anyone overly concerned about such details is not looking for a bass to play, but an investment which will increase in value. That's speculation, not bass-playing. A worthwhile occupation for some, of course; not for many, I'd suggest. [/quote] Exactly!

This arose because the volume pot on my 81 precision needed to be replaced. If a component like a pot wears out to the extent that it needs replaced should that affect the value. There is no choice about whether or not to replace. Why should a bass which has had the good fortune not to need a replacement pot be more valuable?

After posting in 'repair and technical' a question has arisen in my mind. How much originality is required before a bass loses value? For example should any value be lost if the original pots are no longer fitted? What about the jack socket or the odd bridge saddle or pickup screws? Are these items essential to the value of the bass?

Thanks for the replies. The precision is a 1981 and one of the last of the 70s era in construction and looks. I would happily replace the pots with new items but there seems to be an infatuation that everything must be kept original on a vintage bass or it loses its value. Personally I think that originality is being carried to the 'nth' degree when the bass must have its original pots. They are items that wear out after all. However, some potential buyers want to see pics of the electrics including the pots and the codes if they are to maintain their interest. I can understand that pots help to date a bass but so do serial numbers, and end of neck stamps. I just want to maintain the value of the bass.

Does anyone know of anywhere I can send the potetmiometers from my precision to be refurbished? When I got the bass the volume pot was included in the sale but had been replaced as it wasn't working properly. I would like to get it sorted and refitted to the bass. Thanks!

I don't seem to be able to get connected the Bass Direct site. Anyone else having a problem?

I have bought and traded basses with David. He is a top bloke and very easy to deal with. His prices and trade-in deals are also very fair.