Steed Basses...Jazz Bass renovation

[BassBod]

Having spoken to Wes about a custom build I looked at the finances again and decided funds were just too tight at the moment. But I did have some nice Jbass components that could be re-assembled to make a decent instrument. I ended up sending him a box or two of components (neck from Bravewood, with a strange orange finish and some stubborn fretting issues...Japanese alder body with a bad rattle can finish and a few nasty dents) to make up a good stack knob early style Jazz.

The bass was given a full re-finish (nitro, olympic white) and fitted with Suhr pickups, stack-knob pots and string damping mutes. The fretting issues were sorted, and finally the paintwork was lightly distressed.
[attachment=58624:P1000457.jpg]


End result is a lovely old style Jbass, fitted with Pyramid big black plastic coated flats and the original design mutes it sounds....jazzy. The action looks high, and it is, but easy to play due to the softer feel and lower tension of the strings. Intonation gets iffy past the 12th fret, but I think that's a combination of the soft strings and the upward pressure of the mutes from under the strings.

[attachment=58623:P1000458.jpg]

I was impressed by Wes's enthusiasm and honesty - there were some issues with the finishing, and he was totally honest about it. The original plan for a "factory finish" was changed to a "lightly distressed" look - problem solved. He also re-worked some of the body contours, to make them more akin to an early 60's Fender.

There are one or two slight issues - one of the lower knobs was fitted upside down (making it sit higher than the other) and the jack socket is touching the control cavity wall, making for a stiff jack - but easily sorted. Also the chrome upper knobs weren't available from suppliers, so its got black ones for now.

Overall, I'm very very happy with how this worked out, and wish Wes all the best for his future builds - highly recommended.

Edited September 12, 2010 by BassBod

[wesfinn]

Thanks Duncan