'73 Fender Telecaster bass - before & after

[tredders]

So, a couple of months ago, I bought a '73 Telecaster bass. I'd been after one for years but could never find the right one (in the right condition at the right price).

I got it from the bass player out of Marmalade, and he'd owned it for a while & gigged it extensively. At some point during its life, it had a Jazz pickup added (the default mod of the day with Tele basses, it seems).

Contrary to many people's views (see the old thread for details: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/207334-nbd-73-fender-telecaster-bass/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url]), I wanted it back to original (i.e. the Jazz pup removing), and that meant that the options were to have a veneer put on the front of the bass (to cover the routing), or have the body sanded & refinished. I opted for the latter, so sent the bass off to Howard (The Bass Doc) for his magic touch.

Here are a few 'before' photos: -














And here are a few 'after' photos - the bass arrived back to me today: -











I couldn't be happier with the results - the bass is beautifully finished - nice even vintage looking finish, with a new pickguard specially made. Howard fitted some La Bella lights, and set the action for me, and it plays like a dream now. I can see why everybody raves about those 70's Telecaster necks now.

So, just a quick 'thank you' to Howard for a great job (and for tolerating my "is it ready yet? is it ready yet?" constant emails!), and a huge recommendation for his work.

Mark.

[Lozz196]

Well I`m ready for a slice of humble pie Tredders. If I recall correctly I advised against getting rid of the J pickup, happy to admit the bass looks much better now.

If you watch Masterchef, they`ll no doubt have a recipe for the pie.................

[Billy Apple]

Lovely!

[spongebob]

Looks awesome - bet it sounds cracking too! [size=4] [/size]

[Cat Burrito]

Superb on every level. That ticks most boxes on the list of what might make my dream bass

[wateroftyne]

Nice one. Give yourself a pat on the back...

[Schnozzalee]

Yayaya, I like! Very Leon Wilkeson [size=4] [/size]

[1970]

gorgeous

[mike 110]

Very Very Nice !

[BetaFunk]

I would have kept the J-pickup if it had been mine...........but i would have been wrong!

That is superb.

Lovely colour and great work by Howard.

[Myke]

I saw the after photo and literally said 'Oh Jesus'.. That is sexy!!

[Gust0o]

Very nice, I like it!

[Geek99]

Nice work there, Howard

[discreet]

Beautiful, love it. Uncle Horrid is THE man. He made my Custom P, you know... * chorus of YES, WE KNOW *

That buttery vintage white with white pickguard and maple is just lovely. You must be delighted!

[bh2]

Absolute classic look and finish... I've wanted one of these since I was a kiddy.

Superb!

[Lozz196]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378416696' post='2200144']
Beautiful, love it. Uncle Horrid is THE man. He made my Custom P, you know... * chorus of YES, WE KNOW *
[/quote]

Yes we know

[12stringbassist]

Oh, that's nice.

[markoire]

i read the original thread and thought you were crazy. Happy to say that i was completely wrong and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Well done for having the guts to do it and well done Bassdoc for making a superb job of it!

[q_of_doom]

Awesome work! Mine (a '68) also came with a [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/158660-68-telebass-one-sad-story/page__hl__a%20sad%20story"]story[/url].

[EliasMooseblaster]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1378396198' post='2199692']
If you watch Masterchef, they`ll no doubt have a recipe for the pie.................
[/quote]

Quite appropriate that he's had it done in "Butterscotch Blonde," as I hear the Masterchef guys like a buttery biscuit bass:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfeyUGZt8nk

[Rick's Fine '52]

All the pics have gone, hopefully they'll be back soon, sounds like a fine job!

[discreet]

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1378723486' post='2203608']
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfeyUGZt8nk[/media]
[/quote]

[tredders]

Thanks for all the comments - I'm really pleased with the results. Howard really did a great job.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1378724706' post='2203633']
All the pics have gone, hopefully they'll be back soon, sounds like a fine job!
[/quote]

Pics are showing for me. Anyone else having problems?

[discreet]

[quote name='tredders' timestamp='1378725026' post='2203644']
Pics are showing for me. Anyone else having problems?
[/quote]

Nope - I can see 'em OK.

[Rick's Fine '52]

Must be just me then??