Bass Questions

[haydzev123]

Hi, am new to this forum.
1) I have just bought a CHEAP 5String Westfield Bass 2nd hand and am looking to strip it down and refurbish. Would any1 b able to guess what wood it will b made of?

2) Also what are the best strings i could buy? 5ers?

Thanks...

Edited February 3, 2017 by haydzev123

[Coilte]

Not sure about question 1, but for question 2, it depends on what kind of tone you are looking for, i.e. bright and trebly, or warm and mellow, like a double bass.

For the first, try stainless steel strings or nickel wounds. For the second...flatwounds. As for brands...you will get as many suggestions and recommendations as there are people on Basschat. "Best" is a very general term, especially where strings are concerned.

[markstuk]

Pictures ? Model type/number ? Would help us.. but if you're going to refinish it you'll find out. Hopefully it's not MDF 😀

[Skybone]

First off, welcome.

A Westfield isn't the most "high end" instrument out there (not disparaging your new bass in any way! ), so as a first guess, it would be basswood with a maple neck. Thankfully, the days of cheap "plywood" bodies would seem to be long gone.

What strings? What can you afford? If you can afford high end strings, go for them. If you can't then there's absolutely nothing wrong with lower end strings, you may not get the life of the high end strings, or the high end "zing", but you'll have strings that you can afford. I use "cheap" Fender strings. They're affordable enough so I can have a few spare sets in, they're bright enough for me and they last a good while. More importantly, I like them. Rotosound are a good "middle ground", and used by a lot of name players.

[haydzev123]

Thanks for your help- Yes i know that westfield is infact a 'low end' bass, but it is just for a little project.

Ok, appreciate all comments

[Grangur]

Westfield make some ice basses for the price.

If you want some sensibly priced strings look for Fender branded or Legacy. Legacy is a brand by Rotosound.

[Grangur]

Go for these maybe

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/299980-warwick-5-string-red-label-medium-strings-new/page__fromsearch__1

[haydzev123]

Thanks, theyve gone now, but please keep me posted if you see any others going.
Thanks. ill check those out!

[Skybone]

I wasn't knocking your Westfield in any way, shape or form. In fact it's probably a far better instrument than quite a few of us started out with.

Whatever it is, use it, enjoy it, learn to play it and have fun doing so.

[bazzbass]

don't put more than 50 quid upgrading it, it ain't worth it, it will still be a cheap bass. You won't get your money back if when you sell it.

Save up and buy a second hand Squier VM or CV

[haydzev123]

Thanks for the help
Thats NP...ive got an ibanez atm...and v pleased...

[haydzev123]

Im looking @ doing my own paint job aswell, any one got any ideas on whats easy but effective?
Thanks-H

[xgsjx]

Wrap it in vinyl.

[haydzev123]

Is that easy?
What are the other options?

[Grangur]

Dulux white emulsion is easy. Other colours are also available.

Ok. Let's look at another way... What sort of finish do you like? I like an oil finish myself. That way you see the wood grain and it's easy to repair, but that might not suit everyone.

Edited February 9, 2017 by Grangur

[haydzev123]

I do like an oil finish too, but the wood grain on this body is not very noticeable.
I also like something abit different to a standard solid colour. I was looking at maybe marble effect or swirl effect?
Thanks