haydzev123 Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coilte Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markstuk Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Pictures ? Model type/number ? Would help us.. but if you're going to refinish it you'll find out. Hopefully it's not MDF 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haydzev123 Posted February 6, 2017 Author Share Posted February 6, 2017 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted February 6, 2017 Share Posted February 6, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted February 6, 2017 Share Posted February 6, 2017 Go for these maybe http://basschat.co.uk/topic/299980-warwick-5-string-red-label-medium-strings-new/page__fromsearch__1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haydzev123 Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 Thanks, theyve gone now, but please keep me posted if you see any others going. Thanks. ill check those out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazzbass Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haydzev123 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share Posted February 8, 2017 Thanks for the help Thats NP...ive got an ibanez atm...and v pleased... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haydzev123 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share Posted February 8, 2017 Im looking @ doing my own paint job aswell, any one got any ideas on whats easy but effective? Thanks-H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted February 9, 2017 Share Posted February 9, 2017 Wrap it in vinyl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haydzev123 Posted February 9, 2017 Author Share Posted February 9, 2017 Is that easy? What are the other options? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted February 9, 2017 Share Posted February 9, 2017 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haydzev123 Posted February 12, 2017 Author Share Posted February 12, 2017 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.