Prosebass Natural Fretless Precision

[Prosebass]

Here we go again.

I decided to try and re-create a few Precisions I have seen from the 70's with a natural finish as I think they look good and age well quickly as the body gets worn to give them that "lived in" look.

I was going to refinish the body in nitro originally but it looked so good decided to leave it as is.
It was bought in as I like to try out different suppliers to see what they have to offer and it keeps the cost down.
Not sure on the wood but its about 5 - 6 piece and looks better in the flesh than the photos. It has been sealed so will just be polished and maybe a little oil if it will take it. The neck is a Mighty Mite ebanol Precision. I have used these before, last time on a Jazz bodied bass with a Q-Tuner and for the money they are excellent necks.
The neck pocket was a little tight so the Dremmel took a mm or so from the sides until the neck was lovely and snug.
Using the Dremmel require a very steady hand and confidence.

Neck was then clamped and the neck mounting holes marked and then drilled. I always chamfer the drill holes to ensure a good clean entry for the screws.

After attaching the neck its checked for angle and to give a rough idea as to whether it will need shimming.
For this I use a straight-edge that fits in the nut slot and the bridge saddles. If happy I then check the scale length in relation to the bridge and fit that.
The bridge is a Wilkinson Vintage item with brass saddles and looks the part. It is actually straight of kennyrodg's "Spunkster" as I upgraded the "Spunkster" with a Hip-Shot bridge for him last week.

Next up will be the tuners and I cannot decide which to choose.
Either the Geddy Lees , Standard Fender or from the "Spunkster" the rather nice Korean jobbies (Wilkinsons ?)....any ideas ?
I suppose the Geddy Lees would probably look the best but they are also the most expensive....

Edited March 3, 2009 by Prosebass

[kdphysio]

I've not seen those 'Spunksters' before....i think they look great/well finished/neat.....them's what i would pick.

[Merton]

Spunky's, definitely

[KennysFord]

Geddy's for me Paul

[bremen]

[quote name='Prosebass' post='352226' date='Dec 11 2008, 10:28 PM']Next up will be the tuners and I cannot decide which to choose.
Either the Geddy Lees , Standard Fender or from the "Spunkster" the rather nice Korean jobbies (Wilkinsons ?)....any ideas ?
I suppose the Geddy Lees would probably look the best but they are also the most expensive....[/quote]

I've got a new set of 'standards' made by Gotoh if you want them.

[Prosebass]

[quote name='kennyrodg' post='352501' date='Dec 12 2008, 10:37 AM']Geddy's for me Paul [/quote]

The voice of reason......Think it will be the Geddys....

[neepheid]

Grover Titans?

[Dr.Dave]

The spunky's and the Grover Titans are like Schaller M4s - that's these jobbies
[url="http://www.guitarparts.co.nz/cart/Details.cfm?ProdID=854&category=16"]http://www.guitarparts.co.nz/cart/Details....amp;category=16[/url]

Not cheap and hard to track down - but if you want the best etc.

Another alt. would be the ones I put on my Blue Flower P. Fender American Series
Top right on this page.
[url="http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bass_tunersfender.htm"]http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bass_tunersfender.htm[/url]

Cheaper than the Schallers , retroish from the front and with a nice big fat Fender 'F' on the back.

They're the one's I'd vote for because I have them so obviously they're the correct choice!!!

BTW I have the Schaller M4s's on my 73 P , never let me down in 20 years and still look new.

[Prosebass]

Next Installment

Edited March 3, 2009 by Prosebass