Here comes the Sunn

[Rayman]

For anyone who’s on Facebook, I’ve created a group called “Here Comes The Sunn”. Anyone who’s interested, please do join, and share your Sunn information and photos 👍🏻

[Rayman]

The next instalment…..

 

I just picked up a very sorry looking red Mustang…..

 

 

 

 

 

Filthy dirty fretboard and a pick guard that looks like it was left on a radiator. The neck is straight, so hopefully that wasn’t the case.

 

New pick guard is ordered, and this time I’m going to build the new loom myself. 
 

There’s a set of LaBella flats waiting to go on it.

[neepheid]

Gotta catch 'em all

 

[Rayman]

I must admit, I’m getting a bit obsessed now. Mrs Rayman just rolls her eyes when another one turns up.

[Rayman]

The observant amongst you will have spotted the Premier Inn decor in the background…. I had to travel to Southend to grab this one.

[AndyTravis]

Always intrigued by these, an ex had a Sunn Strat type guitar and it was cool.

 

Do fender pickguards fit them, or are they close but every so slightly annoyingly off?

 

Just thought a white Pearl one with a tort would look ace.

[Rayman]

Yeah I did think about a tort guard for the white one, which I might still do.

 

It’s an 11 hole guard, so I ordered a new one from Gear 4 Music for 7 quid plus postage. It looks like they only do them in black or white though.

[Rayman]

Predictably basic electrics….. that entire lot, including the pick guard will go in the bin. The pickups though, absolutely stay. These modest pickups sound fantastic with a decent loom controlling them. At least they do on all my others, these are so far untested.

 

 

 

The new pickguard technically fits, but the screw holes are a mile off, and the neck pocket will need sanding down. I’m undecided about whether to go for a better quality and possibly tort guard. I’ll give that some thought.

 

 

 

Meanwhile the neck is off and the fretboard is getting a deep clean…..

 

 

 

[AndyTravis]

TORT TORT TORT!!!

[Rayman]

Maaaaaybe

 

Although I’ve found a very nice off white guard in my stash, that looks very nice…

 

 

And the fret board is getting an overnight treatment of Monty’s Relic Wax…

 

 

 

 

 

[AndyTravis]

@Rayman the aged white looks spot on actually - really fits the age

[AndyTravis]

Are you tempted to put a round string tree on?

 

if I end up finding a white one of these, my OCD will force me to swap it out 😂

[Rayman]

I actually like the rectangular ones, and I’m trying to keep the bass as original as possible ish, but I know what you mean.

[Rayman]

Ok, so, I’ve built the new loom from scratch, first time I’ve done that. I’m happy to report that everything works as it should, despite the dodgy soldering. Actually very pleased with it.

 

 

 

So the body is pretty much done. Some alterations needed to get the pickguard to fit, but all good now.

 

 

Good days work, just the fretboard/frets to finish….. but that’s for another day.

 

 

Edited May 5, 2024 by Rayman

[neepheid]

1 hour ago, AndyTravis said:

Are you tempted to put a round string tree on?

 

if I end up finding a white one of these, my OCD will force me to swap it out 😂

 

Oh no, the square string tree is a peculiarity of these basses, you can't shear it of part of its identity, can you?

[Rayman]

Yeah the plan is always to keep them as original as possible, and I like the string trees on these. The only thing I’ve altered on any of them has been the controls. 

[Rayman]

After a fret job this morning, I can tell you, this is one lovely neck now….

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rayman]

Yes…. this part of the thread should probably have been in the build diary section, but there you go. 

 

 

Edited May 7, 2024 by Rayman

[Rayman]

Finished…..

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely delighted with these Sunn P basses. Honestly. We’re not talking Fender custom shop here, but we absolutely are talking “up there” with any MIM Fenders and even some of the US made stuff I’ve had. Yes, I’ve done a lot of work, but I’ve very much enjoyed doing it, and now I have another fabulous Sunn to add to my collection.

 

FYI….. the strings are LaBella low tension flats.

 

[Reggaebass]

Great thread Rayman , ones just popped up on eBay, looks similar to yours and quite a cool looking P bass 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266799033161?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=9LDVFUILQyW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=1wDkd4CjTIi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[Rayman]

Yeah I saw that. Although with four of them now I’m struggling to justify another one just yet. Although, (off) white with a tort guard might look nice 🤔. Depends on how I feel at the end of the auction.

[Reggaebass]

1 minute ago, Rayman said:

Yeah I saw that. Although with four of them now I’m struggling to justify another one just yet. Although, (off) white with a tort guard might look nice 🤔. Depends on how I feel at the end of the auction.

After seeing yours I was kinda tempted myself, but I’ve got way too many basses at the moment, you know how it goes 😁

[Rayman]

Yep. I know exactly. 

[Rayman]

Fun with foam

 

 

A bit of old school funk

[Maude]

Well @Rayman, is there another cream one on the way? 😉