Westone Concord I Bass

[benebass]

Hi - I recently bought an old Westone Concord I bass & I don't know much about it. From [url="http://www.westone.info/concord1bass.html"]this site[/url] it seems to have been made in 1983 (it's the same as the black one at the bottom of the page) & was pretty much the bottom of the range. It cost me just under £100. Anyone know anything else about them?

In terms of build, it seems pretty solid with a really nice medium scale flamed maple neck (think they must have had a nice bit of wood lying around the day it was made!) & I really like the way it plays. However, it's seen a bit of action, could do with a bit of work & I'm after a bit of advice. Things I'm considering are: -

[b]Scratchplate [/b]- Not a fan of the white scratchplates myself, so was thinking of trying to find someone who can make a 3 ply black/white/black one. However, I'm not sure how much this will cost. I've been in touch with [url="http://www.auroraproject.co.uk/scratchplate.htm"]http://www.auroraproject.co.uk/scratchplate.htm[/url] for a quote as they're meant to be pretty good, but no answer yet - does anyone know anyone else who'll do a decent cheap & cheerful job?

[b]Bridge[/b] - this is starting to rust so I think swapping it out for something more solid. It looks like a straight swap for a Fender bridge, except that there are a couple of extra screws at the front. I was thinking about a Gotoh-style bridge, but haven't found anything that looks right yet. Any recommendations?

[b]Pickup/Electrics[/b] - The electrics seem to work OK, but are a bit of a mess (some home soldering has gone on there a while ago by the look of it...). The Precision pickup has height adjusted pole pieces. I'd like to keep it passive & swap the pickup for something without exposed pole pieces (personal preference - it's what I'm used to more than anything else). Any ideas?

This is the only pic I have at present (from the ad) - will post more once the camera's working again: -

[attachment=53980:concord.jpg]

Cheers,

B.

[waynepunkdude]

I bought and re-finned one recently.

Some info here

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=89547"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=89547[/url]

[derrenleepoole]

Good old Westone's, absolutely ace basses. My second bass was a Spectrum DX and it was as rock solid as it was a pleasure to play. There are many collectors of Westone's too, and I imagine some frequent here, so expect a more learned answer from them. If you're not a purist and if it were me, then you could easily add better pickups with higher output and more thump. You could also consider maybe adding a passive preamp section into the bass - something along the lines of a Varitone etc. A relatively cheap way to vary the tone of what is in effect a P-bass copy. Do a search on Youtube, there's plenty of videos knocking about of basses with them install.

[benebass]

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='892313' date='Jul 11 2010, 09:52 PM']I bought and re-finned one recently.

Some info here

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=89547"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=89547[/url][/quote]

Couldn't see me ever playing something that eyecatching (I'd have bought that off you in natural for a lot more than you paid for it to be honest!), but you did a really good job there Wayne.

Never made a scratchplate before & don't have a lot of DIY gear to hand - how did you do it?

Cheers,

B.

[benebass]

[quote name='derrenleepoole' post='892315' date='Jul 11 2010, 09:53 PM']Good old Westone's, absolutely ace basses. My second bass was a Spectrum DX and it was as rock solid as it was a pleasure to play. There are many collectors of Westone's too, and I imagine some frequent here, so expect a more learned answer from them. If you're not a purist and if it were me, then you could easily add better pickups with higher output and more thump. You could also consider maybe adding a passive preamp section into the bass - something along the lines of a Varitone etc. A relatively cheap way to vary the tone of what is in effect a P-bass copy. Do a search on Youtube, there's plenty of videos knocking about of basses with them install.[/quote]

Totally agree with you Derren - started on a knackered old Guild B301 & moved on to a Thunder 1A that was my first playable bass - totally blew the Guild away. Not too precious about changing things on this bass as it's already a bit battered on the body, but not considered a Varitone before - might be a bit over my budget at the mo. Will do some research...

Any ideas on decent cheap high output Precision-sized pickups?

Cheers,

B.

[Paul S]

I have recently become a fan of these Westone basses - superb build quality for very little outlay. I now have a Thunder 1A and a Thunder Jet, neither of which cost me very much.

You could possibly keep your eyes peeled for a Thunder 1A bass, which crop up frequently on eBay and Gumtree, and cannibalise it for bits?

[waynepunkdude]

[quote name='benebass' post='892371' date='Jul 11 2010, 10:55 PM']Couldn't see me ever playing something that eyecatching (I'd have bought that off you in natural for a lot more than you paid for it to be honest!), but you did a really good job there Wayne.

Never made a scratchplate before & don't have a lot of DIY gear to hand - how did you do it?

Cheers,

B.[/quote]


TBH unless you want a see-though plate you may as well cover the one you have on there already with that vinyl stuff you can get from Wilkinsons, I did it to this P-bass [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=70521"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=70521[/url] worked out really well.

[derrenleepoole]

[quote name='benebass' post='892387' date='Jul 11 2010, 11:06 PM']Totally agree with you Derren - started on a knackered old Guild B301 & moved on to a Thunder 1A that was my first playable bass - totally blew the Guild away. Not too precious about changing things on this bass as it's already a bit battered on the body, but not considered a Varitone before - might be a bit over my budget at the mo. Will do some research...

Any ideas on decent cheap high output Precision-sized pickups?

Cheers,

B.[/quote]

Now you're asking, I'd direct that question at someone more experienced than myself - as there are lots of factors to consider such as type of tone, cost factors etc... people often quote Quarter Pounds as good thumpy P-bass picks - alas though, not all pickups are created equal Yeah, the Varitone's aren't cheap, but there are alternatives too... you can get 3 band active EQ systems from China that are dirt cheap and will add variety to you tone. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-Band-EQ-Preamp-Circuit-Active-Bass-Pickup-/320560101882?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item4aa2def9fa"]LINK[/url] There's also some stuff from America that quite cheap [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Genuine-Fender-P-Jazz-Bass-Deluxe-PREAMP-Upgrade-/400135192437?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item5d29ea7f75#ht_1267wt_913"]LINK[/url] - you get the idea anyway.

[benebass]

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='892613' date='Jul 12 2010, 10:59 AM']TBH unless you want a see-though plate you may as well cover the one you have on there already with that vinyl stuff you can get from Wilkinsons, I did it to this P-bass [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=70521"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=70521[/url] worked out really well.[/quote]

That's another great job you've done there! Think the plate's a bit tired to be honest & could do with being replaced - for years the electrics weren't seated properly & there's a bit of a warp setting in near the controls. Might be worth a go in the short term though...

Cheers,

B.

[waynepunkdude]

[quote name='benebass' post='893082' date='Jul 12 2010, 07:27 PM']That's another great job you've done there! Think the plate's a bit tired to be honest & could do with being replaced - for years the electrics weren't seated properly & there's a bit of a warp setting in near the controls. Might be worth a go in the short term though...

Cheers,

B.[/quote]

Well I have a spare if you want it?

[benebass]

[quote name='derrenleepoole' post='892665' date='Jul 12 2010, 11:48 AM']Now you're asking, I'd direct that question at someone more experienced than myself - as there are lots of factors to consider such as type of tone, cost factors etc... people often quote Quarter Pounds as good thumpy P-bass picks - alas though, not all pickups are created equal Yeah, the Varitone's aren't cheap, but there are alternatives too... you can get 3 band active EQ systems from China that are dirt cheap and will add variety to you tone. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-Band-EQ-Preamp-Circuit-Active-Bass-Pickup-/320560101882?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item4aa2def9fa"]LINK[/url] There's also some stuff from America that quite cheap [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Genuine-Fender-P-Jazz-Bass-Deluxe-PREAMP-Upgrade-/400135192437?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item5d29ea7f75#ht_1267wt_913"]LINK[/url] - you get the idea anyway.[/quote]

Thanks for the info, but I really want to keep it passive - after years of playing predominantly multiple pickup or active basses I'm finding the simple passive set up quite refreshing!

Have you ever bought anything from that eBay shop based in Hong Kong? There are some decent prices on there, but I'm a bit wary of buying guitar parts from the far east.

Cheers,

B.

[benebass]

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='893089' date='Jul 12 2010, 07:31 PM']Well I have a spare if you want it?[/quote]

Cheers Wayne - will give my plate a trial makeover first & take things from there. Bet it was a bitch getting all the air bubbles out!?!

B.

[derrenleepoole]

[quote name='benebass' post='893097' date='Jul 12 2010, 07:38 PM']Thanks for the info, but I really want to keep it passive - after years of playing predominantly multiple pickup or active basses I'm finding the simple passive set up quite refreshing!

Have you ever bought anything from that eBay shop based in Hong Kong? There are some decent prices on there, but I'm a bit wary of buying guitar parts from the far east.

Cheers,

B.[/quote]

Yeah, I bought an Artec system several years ago, and it was okay really. They do say you get what you pay for, and the quality was acceptable for the money - it's not going to be amazing, but it was okay. The Chinese however are industrious and the stuff worked. With good shielding installed on your bass, there is no reason why an Artec system wouldn't work very well. In fact, most electronic components are manufactured in Asia these days, so who's to say that this is any different from what you're buying on the Varitone system for example?

I know what you mean about passive basses, I enjoy them too. But an active EQ, rather than active pickup does open up tonal possibilities at little extra cost. Just a thought.

[benebass]

[quote name='derrenleepoole' post='893600' date='Jul 13 2010, 12:10 PM']Yeah, I bought an Artec system several years ago, and it was okay really. They do say you get what you pay for, and the quality was acceptable for the money - it's not going to be amazing, but it was okay. The Chinese however are industrious and the stuff worked. With good shielding installed on your bass, there is no reason why an Artec system wouldn't work very well. In fact, most electronic components are manufactured in Asia these days, so who's to say that this is any different from what you're buying on the Varitone system for example?

I know what you mean about passive basses, I enjoy them too. But an active EQ, rather than active pickup does open up tonal possibilities at little extra cost. Just a thought.[/quote]

Hi Derren - don't think my last post was very clear - apologies. It's not parts made in the far east themselves (some of the stuff coming out of China is amazingly good value for money), it's buying them directly that I'm a bit wary of, as it could be a right ordeal if things don't go smoothly...

Will keep looking for something that fits the bill. Rather than a preamp, I am considering putting in an active EMG pickup like [url="http://www.basscentre.com/bass-guitar-pickups/emg-p-set.html"]this one[/url] - not too keen on having to take the plate off to change the battery though & routing for a battery compartment could be a bit of a chore. One cheapo alternative might be a passive EMG-designed pickup like the HZ or an old Select pickup. Will keep looking...

Cheers,

B.

[geoffbyrne]

Axes'R'Us.co.uk do a 'G&B' 10K P pup at a reasonable price which I used on a project before...it was great, very punchy.

Here, and about 11 or 12 down.....

[url="http://www.axesrus.com/AxeBassPup.html"]http://www.axesrus.com/AxeBassPup.html[/url]

G.

[Deep Thought]

This is identical to my first ever bass, bought new in about 1983. Still got it, it's my TV bass, picked up for plinking away whilst watching the box. Would never sell it.

[Bassassin]

[quote name='benebass' post='893097' date='Jul 12 2010, 07:38 PM']Have you ever bought anything from that eBay shop based in Hong Kong? There are some decent prices on there, but I'm a bit wary of buying guitar parts from the far east.

Cheers,

B.[/quote]
I've not used that particular one as far as I remember but I've had a good few far-eastern bits & pieces over the years - pretty good quality stuff, delivery sometimes quicker than UK sellers & obviously, great prices. I'm sure there are exceptions but on the whole most of these places have massive positive feedback which I'd say is a reasonable reflection.

Top tip for your warped scratchplate - take it off & stick it on a dead-flat surface (kitchen worktop for example) then blast it with a hairdryer on full heat until the plastic goes soft. Then stick a heavy, flat object of your choice on top of it & leave until cold. Presto - no more warping.

Jon.

[benebass]

[quote name='geoffbyrne' post='894530' date='Jul 14 2010, 10:49 AM']Axes'R'Us.co.uk do a 'G&B' 10K P pup at a reasonable price which I used on a project before...it was great, very punchy.

Here, and about 11 or 12 down.....

[url="http://www.axesrus.com/AxeBassPup.html"]http://www.axesrus.com/AxeBassPup.html[/url]

G.[/quote]

Thanks Geoff - looks good, but I'm after something with no exposed pole pieces. I was thinking of buying some covers like [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PRECISION-BASS-PICKUP-COVER-CLOSED-BLACK-SET-2-/260588140578"]this[/url], but if the pickup's designed to have the pole pieces exposed then they will be lower than they should be i.e. quieter. Might be worth experimenting for a couple of quid though!

Cheers,

B.

[benebass]

[quote name='Bassassin' post='894556' date='Jul 14 2010, 11:13 AM']I've not used that particular one as far as I remember but I've had a good few far-eastern bits & pieces over the years - pretty good quality stuff, delivery sometimes quicker than UK sellers & obviously, great prices. I'm sure there are exceptions but on the whole most of these places have massive positive feedback which I'd say is a reasonable reflection.

Top tip for your warped scratchplate - take it off & stick it on a dead-flat surface (kitchen worktop for example) then blast it with a hairdryer on full heat until the plastic goes soft. Then stick a heavy, flat object of your choice on top of it & leave until cold. Presto - no more warping.

Jon.[/quote]

Thanks for the tip Jon - will be giving this a whirl with my other half's hairdryer I think!

Cheers,

B.

[benebass]

Here are some pics - never seen another one with a neck like this...

[attachment=54265:IMGP1341.JPG] [attachment=54266:IMGP1339.JPG] [attachment=54267:IMGP1337.JPG]

Cheers,

B.

[Bassassin]

Blimey - that's a [i]gorgeous[/i] bit of flame! :brow:

J.

[ahpook]

that's lush

[benebass]

Cheers - I've fancied checking out a medium scale bass for a while (30" scale is a bit small & 34" can be a bit of a stretch) - when I saw a pic of the neck I couldn't resist!

Had some info back from the Aurora project on a plate & they seem really good value, so think I'll order one in black.

Think I'll take the plunge with a Gotoh-style high mass bridge (I think it's the 201 model), but just measured up & the bridge as fitted is a bit bigger than a Fender bridge, so it will probably leave a couple of holes exposed. What's the best way to fill them? I've heard some people use tooth picks & wood glue for this sort of stuff, which makes sense. I'm considering stripping off the finish if I get round to it, so it needs to be a decent job.

Not decided on pickups yet...

Cheers,

B.