Dudgeman

Body being stripped [URL=http://s918.photobucket.com/user/bassmandudge/media/les%20paul/20160803_173338.jpg.html][IMG]http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad26/bassmandudge/les%20paul/20160803_173338.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s918.photobucket.com/user/bassmandudge/media/les%20paul/20160803_173327.jpg.html][IMG]http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad26/bassmandudge/les%20paul/20160803_173327.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

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I didnt intend this as a build diary..and it isnt really its just an explanation and hopefully a load of pics! But for those of you who hate to wait this is the thread for you. So the story..I always troll Ebay looking for fun projects..mainly to use to increase my skill levels and try new things..so very low price basses...Squiers etc... I like to take Ok instruments and try and make them into something a bit special or at least a massive improvement...If you have followed my other thread on here I turned a beat up Black Jazz bass into a beautiful candy tangerine bass, improved the bass in every area..new tuners..colour..neck work fret work etc....I digress So I spot this horrible..horrible black les paul style bass with a complete DIY can spray job with a horrible red stripe across it...thick hand painted headstock...knackered and corroded PUs and Bridge..disastrous frets and neck...just a complete mess. But on checking out the photos really carefully I noticed the tell tale signs of Binding under the paint on the headstock and both front and rear of the body of the bass..the headstock had the full Moustache shaped Headstock...Definitely not a Gibson I thought...bridge was all wrong ...but somewhere in the back of my mind the word Lawsuit bass crept in... I did some research for '72 or 73 Ibanez lawsuit basses and hiding in the corner of the net was a lovely picture of an all black Ibanez Lawsuit...a match..no doubt...so I bid..... £60...lol.....well it was a huge gamble...I won it for less delivered. It turns up at work one week later at work...well we have to hide these slightly pissed indiscretions from the wife until we can justify the outlay...she is still convinced I only have 3 basses and can't work out why I have about 10 different cases..bless her...one day I'll cop it!...Back to the bass..It was so bad I can't tell you..well I can show you..see vid 1...I had started stripping it by then so thought I had better get some video and photos for you good people. [url="https://youtu.be/h-HecJYmNsM"]<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-HecJYmNsM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>[/url] So the plan..Ibanez were sued by Gibson for copying their Headstock and Les Paul shape....so a fake one was what I decided to do..a sort of Ironic homage...Now some of you will not like this and some won't care..fully aware that shoving Gibson logos on non Gibson basses is frowned upon..but this is absolutely not done to deceive..and it will never leave my wall at home anyway...there are enough clues that it isnt real..even down to the fact that I deliberately rubbed away the corner of the MOP inlay on the diamond before clear coating so it is clear that the quality isn't there... Any way it was just a fun resto... on sanding back the headstock and expecting to see an Ibanez logo I was actually faced with an Antoria logo...turns out in the 70's Antoria bought a load of Les Paul basses from Ibanez before the lawsuit that had Ibanez over the coals about the shape of the headstock. Anoria re branded them and sold them on...... and here is a relic from around '72.. So what next...all the hardware off....and strip it all. Under the crappy paintwork turned out to be a really nice Ash veneered plywood front and back...clearly no expense spared here (No I'm not being serious) !! So I thought about a simple black stained..high gloss finish..yup that will do... I had a ton of work to do to the neck pocket to make the neck tight...this really challenged me as it was sooo loose..I thought about binding round it but that just didn't work and looked terrible...in the end I came up with an interesting solution using 2 part filler and cling film.. Smothered neck pocket in filler..covered in cling film and re fitted the neck...leave to dry over night...remove neck...remove cling film....tidy, sand and stain filler....job done... Happy Accident.... Searching at work for some black water based stain I remembered we had been donated a load of black ink...oh that will do thought I......well it did but not what I had imagined..it went a kind of dark brown..incredibly reminiscent of a Gibson colour I had once seen and loved on a ...yup ...Les Paul 6 string....I think it was a trans black version..well it's fate really....so decision made. It divides opinion..but I really like it.... Once stained and top coated I set to the neck and frets...truss rod was pretty crap but fortunately the neck was in good shape when I bought it so this was not a problem. Board cleaned up...frets dressed...neck stained to look a bit worn....binding scraped back...this is looking good. Bought a new brass nut..well why not..never fitted one before so that was installed. I bought a MOP Logo and Diamond from some Russian geezer off the net..and about 30 coats of lacquer later it was hidden under the top coat...job done. Then to polishing...... dirty filthy job..but everything got polished to within a millimeter of its life...suddenly the build started to get fun and exciting. Everything is original...everything shiny and clean. Machine heads pulled apart cleaned and greased... So ..how does it play?? Crap....hahaha.....no not that bad...sounds good but the bridge design has no intonation adjustments and it is out at the 12th fret.....Not sure how to deal with this...I could put a Warwick or Gibson style bridge BUT it would then start to look more like the real thing and the bridge is the give away and I like that. It is weird playing such a short scale bass..I mean its tiny...but what I love is the way it looks..and to me its a quirky piece of art..hopefully my daughter might pick it up and have a go... It works well with a pick..but I struggle with finger style on it......Will look great on my wall though and even for its faults I still want to pick it up and have a play....and well that's half the battle... So in its own funny way Ibanez finally did copy Gibson and rip them off despite being sued...they just don't know that they did.. Hope you like it.....

First off I am an incredibly keen semi pro guitar builder/restorer so any Pro's out there might know better ways...but I am a cabinet maker of 28 years so it is [i]kind[/i] of my area..but I am always learning so if you hear better advice, then take it!! It is not normally too difficult to make the change..Darker hardwoods in general tend to be easier to de-fret...(although I haven't done Ebony..I have done wenge and rosewood) Maple can splinter around the frets slots which is not good. I would use maple veneer glued in the slots....sanded back would look a treat. I would look for a really good luthier on recommendation. It is not too long a process..I de fretted my jazz bass and filled and sanded with maple veneer in way under 3 hours..There are things that need to be done ...the nut and saddles usually need work as you can massively lower the action..(no frets to worry about!) sometimes there can be minor issues with the neck..I know a lot of people like to de-fret the neck under tension as the feel that the neck can bow up slightly with all the frets removed...but I have not had that issue. I think the biggest issue is the break out around the fret slots when you remove the frets..obviously if you are replacing the frets then the shoulder of the frets usually cover any slight tear out...Then you get into how you want to finish the neck..I left mine oiled and only use flatwounds...but some prefer to lacquer or epoxy the necks..especially if you want to use roundwounds.. so it's not a huge job generally.. and Mybass is quite right about the dot markers.. although I have a Hohner/Steinberger fretless and bizzarely the fret dots are still in the center between where the frets would normally be and it never bothered me...and that was fretless from the factory...lol If you don't find a good recommendation for someone be careful who you let loose on it...this was a tale of a warwick I bought recently.. I am going to show a reversal build on a Warwick streamer soon where the guy had it de-fretted by his local guitar shop (who clearly had no idea what they were doing, but funnily enough didn't tell him that) and the shop filled the slots with what can only be some sort of wood filler...well the strings had worn it away in places..the fretboard (Wenge which is notoriously brittle and open pored) was in a terrible state with tear out all over the place....but the filler came out like 3 year old toothpaste....I have had to run a plane over it and re fret it...not a problem as I wanted to flatten the radius slightly any way. But if this is a pride and joy bass don't trust the word of your local Shop...get some good advice on the forum as to who is best to approach..

OK so I have on each PU a red/black/green and white wire and a braid.. The red and black and braid were twisted together. With all the wires separated resistance across the red and green is 3.35 and across the black and white is 3.35... no other readings...if the red,black and braid are twisted together (as they were when soldered to the pot) then I get a resistance across white and green of 6.67 but all other readings are zero... Sounds like it should be right but surely that makes them very low out put...on that description can you confirm which wires are which...just so I know before moving on to next step...thanks....still learning about circuits...

Hi DB Thanks for the reply..very much appreciated...I'll get a multimeter on them and let you know.

Hi all I recently bought an old Streamer std German made Warwick with a pair of MEC vintage style HB PUs. I was looking for a double buck but this came up super cheap so i have refinished and done some work on it. Pics will come at some point!! Each PU has a red/green/white/black and braid wires. My intention is to fit an EMG preamp (old BTS) that i have knocking around. So if all is well i will end up with vol/vol/bass/treble. So questions. Can I add 2 3 pole switches like the double buck and wire the same so i can expand the tone by running PU's in series /parallel/etc?? If so can anyone supply me with a double buck wiring diagram as I am struggling to find one. If this can't be done can someone give me a wiring diagram for wiring it straight to the preamp wiring. I have found a wiring diagram from EMG.. (it is the old BTS system with a small board)..i understand how to solder the BTS to a JP config ( that's what I had before) but with so many wires coming from the PU's...i am finding it a bit confusing as to which wire would go where... I hope this makes sense and is achievable.. . I am hoping as always that someone here can help. Cheers all.

[quote name='NoirBass' timestamp='1489590881' post='3258220'] Have a look on here: http://www.sonic.net/~emgman/wiringbook.html [/quote] Looks like it is the older version of the BTS system...thanks for the site..awesome

Thanks guys...both great suggestions..no idea why I didnt think of it...lol

Hi all I have a set of Active emg PJ pickups with a emg VVTT preamp with seperate circuit board.(So not attached to the pots) .this board has the little dip switches on it...the board has adf02on it the 2 volume pots are t 15a25k9402 and the 2 tone pots are t b50k9340.. Now I should know what model the preamp is as I bought it new way back..probably late 80's... it was in a bass I made and I want to re use the pots and preamp in a bass I have just bought..unfortunately....because I am a prat I de soldered it all years ago and have lost the wiring diagram... Can anyone help identify the preamp or point me in the direction of a wiring diagram..pleeease...thanks..oh and its 9 volt obviously... thanks all

[url="http://s918.photobucket.com/user/bassmandudge/media/20160106_224152-3.jpg.html"][/url] I haven't been here in a while and your pedal boards are the stuff of quality ..there are still a few bits on here that I would change/add to..but I have finally removed my line 6 pod bass xt live from the centre in favour of single pedals. My original layout is on here somewhere...I am deep on the hunt for a phaser (thinking strongly about the source audio lunar phaser..any thoughts?) a decent delay, volume pedal, compressor and I really like the the sounds in the eventide pitch factor and/or time factor..I also desperately need some new patch leads to free some space..george ls/lava etc..best I get saving big time! The midi mouse controls the filter pro that is normally in my rack with tuner and my DBS 7400 heads (x2) this kit effectively gives me 3 separate channels..2 completely separate and one of which goes through the Ls2 to give me third..The latest addition is the Way huge from my lovely missus for Chrimbo…This is the board that I used touring with our Muse trib…wish I had got rid of the Line 6 when on the road..great on its own but not with theses pedals..they sing now...had no idea how much it had screwed with the tone of these pedals…live and learn.. think they need a clean…tut tut

I just read basssection piece. I work for a mental health organisation in Oxfordshire called Restore and am also a bass player. Sadly a lot of his comments ring true but the one thing to take from this is that there are organisations out there who can help. I wish I had known him or had the chance to speak to him. Talking to people..family, GP's and organisations like the Samaritans or Restore can help keep you safe and help you to work through these situations. They can not promise to cure or disuade but they can help and often do. The symptoms he described are more common place than many think and it is time the mental health stigma was torn to pieces. Organisations like Restore and Mind have people who understand and can genuinely offer empathy and help through various techniques and methods. We aim to rebuild self esteem and confidence and get people well enough to even return to work. We never judge people and aim to help no matter what the situation or history. It is often the case that people with strong suicidal tendencies can overcome them given time and help and often our job is just to keep people safe through potential dates or triggers. I have seen this first hand and seen people overcome huge personal problems ... but you have to talk...if you think your gp is not listening try another gp...seek out organisations like ours..use Mind ...but let people know. My heart goes out to his family and friends and I really hope that what he wrote makes sense to those that read it. I will be passing it on to all who work at Restore so that hopefully in the future we will be even better equipped to help others. Rest in peace. X

Might be a bit off the wall but try an ehx octave multiplexer..hit the sub button and watch your driver doesnt implode...gets fun when you mess with the tone controls...also I paid about £25 for mine..so its a no lose purchase...

[quote name='Cygnus x-1' timestamp='1351028541' post='1846514'] totally blown away by your skill and determination, top class job, enjoyed the read, well done bud. [/quote] Thanks. Have thoroughly enjoyed building/altering this bass..I knew there was a decent bass in the MIM from the neck/tone and PU's but the other bits were letting it down terribly. Looked for a long time for this model from Fender...I found one on ebay about a year ago..sadly I had just bought a K5 fieldy sig and had no money to buy it..was fairly sure I wouldn't see another one in this colour hence taking the plunge. She now looks great..but it is how it feels that I can't do in pictures...its just a joy to get hands on with. If your ever at one of our gigs come and have a go , you would be more than welcome. I would like to say a big thank you to all the guys that have answered PM's on Basschat on build questions etc....you have all been unbelievably helpful. If anyone has any questions feel free to post or PM me.

[quote name='Horizontalste' timestamp='1350845194' post='1844198'] This has been a great thread to follow, I'm glad your happy with your bass. Now how to we order replicas? [/quote] Pm me..I'd be delighted..

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1350835650' post='1844024'] Nice mixture there. Love the colour of the 4003. [/quote] Thanks..its a great colour on this model but sadly the lacquer finish is appalling. Rickenbacker are aware of the problem.(which is really common with this colour) but wont do anything about it. The blue bleeds into the lacquer over the bindings and then, in my case, the lacquer peeled off..Ric even blamed users for not washing their hands for the problem on one thread on the Ric forum..lol...So it will always end up looking roadworn..not necessarily a bad thing though.

[quote name='Ninja_Baby' timestamp='1350840792' post='1844113'] Its a Fender Steve Harris sig bass. Weighs the same as a small planet, and has half a telegraph pole for a neck, but is fantastic. [/quote] Thought it was but the reflection of your curtains in the scratchplate threw me for a while. I actually think they look ace..perhaps you should get sone etched in....not very Harris admitedly...lol. Cool bass.

Cheers. Took a long time to get it..about 6 weeks from start to finish..very nearly gave up on them. I found applying it really easy..left it for 24 hours to dry before hitting it with a mist coat and it looked superb...it was only when i built up the lacquer it reacted..it was a nightmare and i very nearly scrapped it..but patience and a deft touch with the sandpaper rescued it. It is weird how naked a headstock.looks without a decal yhough. Glad you like it.

Managed a group shot today...Thinking of Moving the K5 on for a Jazz deluxe 5 string...problem is I don't like selling basses...Have two others...one in pieces which is really interesting and a cheap vintage 5 string that isn't nearly as bad as you would think!

So thought I would wrap up this thread. The bass is finished and has already had a Summer/Autumn of gigs. It is stunning to play..super quick and is my pride and joy. Having realised that the one thing that needed addressing was the tuning I took the plunge and got a Hipshot de tuner..Why every 4 string bass bass on the planet doesn't have these as standard is beyond me...I will never be without one again...just brilliant. I had an absolute ball ache with the decal for the headstock...still not happy. Fender sorted me out with replacement decals which was good of them..but they were hideous and in no way matched the originals..so I went down the aftermarket route. While the decal looks good it is only down to my sanding and finishing skill...having cleared with the company that it was ok to use 2k lacquer...I followed their directions to the letter..24 hours after the mist coats had been applied I put the top coat on and the decal reacted totally with the lacquer...I had to rub it down with 2000 grit to get it flat enough to re shoot the lacquer all the time desperately trying not to go through the decal itself...It was a total nightmare. But the bass is everything I hoped it would be and more. I hope you like it and thanks for your supportive comments during the build. I have another more interesting build which I started 4 years ago which I am now going to press ahead and finish so keep watching forum......... Oh and this bass is really hard to photograph as the colour is really tricky to capture....I'll show some comparison photos at the end of the thread.. Couple of playing photos showing the different hues!! Oh and I made the 2 Manson replicas in these photos as well.......

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1349699544' post='1829210'] Played the Scream Lounge in Croydon on Saturday. A long way from our 'fanbase' Nice venue. The guys there work really very hard to promote the place. Lots of people to see the Main band who were excellent and annoyingly about 20 years younger than us. We played pretty well. Good fun and we even had a few people turn up to specifically see us who we didn't know at all but had stumbled across us on the net which was gratifying. The new song worked well live which was a bonus too. [/quote] We played there..great venue with great people from what I can remember..wouldn't mind a return gig there...must get on the phone.

[quote name='pantherairsoft' timestamp='1349881785' post='1831746'] Excellent work dude! Good playing and nice use of toys! [/quote] Cheers Shep. Not a bad bunch of toys for essentially an old rocker..lol One day I will get a few months off and really dive into some weird and wonderful sounds..playing stuff like Muse and watching videos like yours has really got me interested in bass sounds again and what you can do. I just never get enough time to play around sadly...what with family/work/music commitments...Do you ever play around Oxford/Swindon area? Would love to come and hear what you do live...

[quote name='PauBass' timestamp='1349943014' post='1832417'] Thanks for your comment! More here, let's see if you also like it...This our gig opening song, "Siren" [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHu8kNefXog&feature=share&list=ULdHu8kNefXog[/media] [/quote] Great tune...you managed to get my attention away from Alan Brazil on talk sport this morning whilst eating my breakfast...not many can do that..;-) Wish I could jump around like your front man...if I tried that I would undoubtedly end up on my arse..haha.

[quote name='pantherairsoft' timestamp='1349813314' post='1830994'] I guess it's more of a direct promotional tool that a music video. But we'll call it a music video to sound much cooler Ha. [/quote] Great to see your board looking and sounding awesome...Thought I would just show a quick video of my board explaining simple effects used in my cover of Animals by Muse...Most of you will know all of this stuff so sorry if I am teaching you to suck eggs. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qn1iv9fSro[/media]