I'm putting this as a feeler, because I'm not sure if I can bring myself to sell it, as I know I will regret instantly, and I won't find another, but if it sells quick, then it will take away that decision.
This bass started out as a Crinson replica bass, they are classical instrument makers, and made a handful of blackguard telecaster guitars, and this bass, several years ago now. I bought it because it just blew me away, the best relic work I've ever seen.
I've built a few project basses before, and get a bit OCD with attention to detail, and when i got it, a few things bothered me, so this is the additional work i did;
Re-routed the back to take the larger set of string ferrules, which now sit flush, I acquired an original set of '55 ferrules a few years ago, so on they went. This wasn't easy, as the older ferrules have a lip, which sits flush, so it needed routing twice.
I made a replica maple thumb rest, sized and shaped on my real ones, which I painted black, relic’d, and then nitro clear coated it, before fitting.
I replaced the matt black pickguard, with a Bakelite reissue version from the USA, which I relic’d, and again, nitro clear coated, to help it crack, and age with time
I had an original string tree from 1954, so thought I’d use that up too.
Fender PAT PEND, and serial number stamped bridgeplate, rarer than a rare thing
I bought a set of NOS slot head screws for the chrome covers, pickguard, neckplate and thumbrest
Finally I relic’d the chrome covers, and after putting on the flatwounds, screwed them on to finish the piece off.
Swapped the knobs for correct style dome heads, and relic'd
Reissue long stem Kluson reverse tuners.
I’m delighted with the results, and you would now have to remove the neck to see it’s not original, I still can’t believe how authentic the neck and body ageing looks, they did a terrific job, best I’ve seen. the work on the neck is stunning. Less money than a common or garden Fender Custom Shop, and we all know what they're like.
Not comparable with other relics available. This is proper work, and lacquer checking, not sanded areas. Unique bass.
If you've always wanted a Blackguard Precision, this is as close as you'll get without getting an original for 10x the price.
Pickup is a unique one-off handmade pickup.
PM if interested. Loads more pics available.
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