radansey

Thanks. The photo's unfortunately do not show the depth of the wood grain due to the flash. I've just sanded-off with 1200 grid and re-oiled - looks even deeper grained when wet. After a long toss-up (!!!) between Tung OIl and Danish Oil I decided on the latter, with a view to switching to Tung for the final finishing coats.

First coat of oil. [attachment=102723:DSC_8688.JPG] [attachment=102725:DSC_8690.JPG] [attachment=102726:DSC_8691.JPG] [attachment=102727:DSC_8694.JPG] Re-sanding today in prep of second coat. Ross

Further to my previous posts, the progress of the oil-finish re-fin of my Spector. First stage - sanding using 220, 320 and finally 1200 grit in preparation for the first coat of oil. [attachment=102718:DSC_8596.JPG] [attachment=102719:DSC_8598.JPG] [attachment=102720:DSC_8602.JPG] [attachment=102721:DSC_8601.JPG] More progress to follow. Ross

I was intending to dilute the first coat 50:50 with white spirit so this should seal the wood nicely (I think!!)

OK, started the refin last night. Started with medium sanding pad to even-out the minor dings, surface marks etc, then moved to 320 grit to sand smooth. Wetted off and then repeated the 320 grit. Then time for bed (not before cleaning the kitchen floor to appease the missus). Will probably do a bit more tonight using 1200 grit in preparation for starting laying-on the oil over the weekend. A couple of questions, Will the oil soak into the end-grain so I don't get an even colour over the entire body? How smooth does the sanding have to be before I oil? I hoping that by using 1200 grit most of the marks will disappear? The body is marked 'oil' and '30/4' under the bridge so I can confirm the original as an oil finish and assume April 30th. The EMG's are USA-made and dated 15/03/2003 so I take it that the date of manufacture between 2003 and 2008 although the dot inlays place this to be around 2004/2005. Can anyone confirm or dispute this?? Pics to follow, Ross

[font=Arial][size=2][quote name='radansey' timestamp='1330979884' post='1565825'] Con's Neck was too wide and 'clubby' compared to my Curbow Prefer Volume/Blend to Volume/Volume Not sure what the sticker was hiding. [/quote][/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]I have now had time to inspect the innards - the volume pots are both 500K A (log). In my box of cra.., I mean useful stuff, I've found a dual-gang 250K blend pot so I am intending the replace the two pots with the blend pot (and then add a master volume between the pre-amp o/p and the jack). Does this seem feasible and would the change from 500K to 250K have any effect. Incidentally, the pre-amp appears to be a TonePump without the trim-pot.[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]Please be aware that this is the start of a series of D/H questions??[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]TIA,[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]Ross [/size][/font]

[quote name='radansey' timestamp='1331328781' post='1571629'] Took the Spector along to practice tonight. All I had done was to remove the sticker (still a little dirty - especially in the grain) and tuned-up. The sound blew me away although I do need to have a proper play with the controls. The action is a little on the high side so I may need to shim the neck-pocket. Overall very pleased. Since it is a natural finish, what is the recommended filler. I'm also a bit wary of sanding too deep and ending-up with an uneven colour. Should I use lacquer or an oiled finish?? PS. I'll try and take some pics and post over the weekend. [/quote] Pics attached. [attachment=102108:DSC_8581.JPG] [attachment=102109:DSC_8582.JPG] [attachment=102110:DSC_8583.JPG] [attachment=102111:DSC_8584.JPG] [attachment=102113:DSC_8585.JPG] [attachment=102116:DSC_8587.JPG] [attachment=102119:DSC_8588.JPG] [attachment=102121:DSC_8589.JPG] [attachment=102122:DSC_8590.JPG] A bit concerned how to clean the general grubbiness - hopefully it has not become too ingrained. Any advice on how to do a oil/wax finish would be most welcome. Ross

Took the Spector along to practice tonight. All I had done was to remove the sticker (still a little dirty - especially in the grain) and tuned-up. The sound blew me away although I do need to have a proper play with the controls. The action is a little on the high side so I may need to shim the neck-pocket. Overall very pleased. Since it is a natural finish, what is the recommended filler. I'm also a bit wary of sanding too deep and ending-up with an uneven colour. Should I use lacquer or an oiled finish?? PS. I'll try and take some pics and post over the weekend.

Well, I went back and had another look and now am the proud owner of a Spector. In the cold light of day, the neck is not too bad after all - just different from the Curbow. There are some 'dings' and a little buckle rash but generally good nick - not bad for £150. I would like to reduce the level of the 'dings' - any ideas? Sand down and refin? Ross

Yeas, it's a bit of a bugger. The neck was noticeably a deeper C shape than my Curbow which has a really shallow profile. Maybe I've been spoilt by the Curbow and the Spector is normal.

Hmm, starting to have second thoughts The pre-amp is generic?? Any cop??

Went for a shufti this evening, Pro's Seemed legit. Not too bad condition Con's Neck was too wide and 'clubby' compared to my Curbow Prefer Volume/Blend to Volume/Volume Not sure what the sticker was hiding. It pained me, I walked away Mainly since I do not think that this is a bass that I could get on with. This is a bargain bass for someone (just not me!!) Thanks for all the advice. Ross

How do I check? I don't want to get nicked by the rozzers

[quote name='BassBus' timestamp='1330859548' post='1563777'] At about £1200 new I'd just rip his hand off. That is unless it has no neck, or pickups or electronics or... [/quote] This is a plain wood body (maple), bolt-on neck with dot inlays, black hardware, and EMG Hz PU's. Not sure of the vintage, could be an early one. Still worth the money??

I have been offered a Czech Spector Rebop 5 for £150. Before I rip his hand-off, what are the pitfalls I should be looking for? Definite GAS, but will it beat my Tanglewood Curbow 5-er?? I know, Dick-head questions Ross

Can you not use the original strap-button screws or are they too large in diameter? I had to turn-down the heads of the original screws when I fitted Schallers to my Curbow - since the body was luthite, I didn't want to risk it.

It is more like a cross between a PRS and a Les Paul.

There is no catch, they are made in Korea though. Top notch spec and all the reviews are very favourable. Mine was a steal, mahogany body, maple book-matched top - edge-bound, mahogany neck/ebony board, Grover machines, abalone block markers, graphite nut. I couldn't resist.

£150. Luckily, it was local to me so it was easy to collect. The only problem is to gradually introduce it to the family without detection

Just bought a cherry-top one of these secondhand off Ebay. [url="http://www.michaelkellyguitars.com/patriot_custom.html"]http://www.michaelke...iot_custom.html[/url] Porn or what!!

No, he is Guy Morel not Guy Pratt

[quote name='radansey' post='1365755' date='Sep 7 2011, 08:54 PM']Immediate, rapid response from Lee - now sorted. Top man. Brilliant customer support. Downloaded schematics = Happy Ross (now where did I put that DMM??) Ross[/quote] T-shirt arrived in the post today. Many Thanks Ross