Jono Bolton

On Monday, I did a little bit of work on my SG. Epiphones are notorious for having a thick clear coat, so after a lot of research, I decided to get out my hand sander and flatten the poly for a "worn" look. Below is the guitar before:

I normally don't like white basses, but that's a thing of beauty!

Mr Foxen, I'm afraid this one is Indonesian, but it's still a very nice guitar. For £60 I can't be too picky, and my plan was to remove almost everything from and swap it all out for better quality parts.

Excuse the crap iPhone photo, but it's a bit dark in the living room, I'll get more up when I get a chance. Anyway, I picked this up today off Gumtree for the princely sum of 60 notes. It's my first guitar in over 2 and a half years, which was a worn brown G400, that I believe I sold to another BC'er (was it you? Can I have it back please?) It's in pretty good nick, although it's clearly been dropped as there's a couple of wee dings, and the tone knobs were pretty loose (sorted now though), and the silver top to one of the knobs is missing along with the black switch tip. After I've been paid on Friday I'll get some new strings on it and clean it up, and I fancy a full SG scratchplate rather than the half sized one on it just now. Also, can anyone suggest what to do with the finish? It's a bit too glossy and thick for my liking, I fancy a worn finish like the one I had before.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378731028' post='2203791'] You can't have sonic blue with a tort guard! It's against the law! I do like black gold and maple though, good call. [/quote] Thought someone would mention that! I'd swap out the gold guard for a black one if I ever do pick up one of the Classic 50s P Basses, I'm sorely tempted to flog the P and J I have at the moment to raise funds for one, I think I could safely say I'd be GAS-free for a long time if I did. Also, if a mod could send the link for this thread on to Santa, we'd all greatly appreciate it.

Something like this would be nice, sonic blue, rosewood board, tort scratchplate, blank headstock, close to perfect. I'm not massively GASsy though, I'm quite happy with my P Bass and my amp, although I'd prefer that the neck on the P Bass didn't have the plastic truss rod access that you have on Mexican Fenders, it just looks wrong and a bit cheap IMO. Also, I'm perpetually GASsing for one of these:

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378633666' post='2202537'] I'm afraid not - did you know it's actually illegal to use a tort guard with anything but aged olympic white or sunburst? It can result in a fine, community service, a month in prison and a sound lashing across the buttocks with a Minotaur strap. [size=4] [/size] [/quote] I have a tort guard on my P Bass, which is black with a rosewood board. f*** the system! The only thing that should be illegal is the use of cheap, printed tort. I've never understood why, even on a US Standard bass that costs close to a grand, Fender don't use decent celluloid for scratchplates.

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1378467657' post='2200717'] From Sandberg Configurator: I rest my case... [/quote] The last one there is the only one that catches my eye, the rest don't do anything for me. That, and WoT's lovely former Fender are the only examples that I could get on board with, everyone else, must try harder! Also, I realise that some of you might have basses in the colour combos I've previously derided, and it may even be your dream bass, so if I've offended anyone, I apologise! These are entirely my views, and as it's been pointed out, it's horses for courses. As long as you like it, it doesn't matter what I think!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1378412009' post='2200038'] I can't deny that rosewood is classic, but maple is lovely with the TV logo. Damn, I want my old bass back SO MUCH.... [/quote] I thought you might chip in with that and I have to hand it to you, that's lovely!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378408215' post='2199946'] Don't think maple works with sunburst and tort, but it can work with olympic white and tort.[/quote] And as a follow up, yuck! That's actually a double whammy, as I don't like white basses, but more so when it's white/tort/maple.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378408215' post='2199946'] Don't think maple works with sunburst and tort, but it can work with olympic white and tort. Maple certainly works with sunburst and gold anodized. I think maple also works with fiesta red and tort. My favourite combinations are oly white and black with maple and oly white with mint and maple. Just to confuse the issue. [/quote] Lord no! Golly gosh yes!

I've devised a theory that tortoise shell scratchplates only work on basses with dark wood fingerboards, rosewood, ebony etc. I've seen a few basses with tortoise shell plates and maple fingerboards, and to my eyes it just looks wrong. I can't quite put my finger on it, so here's a couple of pictures to illustrate my point: Doesn't that look awesome? Classic and cool. And in direct comparison: Isn't it horrible? The tortoise shell scratchplate just doesn't go with the neck at all in my eyes. It's not the contrast of the dark scratchplate with the light colour of the wood, because if the scratchplate was black it would be one of my favourite colour combinations. Naturally people will disagree with me, it's just my opinion, but what I'm asking of you, fellow Basschatters, is to post up your pics to try and convince me that tortoiseshell & maple is actually alright, and not a crime against aesthetics. Go!

I really like the sunburst/maple one, although I'd prefer a BBOT bridge to a Badass, could replace it and flog the Badass to make back some of that £1067

[quote name='Donnyboy' timestamp='1378325987' post='2198766'] yes that's a good idea - i just kinda thought the white didn't show off the lovely wood to best effect- should've left it in the sun - think we've had some this year. I 've got a Farmer's/ Scottish Tan [/quote] Yep, we've had a few days of sun over on the west coast too! I've seen a few '51s with the plates off, if yours has a nice grain to it I'd take it off.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378326814' post='2198780'] Can't really have anything but white on a 51-style burst... except tort? You don't see many 51-style tort guards. The Tele is really a perfect colour combo as it is... you could try mint (see my profile pic) or flat white would work with that body colour and maple. [/quote] Not tort for me, I think tort looks weird with maple, it only goes with rosewood/ebony fingerboard IMO, but then it's not my bass. Black might look good, but faded white or no plate would get my votes.

I think both are fine as they are. If you want something a bit less white for the '51 you could try staining it with tea, I've heard of people doing that before. Or you could leave it out in sunlight to go "off-white", the white scratchplate on my Jazz went very creamy, very quickly just by leaving it in my front room with the curtains open. Alternatively, you could just take the scratchplate off, always looks nice IMO.

[quote name='muddyman1' timestamp='1378232559' post='2197481'] [indent=1]I didn't expect so many replies to this question. You guys are really spoiling me with your suggestions and wise words. Many thanks and at the same time damn you all for opening up a whole load of alternative avenues to explore. Loving that Fender Custom made... perhaps a blind sale????? mmmmmmmm[/indent] [indent=1] [/indent] [indent=1][size=4] [/size][size=4] [/size][/indent] [indent=1] [/indent] [indent=1] [/indent] [indent=1] [/indent] [indent=1][size=4] [/size][/indent] [/quote] One of the good things (of which there are many) about Basschat is that it's a very honest community, and you can check sellers' feedback if you can't try something out before you buy. I bought a US Standard Precision blind that had been owned by Clarky and Old Horse Murphy that was exactly as described, excellent condition and the whole sale was completed in about 2 days. I actually sold it back to Nick (OHM), one day I think I'd like to buy it back if it's still in these parts.

[quote name='clauster' timestamp='1378201502' post='2196849'] If only it wasn't Sunburst [/quote] Heathen!

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1378197653' post='2196784'] Epiphone Les Paul = £150/200 S/H Fender Jazz Bass MIM = £300+ S/H Fender Jazz Bass CIJ = £500+ S/H Fender Jazz Bass USA = £600+ S/H If you do decide to part with it, I'm sure it is going to be worth at least TWICE what the Epi Les Paul is worth, so probably best to sell it, and then tour the shops and try out all the Epi's until you find the one you want. If you do a trade, then it should be your Jazz plus cash your way, not a straight swap. [/quote] The bass is Mexican, but I disagree with your valuation of a second hand MIM bass. If you have a look at the marketplace on here, there have been a lots of Mexican instruments (standard, not Classic reissues or anything like that), that have struggled to go around the £300 mark. I would say that £225-275 is a more realistic valuation, depending on condition. The seller of the LP is looking for £250, which seems to bea bit above the going rate for them at the minute, based on the ones I've looked at on ebay/Gumtree/etc. [quote name='TimR' timestamp='1378198160' post='2196794'] As a parent I would be more upset that my son kept an instrument in the back of a cupboard and never played it. Sell it for one you will play. [/quote] Good point [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378198468' post='2196802'] Swap it for the guitar. Like 99% of the general public, your parents most likely won't be able to tell the difference between them anyway. [/quote] I did think about that! I think what I'll do is have a word with my folks this week and explain the situation, I reckon they'd be more ok with it than I will. At the end of the day, it's a shame to see it sitting in the back of my wardrobe (or not seeing it, as it is), and someone may get more use out of it than I do, and any money I get from selling it could be put towards something I'll play on a daily basis.

Thanks for all your input guys. [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1378156124' post='2196501'] As long as you trade it for something you will use rather than bits and bobs like some trainers, top up your mobile, a night out etc I think its all good IMO. You could bring it up and explain the situation? [/quote] No plans to piss the money away if I sell it, any proceeds would be used to fund a purchase of something musically-related that I'd get some use of. [quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1378158196' post='2196535'] Tell you what, you could always ask them - assuming they're all well, and your still talking, et, though apologies if not. I know what you mean about gifts though - but it'd be interesting to hear what it means to them. [/quote] That was my plan really, although my parents seem to have it in their heads that I'm constantly buying and selling gear, when in reality I haven't bought anything for years. In my younger days I did have a massive turnover in gear though, including some deals that saw me get the sh*tty end of the stick (Epiphone LP Gold Top for a Squier Telecaster ) [quote name='Jack Cahalane' timestamp='1378159830' post='2196567'] Are you desperate for the money? If you are then sell it, if not then hang on to it for a few years and sell it when you do need the cash. [/quote] Nope, I'm not desperate for cash, as I said in the original post, I'd be looking to replace the bass with something I'd use. As it was a present, I'd still want to have something to show for the money they spent. [quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1378196475' post='2196772'] keep the J buy the LP simples [/quote] Not that simple I'm afraid. If I had the cash to buy the Les Paul outright I would have done so but as it happens, I don't have spare cash to buy anything just now. What I do have is something I don't use that I could potentially sell/trade to acquire something I would get regular use of.

I've got a Fender Jazz Bass that sits in the back of my wardrobe going unused. I don't play in a band so I have no real need for two basses, and my Precision is my go-to bass. I prefer the sound, the feel and the look of the Precision. So just get rid of the Jazz, right? Well, the Jazz was a present from my parents for my 18th, 8 years ago. It was my main bass when I didn't have another option, but since the P came, it hasn't had a look in. In any other circumstance it would have been sold, but because it was a present I can't bring myself to part with it, I'd feel too guilty. I also play guitar, but haven't had one for a few years now. Recently, I've seen an Epiphone Les Paul on Gumtree, with the seller looking for a trade on bass gear. I had an Epi LP before which I loved, so swapping seems like a good option as I'd use the guitar more, but would it be worth it to get rid of something that was a relatively expensive and thoughtful gift? Also, I don't want this to turn into guitar-bashing! Just opinions on selling or trading gifts, as ultimately it seems pretty ungrateful, doesn't it?

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1378102142' post='2195694'] Yes - a copy of a 57 with, if I recall correctly, the pickup as the custom shop models. There's red, sunburst and cream as I recall. They come up on here used fairly often. Very nice indeed to play. See the link musky posted I have the same pickup in my bass and the bass doc seemed to approve when he fitted it all together. [/quote] 4 finish options - 2 tone sunburst, black, honey blonde and Fiesta red. I tried one in a shop in Glasgow a few years back, and to this day, hands down the best P Bass I've ever played. If it wasn't Fiesta red I'd have bought it on the spot. Instead I went home and ordered a black on online which turned out to be out of stock. I was told that I could wait a few months and get one when they came back in stock and pay the price I'd paid because the prices were going up. I was too impatient and cancelled the order, and I still regret it. What a dick I am.

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1378046011' post='2195035'] ah my photos went pretty eh? [/quote] Outstanding!