White Cloud

It's actually got nothing to do with being grumpy, old, or a git ... its a microcosmic reflection upon the rapidly declining standards of acceptible behaviour so evident today in our society. Bad manners, rudeness, selfishness and lack of courtesy are blatantly on show like never before (Trump / Westminster anyone?). It might currently be 'on trend' to act in that way however, it remains appalling nonetheless.

In my opinion Fender basses are quite agricultural... in a good way. They are built in a simplistic, yet robust way. Remember, Fenders considered to be 'the best' ever made, are the oldest... often look like they've taken a real beating... but are still going strong! If this bass hasn't been obviously abused then I'm fairly confident that there wont be anything that a good set-up wont put right. The Highway One Fenders have a good reputation, and to the best of my knowledge sell in the UK for between £600 - £700 or so. Good luck.

Beautiful ... but looks like it would be a bugger to play with that figuring

Love that Ken Smith btw... sweet bass!

John East is a genius and an absolute gent.

Thank you Andy! Perhaps I should kick this project into the long grass ... a shame as this bass wont see too much action in my band😣

Sincere apologies folks, I've lost a handle on what's being recommended as a solution here... (my fault not yours) Is the suggestion that the existing fingerboard remains fitted, with an additional fretted board fitted to it?

Yes, pictures sent. Chris didn't speak in absolutes however, given that it's a neck-thru offered the aforementioned as his initial assessment. Personally, I'd trust him implicitly on whatever he decides given his reputation and experience.

Just a wee update I made initial contact with Chris May today and it seems that the best way to go is to plane the fingerboard off, then replace with a new fretted one. Rather him than me 😮 Considering Chris hand made this bass I reckon he is 'the man' for the task..

Yes, I can now see the confusion... no intention to confuse, apologies to all for the omission. I've taken your advice btw and contacted Overwater for guidance. Nice steer!

I wouldn't want to get into that 🙄... I received it from the very fellow who comissioned it. He was a very nice chap indeed and I had the better end of the deal!

Thanks! Yes, I can play it quite well however, I think it'll make a killer fretted👍

I suppose this thread is useless without pics😁

I think an inquiry to Chris May is probably the best option!

I agree; I consider this bass to be in the 'Wal category'

It has side dots in the conventional fretted position (commissioned this way by the original customer against the advice of Chris May aparently). Definitely want to keep this bass, have wanted one for decades... I'll keep it as a fretless if needs be.

Its unlined, a gorgeous piece of Ebony!

Hi fellow basschatters: I'm seeking some guidance. I've recently acquired a fantastic handmade Overwater Progress Elite 5 string fretless in a trade... It's a stunning bass as is -however, it would probably better serve my musical adventures with frets. So, the defretting process of a conventional fretted neck is very well documented... but conversely there is next to nothing out there on t'internet on adding frets to a factory fitted fretless! Can it be done? As the Overwater is neck-thru I'm guessing a new fingerboard might be the only way... unless you know better???

Fantastic account, thanks for sharing! I've been a JB fan since the early 80's... I live about s 45 minute drive from that venue: I had no idea it was happening... Gutted😣

That is James Finnegan. I bought his Vigier Arpege from him back in the day: oddly enough, he bought a nice vintage Fender Jazz from me!