Mr.T

[quote name='Clive Thorne' post='498130' date='May 26 2009, 05:00 PM']Out of interest, why not? I've had great results with it, though admitedly I've never actually used it on a guitar.[/quote] I am not knocking any method that may work, but.... I have been in the custom paintwork trade for 30 years, and therefore have the 'proper' materials to hand. I would also be concerned if flatting with wire wool, that microfibres could find their way into pick-ups. Also.... As mentioned by silddx, if the neck is flatted 'properly' with 2000 W&D the finish can always be restored to a gloss if required.

[quote name='AM1' post='493311' date='May 20 2009, 02:52 PM']If you ain't sweating then you're playing something w@nky, like jazz [/quote] Cool people just NEVER sweat! I leave that to our G**tarist....

Cool people don't sweat....

Each to their own, but.... I would rather own a bass that has been cared for and loved! I have owned my Status Empathy for 20 years, it has done hundreds of gigs, and it is still 'Mint'. I wonder if a beautiful young girl has ever had cosmetic surgery to make her look 'Relic-ed'?

I just don't understand the thinking behind 'Relic-ing'.... I wonder if anyone has ever bought a brand new car/motorcycle and relic-ed it?

Many years ago the strings on my bass went live due to an electrical fault. IT HURTS. Always use a breaker.... indoors or out!

+1 for Squier. My VMJ honestly seems to play better than the 70's Fenders I have owned/played... Back in the old days. (Or is my memory playing tricks?)

15 to 20 years ago I had to change my strings every few gigs... due to them going off. Maybe as I am getting older I sweat less, I can now get a year out of a set! Gigging almost as often, and still using Roto Rounds. Try using D'Andrea string cleaner.... If you can find it.

[quote name='Rayman' post='488553' date='May 15 2009, 09:44 AM']Nice bike mate, is that you in the avatar?[/quote] Thanks, it took me two years to build.

Having owned and sold 70's Fenders when they were new(ish), I can honestly say that my Squier VM Jazz is equal to any of them in sound/playability. However, I understand the concept of desirability for older basses (although I wouldn't call the 70's 'vintage'). If I had kept some of the basses that I have owned, I would be a rich man.... but at the time some of them were so bad they just were not worth keeping!

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='487251' date='May 13 2009, 08:47 PM']Thanks for the tips chaps. I'm a bit undecided whether to go ahead, but if I do, I'll probably post some before/during/after pics. The scotchbrite pads method seems appealing so maybe I'll experiment with that & some 2000 grit wet & dry on my old 80s westone guitar first to get a feel for both methods.[/quote] ...Or remove the neck and 'matt' the heel where it doesn't show. If you are going to use pads: I would definately suggest that you use the fine grade Scotch pads that are available from car paint suppliers. (They are designed to matt off a gloss finish... not remove burned on baked beans from a saucepan!). Oh... and make sure that you use the Scotch pad wet. Just make sure that you keep your hand (or fingers) flat to get an even finish.

[quote name='martthebass' post='487273' date='May 13 2009, 09:01 PM']Status..... pull out a Streamline and see the grins/smirks at a jam night that turn to smiles when you plug it in.[/quote] I get a similar thing with my Headless Status 2000. I have only gigged it three times, but if one more more person comes up and tells me "The end is broken off"......

Status. Well balanced, reliable, built like a tank, versatile. Not much a Status can't do!!

[quote name='chris_b' post='484929' date='May 11 2009, 11:29 AM']Use the finest Wet & Dry you can find and just take the thinnest layer of surface off. Don't go through the varnish and definitely [i]don't[/i] go through to the wood.[/quote] Yep... Certainly no coarser than 1500 grit and preferably 2000 grit.

If you have a car paint supplier near you, there are '3M Scotch' pads designed specifically for matting down the finish. They are used on awkward to get to areas, and available in different grades. Much better than pinching the green scourer out of the kitchen! Also... 2000 grit 'Wet & Dry' will do a nice job. (I wouldn't even consider using wire wool).

[quote name='Zach' post='483588' date='May 9 2009, 10:03 AM']headless - Bahaus movement.[/quote] ?

5 strings... Will he play the B, or use it as a thumbrest?

To be honest... Any Status bass looks cool.

A bass for £500 that sounds like a Precision? errr.... How about a Precision?

JayDee... Oh God, not another Mark King Wannabee! I agree that a black headless Status looks cool (I would, wouldn't I) particularly when worn at the 'proper' height (on the gut) and being played finger-style!