Silky999

That’s sold unfortunately

So changing the strings on my 1989 Ibanez SR800, the saddle for D string has cracked across the securing hex bolt and is in big piece and a little piece. It’s an Omni-Adjust/GOTOH 206 4 string bridge in black which isn’t made any more and hasn’t for some years so I can’t find a direct replacement bridge or saddle. I have managed to secure the saddle back down but it’s not going to last. Any suggestions for a replacement bridge? The original has an unusual screw pattern so I’m struggling to find a direct drop in. I’m happy to consider Hipshot, Schaller, GOTOH or anything else that fits the bill

I’ve put some tapewounds on and I think I have found my perfect sound. The Model Js and tapes just really seem to gel.

The luthier was really impressed with John East’s customer service and actually spoke to the man himself on the phone about some jumper questions. if anything the uni-pre is too adjustable with its little circuit board dials for bottom and top bass freq. selection and treble freq selection as well as pots

I’d really recommend the East Uni-pre. I managed to find a pre owned one about half price on flea bay. As I said, the only headache was enlarging the pot holes from 7mm to about 9mm for the concentric pots. I wasn’t confident to do it myself especially after spending weeks doing the oil finish so got Richard Pilkington at Reading Guitar Repairs do do that and fit the new pups and preamp at the same time. If you’re handy, I’m sure it isn’t that difficult. The instructions with the East are very clear. It does need copper foil put in the electronics compartment to ground the pots against not just the usual paint but that was a couple of quid.

My Warwick Rockbass Corvette is finally finished and all working. It started out as a 2009 Rockbass Corvette Basic 4. The previous owner had the truss rod repaired and an ebony fretboard fitted at the same time. I stripped the original finish and hand sanded it with oil. Then the preamp wouldn’t work so I decided to upgrade to a John East Uni-pre 4 running at 18v along with some Dimarzio Model J pickups. Got it back from the luthier as the pot holes needed enlarging and wiring isn’t my strong point. it sounds so much better with more punch and definition but still has that Warwick growl. It’s much more versatile now. I can’t recommend the East preamp more highly. The luthier also commented on being able to speak to John East on the phone about some wiring queries. The Model Js have a decent output for passives and for the price are fantastic. From this; To this;

A company called Vinyl Revolution in Oxford and it was £125 if I remember correctly. I supplied the bass body stripped of everything ie pickups, bridge, neck off, pots removed

I had mine vinyl wrapped;

Thanks folks, I went further than the guide and basically kept applying oil and sanding through 600, 1200, 2000, 3500, 5000 grit wet and dry. just be more careful than me putting the bass back together as it’s so easy especially with softer woods like Alder to mark the body. There is the option of using some oil based poly before the wax if you wanted a more durable finish.

I followed this guide over on TB and used Liberon Finishing Oil followed by Liberon Black Bison wax. I think it was 10 sanded in coats of oil and 4 coats of wax. The body is Alder so I wasn’t expecting much figuring but was pleasantly surprised. The oil makes the wood slightly darker which I like. APPLYING A SANDED-IN OIL FINISH SURFACE PREPARATION AND FINISHING PUTTIES: Although it is better to repair a broken or missing piece of wood with a scrap of the same species (preferably from the same board), putties can be used. Three different kinds are marketed: Oil-Based Water-Based Solvent-Based Putties that use acetone-based solvents will begin to evaporate and harden as soon as the container is opened, despite your best efforts to promptly seal the container immediately after use; acetone is a highly volatile compound with extremely small molecules, and it is a tenacious escape artist -- it will find and escape through any irregularity in the containers seal. Scrupulously cleaning the mating surfaces of the lid and container before resealing the container can help minimize these losses. Applying a layer of plastic wrap across the top of the can before reinserting the lid can help by acting as an additional barrier to prevent solvent from escaping. Some manufacturers (e.g., Woodpatch) place the labels on their cans upside-down to encourage consumers to store the product with the lid facing down, which helps thwart solvent evaporation. The instructor adds a small, sacrificial, quantity of acetone to the container before resealing, and stores his cans bottom-side-up. It is also helpful to write the date the can was opened on the bottom of the can with a felt-tip pen. If a previously-used can of putty has begun to dry out, it can often be rejuvenated if it is still pliable by mixing in additional solvent. Although putties are best reserved for projects that will be painted, stain-grade projects can include some putty if judiciously applied and finished. In either case, however, it is important to read the labels of both the putty and the finishing products to ensure they are compatible. A shop-made putty made from same-species sawdust and a few drops of finish (e.g., shellac) can be used in inconspicuous areas, however, the limitations endemic to manufactured putties pertain to shop-made putty as well. Shop-made putties using glue and sawdust are best limited to painted projects. Putties seldom match the color of the wood to which they are being applied, display completely different texture from the sourroounding wood tissue, and do not absorb stains and finishes the same way the adjacent wood fibers absorb them. Many wood species (e.g., cherry) change color with age, while putties do not. When putty is used in a project that will be stained, oiled, or otherwise remain visible when finished, a bit of camouflage can be achieved using artists brushes, artists colors, and stain, to emulate the coloration and grain patterns of the surrounding wood fibers. Putty can be difficult to apply without contaminating wood fibers in the area surrounding the repair. These smears will be visible when clear finishes and stains are applied. One technique that can minimize this kind of damage, is to apply blue painters tape before applying putty: When installing moldings that will be face-nailed and puttied, first apply painters tape, then nail through the tape, then apply putty through the hole in the tape. When the tape is removed, the area surrounding the filled nail hole will not have been contaminated by putty smears. DENTS & CRUSHED FIBERS: Damage to a work piece during the construction process seems all but inevitable. A dent (compressed wood fibers) can be repaired by applying moisture and heat directly to the dented area, causing the wood fibers to swell and expand to almost their original volume. Start by lightly scraping the dent and the area immediately surrounding it. Then, apply a few drops of water directly to the dent and allow it to absorb into the wood fibers for a few minutes. Next, dampen a small area of a clean cloth and apply it directly over the dent. Using a clothes iron set to high, apply heat to the dented area through the moist cloth with the pointed tip of the iron, taking care not to press the iron into the wood. Avoid the temptation to lie the iron flat against the wood -- the objective is not to iron the wood, it is to apply heat and moisture only to the dented area in order to achieve localized swelling of the wood fibers. The instructor demonstrated this technique by inflicting four dents in a board. He then scraped two, leaving two un-scraped as a control. After circling the dents lightly in pencil, he steamed the dents. Those that had been scraped were virtually invisible, while the un-scraped dents were observable and could be felt. SCRAPING AND SANDING: People tend not to notice perfection, but readily notice imperfections: an award-winning project depends as much on the avoidance of conspicuous faults as it does meticulous joinery and application of finishes. When a finish has been successfully applied, people will have an urge to touch your project; to have their sense of touch confirm what their eyes have observed, and to fully appreciate the tactile qualities of the surfaces. It makes sense for the artisan to employ these same senses during the finishing process. Use your fingers to inspect the prepared surfaces; can you feel defects or irregularities that may be observable when finish is applied? Using an inspection light at an angle to the work piece will cast shadows that will exaggerate surface imperfections; once found, they can be corrected. One of the most common finishing errors is the failure to completely remove mill marks before finishes are applied; these kinds of imperfections will be magnified when the finish is applied. This is because the scalloped surfaces presented by mill marks expose segments of end-grain which absorb stains and finishes at a different rate than face or edge fibers. While scraping or planing removes mill marks quickly, leaving a surface that is ready for 200-grit abrasives, the wood fibers are compressed and burnished to some extent (Tangentially, Japanese temple builders maintain their chisels and planes in such a super-sharp state that the wood fibers are compressed and burnished so effectively that water is repelled, making the application of wood finishes unnecessary). When finishes or stains will be applied, it is important to use abrasives after scraping and planing to prepare the wood fibers to consistently receive the finish. Abrasives cut across the wood fibers, creating a condition in which the wood surface is analogous to myriad wicks, thirstily absorbing stains and finishes, and allowing them to penetrate more-or-less evenly and uniformly. When water-based stains or finishes are applied, the wood fibers absorb the water swell, and the grain is raised, resulting in a rough surface. Deliberately raising the grain before applying water-based products minimizes this effect. After sanding through 220-grit, apply water to the wood surface and allow it to dry for 24-hours. Then, re-sand with 220-grit abrasive to remove the raised fibers, and apply the water-based product. A glue size (a solution containing 90% distilled water and 10% hide glue) applied before finishing can serve as a barrier coat that limits the absorption of successive finish layers, and can help reduce uneven absorption exhibited in end-grain and the blotching that can occur when stains are applied to certain species. OIL FINISHES: The two oils commonly used in the manufacture of oil finishes are Linseed oil and Tung oil. Linseed oil is derived from the flax seed, while Tung oil is extracted from the nut of a Tung tree. Without further treatment, these oils would dry too slowly to make them suitable as wood finishes. Metallic driers are added to Linseed oil, which is then heated, resulting in a product commonly known as Boiled Linseed Oil. Tung oil is heat treated to achieve polymerization - a state in which the molecules are bound together in long strands. In 1989 the A.Q.M.D. (California Air Quality Management District) mandated changes to reduce VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) common in many wood finishes. These regulations resulted in the reformulation of many time-tested products that had achieved superior results as wood finishes, and stimulated the inordinate growth of water-based products. Prior to this time, Watcos Danish Oil products were favored by many woodworkers for their ease of application, short drying times, and superior finishes. The reformulations mandated by the A.Q.M.D. in 1989 yielded products that were generally inferior to pre-89 products and did not dry properly. After experimenting with many oil finishes in search of a product with characteristics comparable to the venerable Watco Danish Oil, Liberon Finishing Oil (a Tung oil-based product imported from England), was selected as the best oil finish. Minwax Antique Oil Finish (in the red can) also provides acceptable results, although it does not dry as quickly as Liberon Finishing Oil. Other Liberon products also work exceptionally well, including their French import Black Bison Clear Fine Paste Wax (available in neutral and several tinted shades), and their steel wool, an un-oiled product that is graded for consistent texture and scratch pattern, and is clearly superior to other steel wool on the market. NOTE: Steel wool should not be used in conjunction with water-based finishes, as steel particles will become embedded in the finish and will create unsightly black specks in the finish. When using water-based finishes, synthetic abrasive pads are available in several color-coded levels of abrasiveness. Scotch-Brite is one example. While bronze wool will not rust like steel, it is very fragile and disintegrates quickly. NOTE: An oil finish, while very suitable for the exterior of fine furniture projects, is not recommended for the interiors of cabinets, drawers, et al. Even with ample air circulation, an oil finish will not cure properly, and an unpleasant odor will linger long after the project has been completed. SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION: Before describing the process of applying an oil-based finish, a discussion of spontaneous combustion is warranted. Simply stated, spontaneous combustion describes [oil-soaked] materials bursting into flame: a very dangerous condition that should be avoided at all cost. Three components are required for combustion: Fuel Oxygen Heat An oil-soaked rag item provides the fuel, and there is abundant Oxygen in the atmosphere. As oils polymerize, they generate heat. A rag lying flat readily gives off this heat to the atmosphere and combustion temperature is never achieved. However, in a folded rag or wad of steel wool, the heat is not allowed to dissipate -- it is contained in folds and pockets, and the temperature continues to build until combustion is achieved. Because spontaneous combustion is so likely, and the dangers so severe, caution should be exercised to prevent an occurrence. This is achieved by closely monitoring all oil-contaminated products during use (never leave an oil-saturated applicator unattended), and by promptly disposing of oil-soaked rags, unfolding them and spreading them flat on a concrete or dirt surface, away from all combustion sources, until completely dry. When the oil has thoroughly dried, you are left with a rag Frisbee that can be safely placed in a trash container. APPLYING AN OIL FINISH: Each finishing session will require seven to eight hours when applying a hand-rubbed oil finish; between half-an-hour to an hour to apply and sand-in the oil, followed by six hours of monitoring and surface maintenance. This isnt a project to start at 10:00 p.m. unless you are prepared to be up all night. Work on only one or two reasonably-sized surfaces at a time - dont attempt to apply the finish to an entire project at once. One of the benefits of an oil finish is that there is no need to finish an entire project at once, or to maintain a wet edge. You can stop and start as you please, as long as you thoroughly remove all slurry before it dries and becomes thick and unworkable. After sanding to 220-grit, prepare silicon carbide wet-or-dry sandpaper in three grits: 220-grit 320-grit 400-grit 600-grit Tear or cut the abrasive into sizes that will be convenient and manageable when folded in thirds (I divide sheets of abrasive into eighths). Youll also need to prepare an ample supply of clean, absorbent, lint-free rags with which residual slurry can be removed. Wet the wood surface with finishing oil, rubbing it in with your hands until the surface fibers are saturated. The instructor keeps his finishing oil in a squeeze bottle (with an airtight lid), for easier and better-controlled application. Start with 220-grit and sand the oiled wood, with the grain, until a slurry of oil and sawdust is created. Once a slurry has been created you can sand in circular or figure-eight patterns. Work one small area at a time, until the surface is consistently smooth and the slurry has been packed into the open pores of the wood. After perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, the surface(s) you have been working will be consistently sanded to 220-grit, and the slurry will have begun to thicken. Now its time to wipe all remaining slurry from the surface of the wood with a clean rag. The instructor uses manicurists orange sticks, wrapped in a clean cloth, to remove all traces of the slurry from corners and areas containing detail and tight radii. This needs to be accomplished before the product becomes too dry and gummy to remove easily - with Liberon Finishing Oil, you have about twenty minutes. With other oil finishes, such as Minwax Antique Oil Finish, you have a little longer - perhaps three-quarters of an hour. You will need to monitor your project for bleed-back over the next six hours. Bleed-back is the term used to describe residual oil that will ooze from the wood pores up to the wood surface as the finish polymerizes. Bleed-back will appear as small bumps of finish on the surface of the wood. Inspect your work once an hour, wiping away bleed-back with a clean rag. Then allow the first coat to dry for 48 hours before proceeding. When you have sanded the oil finish into the entire surface of the project using 220-grit abrasive, repeat the process with 320-grit. Wait twenty-four hours and repeat the process with 400-grit; after another twenty-four hours and repeat the process with 600-grit. Allow at least seven days for the finish to cure before applying two thin coats of hard paste wax containing Carnauba wax.

The Corvette is finished......well apart from cocking up wiring and a broken pot so no output at the moment lol Before...... After...

Thanks! This is after coats 3 and 4. It’s definitely Alder as confirmed by Warwick serial number checker on their website. I just need to work on the gloss now so I will be using 0000 steel wool between coats. The wood itself feels lovely and I am finding the whole process very therapeutic lol

So my Rockbass Corvette already had the old fretboard replaced with Ebony whilst having broken truss rod repaired by the previous owner. The bottom of the Just a nut was also replaced for brass. The body was dinked and with the factory low gloss finish didn’t look anything special and very worn. I had seen some posts about hand sanded oil finishes and thought I’d have a go. The body is Alder so wasn’t expecting anything fancy in wood figuring. I sanded the factory finish off the body and prepped for Liberon Finishing Oil which I am currently hand sanding in with increasingly finer grades of wet and dry sandpaper. I’m on day 2 of oil so 2nd coat and sand. I’m hoping to get a few more coats on at 24 hr intervals before curing and then wax. I’m pleasantly surprised by the results so far so I thought I post a few pics. I’ve also taken the finish back on the neck a little as it was a bit sticky. I’m going for a gloss finish on the bodyand will replace the plastic Just a nut with brass to match the base of it. A new preamp and job’s a good ‘un! so first pic is factory finish 2nd is sanded off finish 3rd is second coat of Liberon and sand today 4th & 5th is coat 7 sanded in with 2500 grit

And here it is.....

So I have said yes to a Used Rockbass Corvette with active pickups and preamp. It’s had a new truss rod and at the same time an ebony fretboard put on so looks lovely.

Would I be disappointed with a Rockbass Corvette compared to the Spector NS2000? i don’t mean that in a snobby way as I’m not label obsessed. I’m just looking for the best bang for my buck.

Well the Streamer STD is off the cards after the seller admitted to having other offers and wanting payment via Paypal friends and family prior to collection. I withdrew my offer.......back to the drawing board lol.

The only concern I have is the reported low output of the Streamer STD. it’s seems I have 2 potential solutions; replace the preamp with something like an EMG BTC or get a preamp pedal. Which option would sound better?

So after much lurching from Spector to Warwick and vice versa, I decided to get....... a passive Warwick Streamer Standard 4 made in 2002 with the MEC pickup. Picking it up at next weekend and very excited! i went Warwick as the pickup configuration is nothing like I have, it’s passive which I don’t have in the collection and I like idea of keeping older guitars going(Like my 1989 SR). Also it’s a German made for not a lot of money. Thanks for all the advice and opinions. I really appreciated it.

Thanks folks.....I would ideally like the NS2000. I’ll see how much I get in the old pay packet lol

I’m edging towards Spector. I have seen a lovely NS2000/4 with EMG HZ PUPS going for £500 and what looks like a Legend with EMG SSD pups for £275 but in a more used condition. I’m not sure where both basses sit/sat in the Spector range? There’s no way to AB them as both being sold privately miles apart. Is the NS2000 a markedly better bass in sound and quality or are both just different takes on the same flavour?

Thanks for the replies. I prefer a thinner neck and was looking at a rock bass or 2nd hand German corvette or $$ for Warwick. The Warwick I have played was a ltd edition £5000 job at Andertons so I’m not expecting a rock bass or Corvette to sound/feel the same! I really like the look and finish of the Spector Classic especially with the burl top and there seems a lot of love on Basschat for Spector

I’m looking to add to my arsenal and I am trying to decide between a lovely Spector legend classic 4 or a Warwick Corvette. I’ve played a Warwick before and liked the neck but have never got my hands on a Spector. The Spector has Bartolinis and obviously the Warwick has Mecs. I already have a couple of Ibanez SR. I’m looking for something different to the Ibanez sound. I’d really like some opinions to help me decide......

I had and got rid of a Cort C4 LTD. Amazing bass for the money with a lovely neck and stunning finish. I really regret selling it. I’d put Cort up there with more expensive brands when it comes to bang for buck. My youngest has got an Action Deluxe that he’s learning on and the build quality is exceptional.

Funk Soul Brother.......