andytoad

Just noticed the jazz with the earth plate you have been commenting on, possible tidy solution to save removal?

@bremen I guess a pilar drill and a decent metal bit? I will find out when I call..

@ossyrocks I'm in the SE and Andy Crockett is my go to chap. I need to have speaks with him in a day or two, so see how we go. I leave it in situ if it was earthed, but the original wire in non functional after testing

A cool cheers @ossyrocks , yeah pickguard is a modern replacement, i dont think i will try to source an original, but i reckon i will go for a roadworn or something in keeping with the body state. Interested to know more about bridge position, if the current screws sheer off, would this give the option to reposition (and leave the originals in situ (but hidden under the bridge)?

Gonna keep it as is, same as with the neck (aside from the refret). Also if the bridge plate is still earthed, I will keep it in situ, bearing in mind the previous posts.

Well after stripping down the rest of the body, there is still a connected earthwire to the bridge. I will try continuity with a multi meter, I can only presume its stopped working.

Yup the saddles are OK, the G-string screw was corroded to the bridge plate, but I managed to ease it off. What's the views on applying rust remover to the springs and screws? Should I go me gentle with WD-40 or the like? I'm thinking the latter.

Yup, I've ordered some penetrant, see how we go. Going to call my local chap first to see if he can remove the screws if I damage them.

I could give my usual chap a call and see if he does that sort of thing, seeing as he will be refretting it anyway. Good prompt

Yup

It's in an interestingly nasty condition, I don't particularly want to touch it with my actual skin!! Where's my HAZMAT suit?

They don't look too happy at the suggestion of movement that's for sure. Chance of getting them all out without breaking? Slim I reckon.

I've kept the earth wire soldered 8n place so I can default back if I need to, poor old bridge plate!

And so it begins... strings off. Deffo some serious wear on the frets..

..and any rash like symptoms

I'm hoping they are, I'm saving that discovery for after the bridge tho 🙂. I've got a multimeter so can check bits.

It does kinda of look like I need the WHO to advise on the way forward with it. I'm sure I saw it twitch.

I've got to say, it does seem to have that instant playability, you know the connection you get when you first lay your hands on a bass? It feels right. I had an Olympic white '71 that should have been likewise, I really wanted it to be a keeper, but it just diddnt have 'it'.

First up, the bridge. Its in a hell of a state, I don't know if I can free up the screws? If not, I'm thinking of treating with a dash of penetrating oil (careful of the body) over the period of a few days and then gentle persuasion with the screwdriver. Dissassemble, try to clean back the rot and see if the components are still usable. Possibly replace with a quality aged replacement. Any thoughts?

Off the back of the Vintage Fender thread I purchased a '74 P-bass on Reverb, beaten up just how I like them (not everyone's cup of tea I know). It needs work to get it up to scratch, the main things being: 1. A refret. 2. Replace the installed electronics back to the original (if they are usable) and earth wire 3. Change the scratch plate 4. See if I can free off the bridge from the body consider reconditioning or replacing. 5. Add my favourite flats. Happy to listen to constructive advice as I update this thread.

Can I do fictional? Who could forget the best 'air bass' ever......? And dont get me started Derek Smalls. Infact most of Spinal Tap play bass.

Ah OK, I only had previous experience years ago on a US P with steels on, could be worth a go as I mainly play with flats these days.

Sounds like a plan!

Feck.. several Kronenbergs in, I've just panic bought it. Refret incoming me thinks. I'm gonna get the original electronics checked out for reinstallation, if the pots have had it, maybe just the pickups.. not liking the idea of SD's in it.

Bought a mini pedal from Cosmo. Good comms etc.. Great BC'er Cheers!