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'73 Fender Telecaster bass - before & after


tredders
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So, a couple of months ago, I bought a '73 Telecaster bass. I'd been after one for years but could never find the right one (in the right condition at the right price).

I got it from the bass player out of Marmalade, and he'd owned it for a while & gigged it extensively. At some point during its life, it had a Jazz pickup added (the default mod of the day with Tele basses, it seems).

Contrary to many people's views (see the old thread for details: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/207334-nbd-73-fender-telecaster-bass/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url]), I wanted it back to original (i.e. the Jazz pup removing), and that meant that the options were to have a veneer put on the front of the bass (to cover the routing), or have the body sanded & refinished. I opted for the latter, so sent the bass off to Howard (The Bass Doc) for his magic touch.

Here are a few 'before' photos: -














And here are a few 'after' photos - the bass arrived back to me today: -











I couldn't be happier with the results - the bass is beautifully finished - nice even vintage looking finish, with a new pickguard specially made. Howard fitted some La Bella lights, and set the action for me, and it plays like a dream now. I can see why everybody raves about those 70's Telecaster necks now.

So, just a quick 'thank you' to Howard for a great job (and for tolerating my "is it ready yet? is it ready yet?" constant emails!), and a huge recommendation for his work.

Mark.

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Well I`m ready for a slice of humble pie Tredders. If I recall correctly I advised against getting rid of the J pickup, happy to admit the bass looks much better now.

If you watch Masterchef, they`ll no doubt have a recipe for the pie.................

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[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1378396198' post='2199692']
If you watch Masterchef, they`ll no doubt have a recipe for the pie.................
[/quote]

Quite appropriate that he's had it done in "Butterscotch Blonde," as I hear the Masterchef guys like a buttery biscuit bass:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfeyUGZt8nk

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Thanks for all the comments - I'm really pleased with the results. Howard really did a great job.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1378724706' post='2203633']
All the pics have gone, hopefully they'll be back soon, sounds like a fine job!
[/quote]

Pics are showing for me. Anyone else having problems?

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