jamie_k11 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hey guys, Hope you can help! Bought myself a '68 jazz bass, all original which I'm loving at the moment! I restrung it when I first got it and gave it a rather basic clean up. Now I'm thinking of giving it a setup,restring and maybe a more thorough clean. The finish is highly worn away, and quite a lot of the hardware is grubby, a bit rusty etc. Do you guys think its worth cleaning it up, as I know there's a lot of people that love its authenticity when it's like that. But I'd quite like to just make it a bit more 'hygienic' lol! Again the screws around the pickups look a bit dirty from years of playing. Is it worth it, or is this just me being a bit to anal for no reason? Also the original strap screws don't fit on strap locks, and they won't come out. Again is that something not worth risking playing about with, or what would you guys do if you were in my shoes? Hope you can just give some advice on what you would do! Thanks guys, Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 You're right, some people like authentic grunge. You could always just replace the hardware and screws with new stuff. Then if you ever want to sell, you can replace the new hardware with the old rusty stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Giving all the chrome hardware a bath in lighter fluid will clean the gunk off but not remove the rust. It worked a treat on the 1970 Precision I had. I'd leave the strap screws and wiring harness alone if all original. I'd clean the body [i]gently[/i] with a polish that is nitro-friendly: press too hard and you're through to the wood! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 [quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1390907603' post='2351038'] I'd clean the body [i]gently[/i] with a polish that is nitro-friendly: press too hard and you're through to the wood! [/quote] I'd use a soft cloth and a small amount of Flash general cleaner - don't get it really wet, just a damp cloth. As we say here in BC-land "if there's no pictures is doesn't exist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie_k11 Posted January 29, 2014 Author Share Posted January 29, 2014 Thanks for all your advice guys! I'll leave the strap screws alone, I bought a new strap which seems very right and secure! As for the hardware, I think I'll just give it a clean up for hygiene reasons, but keep that authentic vibe still with it! I'll post a picture of the body for you, as I'm at work and I have one on my phone from the other day Again, thank you for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie_k11 Posted January 29, 2014 Author Share Posted January 29, 2014 Here's the only pictures I have on my phone, hope you guys like it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 Wow Jamie, that is properly roadworn. Like others have said, leave the electrics alone. Give it a clean,,,, play and enjoy. It's certainly an instrument you can gig and not worry about it getting a dink or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 Could do with a lick of paint on there….. Nah, that sir, is a beautiful bass. I bet it sounds the BALLS too. Congratulations on your aquisition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikhay77 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Wow! I love the look,personally I would leave it as is. The hardware looks right with the body wear. Just dump the Schaller 3d though.Get a nice reliced vintage style fender bridge for about £25.Would look much better imho. Nice bass. Looking for something like that myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontalste Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 As others have said, a bit of a wipe down and fit a fender bridge. Nice bass, looks like its got a few miles on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie_k11 Posted February 2, 2014 Author Share Posted February 2, 2014 Cheers guys, yeah it sounds lovely! Throw a sponge under the strings, whip of the shadows of Motown book and your away! yeah I've given it a normal hygiene clean, but as you have all said I've left the electrics alone! I don't think they need any care anyway, again thanks for all your help and advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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