binky_bass Posted August 25, 2018 Share Posted August 25, 2018 (edited) So recently a fellow basschatter sold me a 1981 Ibanez Roadster fretless, the price was very fair and I was made fully aware of the issues it came with (albeit exaggerated as it really wasn't all that bad!). I said I'd post a few pictures once done, so here they are! The Bass didn't actually need a huge amount of work, and I had initially intended to re-finish it with a natural stain of some variety, however as I already own a naturally worn black 1979 Ibanez Roadster fretted I've decided (for now!) to leave the finish as is in its black, well used, glory. The truss rod needed freeing, after a spray with WD40 and leaving it to permeate for a few days the rod is now free enough for adjustment, however the neck is beautifully straight as is. The jack input has now been relocated correctly to the side of the bass instead of the front as it was previously and the whole that was left has now been filled with a tone pot so the bass is now V/V/T/T as it should be. A new truss cover has been fitted (couldn't find a brass 'Roadster' one so a nice black one sits there instead). I found a couple of similar knobs as per an original Roadster and after a full set up and polish the bass is now fully functional and plays great! The cost of the parts you ask? Under a fiver. The time it took you ask? About 2 hours. All in, it's now a beautifully playing, mostly original (bar truss cover) 1981 Ibanez Roadster fretless! Very happy indeed, though I was expecting a slightly longer project so now I'll need to find something to take up my spare time! Russ. Edited August 25, 2018 by binky_bass 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton Posted August 25, 2018 Share Posted August 25, 2018 My oh my oh my! That looks absolutely fantastic. I'm sure it sounds equally as good. Are you going to part with this anytime soon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted August 25, 2018 Share Posted August 25, 2018 I know a couple of players who really rate these. Martin Kemp had one as his first proper bass. The consensus seems to be that they are relatively heavy. What does this weigh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted August 25, 2018 Share Posted August 25, 2018 Great reward for a little effort. Are you christening it? May I suggest you call it Sideshow Bob after the TV reflection in one of your images? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aguacollas Posted August 25, 2018 Share Posted August 25, 2018 Great bass. The body in mine is a one piece ash, weighing just under 10 pounds. A bit uncomfortable to play seated, but it sounds mighty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky_bass Posted August 25, 2018 Author Share Posted August 25, 2018 It really isn't that heavy, lighter than my fretted 1979 Roadster. No plans to sell it on! Very happy with it and fully intend to keep this for a good while! It's a great bass, just needed a little TLC to get it to a good playing standard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted August 25, 2018 Share Posted August 25, 2018 I have almost the same bass, but mine is the active version. Yes, she’s a little on the heavy side but then again so am I😉 Probably the nicest neck of any bass I’ve ever played. Oh and did I mention the fretless tone, mwah’tastic. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Posted August 26, 2018 Share Posted August 26, 2018 22 hours ago, SpondonBassed said: Great reward for a little effort. Are you christening it? May I suggest you call it Sideshow Bob after the TV reflection in one of your images? What if that wasn't a TV reflection and you've just caused @binky_bass a lot of upset? Very thoughtless if I may say 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Posted August 26, 2018 Share Posted August 26, 2018 And on a more sensible note: what a lovely looking bass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky_bass Posted August 26, 2018 Author Share Posted August 26, 2018 1 hour ago, Christine said: What if that wasn't a TV reflection and you've just caused @binky_bass a lot of upset? Very thoughtless if I may say I've spent years in therapy trying to overcome personal setbacks caused by my yellow skin and untamable hair... Some people just don't realise how deeply their words would! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted August 26, 2018 Share Posted August 26, 2018 (edited) 23 minutes ago, binky_bass said: I've spent years in therapy trying to overcome personal setbacks caused by my yellow skin and untamable hair... Some people just don't realise how deeply their words would! Not to mention the big feet... Edited August 26, 2018 by SpondonBassed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky_bass Posted August 26, 2018 Author Share Posted August 26, 2018 Genuinely one of my favourite clips from The Simpsons ever! That and when Bart and Homer try to catch a rabbit in the woods and end up catapulting it clear into the horizon! Proper chuckle at that one! I was actually born on the day The Simpsons was first aired on the Tracey Ullman show a shade over 31 years ago! And... my 10 string has a 'tribute' to that inlayed on the fretboard. May I present Binky: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted August 26, 2018 Share Posted August 26, 2018 Very cool. The rabbit clip - priceless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky_bass Posted August 26, 2018 Author Share Posted August 26, 2018 Needed to be done... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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