Chord Solidbody Bass Upgrade and Makeover

Happy New Year folks :) This is my first post for 2021, and it features a "Chord" solidbody bass that looks a lot like a typical Jazz Bass. Construction-wise, this bass sports a plywood body, three-ply white/black/white pickguard, bolt-on maple neck; and 12" radius rosewood fretboard with 21 frets. The electronics consist of two single-coil pickups wired to two volumes and a master tone.

As the owner didn't quite like the stock red finish, he requested that the bass be refinished in flat black. He also wanted the "Chord" headstock label removed, for obvious reasons. And so, the headstock face was sanded down to bare wood; and refinished in Tru-Oil. Meanwhile, any visible dings and gouges in the body were filled with Elmer's Wood Filler and sanded flat. Then, after scuff-sanding the whole body, it was refinished in flat black; with a top coat of flat clear for added protection.

Although the stock electronics were working fine, I was instructed to upgrade them, and while I was at it; shield the body cavities with conductive shielding paint. New components added included Alpha 250K pots, a Russian K40Y-9 0.033uF tone cap; and Neutrik/Rean NYS229 output jack.

Hardware-wise, all rusty components were replaced. Luckily, the bridge, as well as control and neck plates; were still in useable condition. They were given a good de-gunking, lube and polish; and reused. The open-gear "elephant ear" tuners, however, just had to go. The gears were worn and would not turn smoothly even after servicing. One of them even had a loose ear which would not stay in place. As such, they were honorably discharged; and a new set installed. And, as expected; it was not a simple drop-in job. The old tuner mounting screw holes had to be plugged and trimmed flush, new holes drilled; and the tuner holes reamed a bit to accommodate the slightly-larger tuner posts.

Well, folks, that's it for this post. Thanks for visiting, and do drop by again soon. Meanwhile, stay home, stay safe; and God bless :)