1981 Ibanez Blazer BL-400: Part Two

Quick Links:    Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four

In Part One of this series, we took a brief introductory look at this truly fine Ibanez BL-400 solidbody. Now, in this instalment; let's discuss the big cleanup. The main idea here was to retain as many original components as possible; and write off whatever was beyond saving. 

And so began the arduous task of removing years of caked-on sweat, crud, grime, goo, rust, corrosion; and general yuckiness.  This task involved electrolysis, sodium bicarbonate, dishwashing liquid, heat, abrasives, Autosol metal polish; and lots of elbow grease. 

When it was all over, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. As expected, most of the screws and springs were beyond redemption. We thank them for their faithful service all these years; and may they enjoy a blessed afterlife.

1981 Ibanez Blazer BL-400: Part One

Quick Links:    Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four

Preamble
Here's a lovely red MIJ Ibanez Blazer Series BL-400. According to Guitar Insite, this guitar was manufactured in June 1981 at the Dyna Gakki factory in Nagano. I don't believe the body sports the original finish; as red is not one of the finish options listed in the 1981 Ibanez Electric Guitars Catalog. The only available finishes at the time were BK (Black), BS (Brown Sunburst); and TV (Traditional Violin).

Specifications
Body: Solid Ash
Neck: One Piece Rock Maple
Tuners: Smooth Tuner II
Fretboard: 25.5" Scale/9.5" Radius/21 Frets
Pickups: Super 6
Controls: Master Volume/Master Tone/Five-Way Pickup Selector/Phase Switch
Bridge: Accu-Cast
Control Knobs: Solid Brass
Hardware: Nichrome

This BL-400 was refretted about three years ago, and I assume that was the last time it received a proper set up. Oh yes, the stock nut has been upgraded to one of bone. The nut's a little short of the fretboard edge on the high E-string side; and the strings are sitting way too deep in their slots. On the whole, this instrument has not been properly cared for nor maintained adequately. As such, it's caked in dust, grime, crud and rust; and hardly makes a sound when plugged into an amp. Yes folks, it's time for an overhaul!