Epiphone Accu Bass Jr Overhaul

There was lots to repair on this Precision-style bass. For starters, the grimy fretboard had separated from the neck; and the nut was broken. The bridge was so cruddy that the saddle height hex screws were frozen in place. As if that weren't enough, someone had decided to "rewire" the electronics sans solder -- a couple connections were just twisted together! In any case, as I'd have to replace the pots and output jack and rewire the innards; that issue would be taken care of.

The fretboard was reglued to the neck with Titebond III and clamped, and all was well after four days. Following this, the fretboard was subjected to a thorough reconditioning; which included a healthy dose of lemon oil right at the end. I eventually managed to remove the frozen saddle height hex screws with the help of heat/cold treatment, and a sturdy pair of pliers. After derusting, servicing and a lube job, eight new hex screws were fitted to the saddles; and the bridge reinstalled.

The high density foam pieces that sat underneath the pickup halves had lost their springiness and were virtually unusable, these were replaced with four springs. All the electronics were removed; Alpha 500K pots,0.047uF cap, and Neutrik/Rean NYS229 output jack wired in.

After installing a new nut, the neck was reattached to the body. The Epiphone Accu Bass Jr was fitted with a new set of strings, and set up to normal specs. I'm thankful I was able to help give this bass a new lease of life.

Washburn XB-500 Bantam Bass Scarf Joint and Fretboard Repair

Though looking its age, the active electronics on this Washburn XB-500 Bantam Bass were still functioning as they should. Granted, there was some crackling when you turned the pots; but this was fixed with a squirt or two of contact cleaner in the right places.

The real problem with this bass was that the rosewood fretboard had somehow become separated from the maple neck; from the nut right up to the third fret. Meanwhile, at the back of the neck, the scarf joint had opened up quite a bit. I should also mention that someone had fashioned a crude ill-fitting nut out of black plastic. And yes, I forgot to snap a pic or two of these abnormalities.

The game plan was to reglue the fretboard and scarf joint with Titebond III and clamp everything nice and tight until the glue dried. Then there would be lots of sanding, followed by a Tru-Oil refinish on the back of the neck. A new custom nut would also be installed. And guess what? It turned out okay, thank goodness :)

Various Guitars and Basses | Part Two

Part One ▶

As mentioned in Part One, I'm quite often so preoccupied with meeting deadlines that snapping pictures takes a back seat. It's only after the instrument has left my shop that I realize I haven't taken enough pictures for a proper write up. That being said, here are some more random shots I've taken over the years that I hope you find interesting.