NBD: Pawn Shop FrankenFender ! LOTS of pics !

Dark Horse

Dark Horse

Jul 31, 2008
11,317
18,926
7,681
Austin, TX
#1
*****CLEANED UP AND REBUILT BASS
CAN BE SEEN ON PAGE 5*****


Just picked this up in a local pawn shop ...I talked them down to $150 out the door, with a 7 day warranty. Obviously a parts bass, and it's been rode hard and put away wet, but let's check out the parts ....

*Fender MIM Standard Jazz neck
*Duncan Quarter Pound pickups
*Unknown body
*Check out the pickguard...it's busted at the tip, but it looks like a 60s Fender guard, has shrunk like a 60s guard, has the right bevel, and the right pickup cover and thumbrest holes ....hmmm....


So I'm taking it apart and rehabbing it. Clean up, adjust, see how it sounds. It's nice and lightweight, and looks great. It plays great even without tweaking, so hopefully the truss rod is in good wiring shape . Needs a new nut, a tuner ferrule, I'll replace the bridge and strap buttons, probably new knobs as well. That and a cleanup and setup, should be good !

Here are some pics ....I'm gonna go take it apart and rebuild it now ! I'll post some "after" pics as well ....

IMG_8313.JPG
IMG_8314.JPG
IMG_8315.JPG
IMG_8316.JPG
IMG_8317.JPG
IMG_8318.JPG
IMG_8319.JPG
IMG_8320.JPG
IMG_8321.JPG
IMG_8322.JPG
IMG_8323.JPG
IMG_8324.JPG
IMG_8325.JPG
IMG_8326.JPG
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: ICM, Brio, Tbone76 and 31 others
#3
Clearly the "luthier" that performed the mods was actually an angry beaver !!!


I have no idea why this was done, since there are clear wiring channels. The only thing I can think of is maybe someone tried to put EMG pickups in here at one time and needed to clear some space for a battery.


IMG_8330.JPG
IMG_8332.JPG




It had vintage routes originally, and also clearly had a standard fender five screw bridge.
IMG_8329.JPG


The bridge that was on the basS when I got it only had three screws across the back.



Here is the neck pocket marking ....


IMG_8328.JPG


Clearly They saved that when it was refinished. I "think" the stamp is from an 80's fender reissue, but it's unclear, so hard to tell .... thoughts ?



As far as the pick ups, have not tested them, but they definitely have seen some wear ....
IMG_8333.JPG





As far as the neck, everything looks good. Surprisingly little fretwear, and the truss rod works perfectly. I just need to clean it up, replace the nut, and it should be just fine.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Yetiparty, Dr. Cheese, Duder and 2 others
#5
dtripoli said:
I'd say you got deal.
Curious why the previous owner would put a "Jimmy John's" sticker on the back of the neck?
Maybe they believed there was no money above the 12th fret so it would never get in the way.
Click to expand...

Exactly !!!
Play too much about the 12th fret and you won't make enough money to buy Jimmy John's! He was probably just trying to inspire himself to make money!
 
  • Like
Reactions: LarryG, jumbodbassman and BBQisgood
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back