Flemtone Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 I find myself impaled on the horns of a dilemma... I came into possession of a 63 P-bass a couple of months ago. The last owner had decided to strip it down to bare wood (he almost got it all done), but I want it to go back to a pro finish. My problem is: Do I have it refinished in it's original Sunburst finish (which I like, as it's the original finish for this particular bass), or do I go for the Candy Apple Red (which was available in '63, and I really like more than the sunburst, but was NOT the original color of this particular bass)? One of those things that make you go 'Hmmmm...'. Any opinions would be helpful. Have a great weekend, and don't forget to vote for Lee and 'What The...'. Find the link in SSS. -Tim from Jersey Play. Just play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Is this bass for you? Do you envisage holding onto it long-term? Or is it an "investment" that you will turnaround at some point? Personally, I'd get the candy apple red if that's what you really like. The original finish has already been removed anyway, so either way you're selling it as a re-fin (if you sell it). How does it sound??? spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Yeah, what Will said. If and when you sell the bass, any "serious" collector will likely sniff at the bass, due to the refin. The sound and playability, as well as completeness of original parts, will likely play more of a factor. You like the CA Red, and it's period correct. I say get it. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddiePlaysBass Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Originally posted by Flemtone: but was NOT the original color of this particular bass?Dude, who cares anyway? Like the rest said, it's been tampered with (so to speak) anyway, so just get it done the way you want it Cheers, Eddie PS: I'm jealous ! "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Finish it however you like. The big thing is how this bass plays and sounds; I'd imagine it's quite tasty. You should be much more concerned with the noises it makes than the finish it has. Please don't do something foolish like unload this bass to a collector. Vintage instruments should be played, not kept in storage or put on display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73 P Bass Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Actually it's ruined. Sorry for your loss. But I could help easy the pain by sending you a brand new Mexican P-Bass in exchange for that old peice of junk. "Start listening to music!". -Jeremy C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
61Pbass Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 The finish (as well as most of the hardware) on my '61 was destroyed when I got it, too. Over the last 25 years it's had several refins and has been my work horse and test mule through thick, thin and at least 100 other basses. Make yourself happy. Congrats on the aquisition. Later.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Tim...you have yourself one sweet bass.... I have one too... I'd go for the CA Red personally... but if you're gonna keep it and play it, who cares.... you can finish it in a transparent purple over silver metallic if you want..... just enjoy your new baby... I'll give you $50 for it tho.... Rock on... Tommy BCR's homepage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DONUT Posted July 3, 2004 Share Posted July 3, 2004 OOhhh yeah. One of these days I will own a vintage Pee again. Personally I'd go with a nice fiesta red. Creamy tomato soup. I agree. Its already been done,so you might as well go with what you want. CA red is great with a greened guard. I wanna see it when its done! Are the 63's still slab board? I used to have a '61 that looked like it was beat with a chain. I loved that bass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted July 3, 2004 Share Posted July 3, 2004 Mmmmm...Candy Apple Red..mmmmmm. Is the matching headstock correct for that era? I always like the way that looks. Go for it man! Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickT Posted July 5, 2004 Share Posted July 5, 2004 Why not leave it as a clear finish? Wood is a beautiful thing, why cover it up with a garish (if cool) colour? If you want colours what about Lake Placid blue? Free your mind and your ass will follow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuego Posted July 6, 2004 Share Posted July 6, 2004 NickT is right,,,,leave it natural, just gloss it. Its collector value is down due 2 refin anyways. Also itll look so sexy,,,, Fuego The basses -'04 MIM Jazz bass black -'98 Fender American-Deluxe P-bass natural -Peavey FuryII blue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flemtone Posted July 6, 2004 Author Share Posted July 6, 2004 Thanks for the input, y'all. I'm leaning heavily towards the CA Red, although I was considering the LP Blue originally. I'm not planning on selling it or storing it - I love this thing. I play a lot, and it kicks the other basses I own all to hell. I love the idea of leaving it natural (I had toyed with this idea also), but I think it'll be CA Red. I'll post pix when it's a done deal. Thanks again. Now get back to work. -Tim from Jersey Play. Just play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offramp Posted July 6, 2004 Share Posted July 6, 2004 I say, CA. Hell, even Fender used to refin guitars sent back to them by dealers; customers would pick a guitar, but wanted it in a different color, so it'd go back to Fender for a sprayover. If they're still there, try not to cover up the date stamps or pencil marks. I've upped my standards; now, up yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenLoy Posted July 6, 2004 Share Posted July 6, 2004 Whatever you do, make sure the people refinish it in nitrocellulose laquer instead of polyurethane or polyester. Those finishes are thick and will change the sound somewhat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted July 7, 2004 Share Posted July 7, 2004 You can find lots of good refinishing info HERE Cheers Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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