re-fret in Chicago?

[gearhed289]

I have some down time (and plenty of other basses), so I think it's time my 21 year old 4003S went in for a re-fret. They're pretty deeply grooved for the most part. Anybody know anyone trustworthy in Chicago that knows how to properly work on a Ric?

[rickaddict]

Third Coast Guitar Repair:

http://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/

They did an outstanding job on your former 1992 V63, including a poly refin on the fretboard. Looks and plays like brand new.

Stop by and check it out sometime if you want.

[gearhed289]

Thanks Jeff, I've heard nothing but good things about those guys. I think I'm gonna go for it!

You had the V63 re-fretted? I don't remember the frets being bad, but I didn't have that bass for very long.

[rickaddict]

Thanks Jeff, I've heard nothing but good things about those guys. I think I'm gonna go for it!

You had the V63 re-fretted? I don't remember the frets being bad, but I didn't have that bass for very long.

The frets were fine but the fretboard wasn't level. All notes above the 12th fret would fret out at the 20th. I noticed when I tried it out at your house that the fretboard wasn't quite right, but I originally bought the bass planning to refin it to Sea Green, so I didn't care. But I ultimately decided that I'd rather keep the original Fireglo finish--and I couldn't get the neck right with the strings I like--so I had 3rd Coast level the fretboard, install Jumbo frets (like on my favorite late 80's 4003's) and put a black nut on it. They followed my instructions to a T, and the bass is sweet now.

[gearhed289]

Very interesting..... I DID think the area around the 3-5 frets on the G string felt somehow not right. I rarely play there, typically going up the neck to grab those notes on the D string, so I didn't think much of it. I'm kinda glad you kept it FG and that it RAWKS for you now! Did you put rounds on there?

[rickaddict]

Very interesting..... I DID think the area around the 3-5 frets on the G string felt somehow not right. I rarely play there, typically going up the neck to grab those notes on the D string, so I didn't think much of it. I'm kinda glad you kept it FG and that it RAWKS for you now! Did you put rounds on there?

Yep. Elixers. And it currently has a 1989 hi gain in the bridge as well. Me likey!

[gearhed289]

That's crazy! I had a 89 high gain in place of the horseshoe, along with the scatterwound toaster. With the TI flats I had on there I got a nice Wings tone with that setup.