Tuxedo 4003 with bare maple fingerboard

[86kubicki]

Does anyone know if any Tuxedos made it out of the factory with a bare maple fingerboard? I'm looking at a bass online and its definitely a tuxedo (maple fingerboard with black microdot fret markers), but the owner doesn't think the fingerboard was stripped.

[bassduke49]

Never heard of that, but we've come to know that anything is possible. Can you link us?

[86kubicki]

Here are a couple of pics. A side shot of the neck may tell the story, but I'd probably need to see it person to determine if the fingerboard was stripped.

[jingle_jangle]

It's a bit easier than all that. Look at the wear and dirt on virtually all of the fretboard. A factory finish on the fretboard (conversion varnish) would have all but prevented most of this. The board was owner-stripped and either oiled (most probably) or given a thinnish coat of clear nitro (also possible).

[bassduke49]

Yeah, and it looks like it has not been kept well; rusty pickguard screws, etc.

But look, it's well on the way to being a "Naked Tux"!

[86kubicki]

If anything its a project bass for sure.

[Kopfjaeger]

I'd consider taking on that project in a heartbeat.

Sepp

[sloop_john_b]

Look at the wear and dirt on virtually all of the fretboard. A factory finish on the fretboard (conversion varnish) would have all but prevented most of this.

I remember my first Music Man bass; I bought it brand new. It had an unfinished neck & fretboard. I loved the fact that the more I played it & gigged with it, the darker the fingerboard got. It was like a badge of honor. To each their own.

Of course that being said, I still prefer a finished neck & fingerboard for feel & look.

I really like this Tux!