Fretting over a 4005

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 4:17 am

I found a new local luthier who seems to have a fine reputation.

http://www.guitarspecialist.com/frontdoor.htm

So, I bought my 4005 to him with the idea he could set it up better to elimimate some of the fret buzzing. The frets have obviously been filed down over the years, which brings up the dilemma. To fret, or not to fret?

The real question became: am I going to play the thing or not? The bass is all original to the best of my knowledge. All original solders, parts, yadda, yadda, the only thing it's missing is the bridge cover.

My feeling on frets however is different than my feeling on refinishing. If the instrument is strictly wall art, meaning it looks great but, is unplayable, then it's not as collectible as an instrument that plays well, but may not be as clean appearance-wise. I guess this is where the desire for instruments with "mojo" comes from.

After agreeing to refret, another issue came up. He suggested I leave the board un-laquered for playability, and that I can always laquer it latter. I decided that I just couldn't look at the bass the same way with an unfinished fingerboard(although I do enjoy that feature on the 4004CII)

These guys are definately not the cheapest in town, but the owner Doug seemed to show a sincere care for this bass, and all the other instruments he was working with. I would have preferred to use some of the dudes on the forum but, last time I sent it out, it got slightly damaged in it's original case, and I prefer to keep this particular bass close to home for now.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 4:32 am

I don't think the finish on the fingerboard affects playability, perhaps on a guitar with it's skinny little strings, but on a bass I don't think my fingers even touches the fingerboard while playing. I'd keep the finish on.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 4:35 am

I'd go for the refret too....what good is it if you can't play it? I agree with keeping some basses original but not to the point of the playability suffering. I agree with having the fretboard refinished as well since that is the way it came from the factory. As far as them not being the cheapest.....you get what you pay for and it isn't worth the risk trusting your Ric with someone based on better price alone.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 4:37 am

Don't fret, it will be finished...

I mean it will have to be relacquered because of the refret.

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 6:54 am

Have it refretted and and lacquer the fretboard. Easy.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:26 am

Maybe I should have it refretted and just get myself liquored...

Yes, I'm having it relacquered. I think his point was if you like the playability, you can always have it done later. I don't think I could look at a 4005 fretboard unfinished.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:36 am

It can be refretted without ruining the fingerboard finish. Most luthiers use a new razor blade or other very sharp knife and score the finish on either side of the frets before pulling them out. If this is done right, there is little damage to the finish. Frets are like tires. They wear out and are meant to be changed.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:48 am

Another luthier unsympathetic to Rickenbackers.

And, If he's unsympathetic to Ricks, he will UNDOUBTEDLY skip the proper conversion varnish fretboard finish, (what's that? ask many luthiers) and spray some incorrect clear nitro lacquer over your fretboard.

So much for authenticity, accuracy, or whatever you want to call it.

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 8:11 am

Marc, I think Paul is right. I'd send it to Paul or Dale only.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 8:51 am

"Another luthier unsympathetic to Rickenbackers"

I never said he was unsympathetic to Rickenbackers.He likes an unfinished fretboard, I do not for that particular bass.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 8:54 am

"They wear out and are meant to be changed"

Try saying that to a vintage dealer!

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 8:58 am

Even some Fender fingerboards are finished. It is not like varnish over the frets should be an alien concepts to guitar techs or luthiers. If your guy says that he has to ruin the finish, run don't walk away.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 8:59 am

If he likes an unfinished fretboard, then he is unsympathetic to Rickenbackers. Also, the tossing around of the term "lacquering" in reference to fretboards, is a bit scary in this context. It should be "conversion varnish", and a luthier or finisher who is sympathetic to Ricks would make this distinction very clear.

Marc, you've agonized over this bass. I would think that you would hold out for nothing but knowledgeable, specialist work when it comes to such a precious and rare piece, whether it be a player or dis-player.
I'm just giving advice, Marc.

In case it has crossed your mind, I'm not trying to hustle up work for myself. I am booked solid for refins and refrets through next May.

On the topic of vintage dealers, how long will we continue to be slaves to their collusion with regards to prices? In most other businesses, this would have been settled in court a generation ago. But we guitarists and bassists continue to just roll over whenever a dealer/expert quotes a price.

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 9:09 am

This is a 1967 4005 did they use conversion varnish then or lacquer???I used lacquer on my 72, it came out just fine.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 9:16 am

OK, I'll get the bass back from him...