Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a '74 4001MG that is looks great all around except on the fretboard. A combination of roundwounds, high-action and my style over time has worn into the finish, especially along the E-string, frets 1-5. It's never bothered me, but I may look to pass this bass along in the next year. The strings have left shallow lateral grooves, so I am not sure how much work would go into bringing the board back to match the rest of the bass. The neck is straight, frets are still good and the binding is still tight all around. So, I can't find another excuse to muck with it. But, if I were buying, I wouldn't necessarily like these "features." I'm also not looking to learn a new skill, so I would find a pro to do the work.

Is this like fixing up a house to the way you imagine it, only to move out a month later?

Hi John and welcome to the forum... My 74 4001MG also has some wear there (due to some bad setups eons ago)... they are my marks and really don't bother me. If the aren't bothering you leave 'em... if they bug you then you might be able to get by with a touchup or partial refin. There have been a few threads on this before - you might want to search the Forum for fingerboard or fretboard refin and/or post in Paul's section of the forum:
• RRF Gear Technical Forums > Reflections of a Curmudgeon: by Paul Wilczynski

Good luck with it.

Thanks for the input, Tom. I'm in Paul's area of the country and would probably try to get it into his hands if that's that route I go. I've seen his work (I lurk more than post here) and it's immaculate.

I will search through the forum for techniques and materials. I don't have alot of room or well-ventilated space in the garage, so we'll see.

Again, thanks!

Welcome to the forum, John!

Welcome to the forum. Original wear is usually a better ROI than a repair or refinish - in most cases. It probably would cost you more money than it's worth to refin the fretboard, but as usual, our resident curmudgeon would be the expert on that.