A quick feeler!?

[thor]

Hi All,

I've been offered a '73 4001 which needs a refret - I realise it's rather tricky without seeing it but does anyone have an idea of likely cost - ballpark?

Thanks in anticipation!

Pete

[Dirk]

Well I'll chime in, since I think that should be bound fingerboard, that will raise the cost a bit.
I would guess starting at about $200 + US for a quality job. Sorry I forgot to add the US as I forget sometimes this is such and international forum.
Cheers,
Dirk

[thor]

Hi Dirk,

You're right, it is a bound fingerboard - gives me some idea as I've never had to consider refretting anything before, so honestly wouldn't have a clue as to likely cost!?

Many thanks for the response.

[ken_j]

It is not only bound but varnished. So it is quite involved to do it right and keep it stock.

[thor]

Hmm, I'd definitely want it done properly - which does make me a bit nervous to be honest - it seems as well as needing a refret the first inlay on the fingerboard is sitting slightly proud - makes me wonder if the truss rods are functioning and whether or not the bass is salvageable (within a reasonable cost). The body has been stripped as well (back to natural) so would possibly be better to have the entire bass refinished - shame really as I like to keep things stock/original wherever possible.

I may have to rethink this one, it's up for sale for just under $1400, it does have what appears to be a toaster pup/horseshoe pup fitted but, given it seems it needs quite a lot of time and money investing in it, i may have to pass.

Thoughts?

[godber]

I'm not sure if a refinish on top of tung oil will be that successful, or if it can be stripped back completely. I think I saw a thread here warning of problems, can't find it at the mo.

[thor]

I'm not sure if a refinish on top of tung oil will be that successful, or if it can be stripped back completely. I think I saw a thread here warning of problems, can't find it at the mo.

Hmm, I certainly don't want to end up with a pig in a poke...shame really as the owner had mentioned he would "break it for spares"!

[godber]

It is a lot of work to get it back to near original, but the seller says it's a good player (and better after the re-fret probably). So it depends what you're looking for.

[thor]

It is a lot of work to get it back to near original, but the seller says it's a good player (and better after the re-fret probably). So it depends what you're looking for.

It's a great shame he's the other end of the country to me - definitely would like to see it in the flesh before agreeing to buy, the original thread seems to have disappeared which is also a shame as I think there were some more pics on it. I've requested some detailed photos and will see what they're like - will go some way in helping me make a decision. Thanks for your input.

[godber]

No problem. I have been considering it myself!

[antonius]

A couple of years ago I had my 1975 4001 fretboard levelled (due to warping), refretted, and re-finished in something like the original conversion varnish, and a basic setup done. OK, that was a bigger job due to the levelling, but it cost me £225.00. But it was done well be a guy who came recommended by John Hall. It's definitely worth getting it done properly. Mine is a much better instrument now. Hope this helps.

[godber]

Useful to know. Was that with DM guitars?
http://www.dm-guitars.co.uk/paintwork.htm

[libratune]

Useful to know. Was that with DM guitars?
http://www.dm-guitars.co.uk/paintwork.htm

Thanks, Mark -- what a cool site! Some very interesting paint finish/artwork on display there:

[Dirk]

Wow a FishRick!
Bravo!
Dirk

[johnallg]

Doesn't Chris own that now?