Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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.

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

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.

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).

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"!

If anything its a project bass for sure.

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

Sepp

jingle_jangle wrote: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!