73-28 Bass

[JimmyJ]

Ah yes, understood!  The only way the newer preamp board fit into the Series I models which followed this version was because the pickup volume pots were single-gang and all the components related to the Q-switches were wired point-to-point and tucked down in.  With these new small boards and their vertically mounted plugs you've found the only way to pack it all into this main compartment.  Excellent puzzle work!

I think rebuilding the original board would be an interesting project too so you should definitely hang on to all those original components.  You'd need to source one of those Q-switches with the long solder lugs but I know they're still being made.  And we know from your experimenting that the opamps are still operational.  Or perhaps I should say "opamperational?     So maybe someday. 

But the main thing is you've literally made this old bass NEW by putting in the current electronics package so we all thank you for doing the good work.

Jimmy J

[dela217]

I did the exact same conversion on 73-47.    I plugged the holes with readily available 1/4 inch abalone dots.   They fit the holes perfectly!

Michael

[David Houck]

Congrats Rob; looks great!

[StephenR]

Excellent job and dedication to the task at hand Rob! Such a cool bass, play it in good health.

[rv_bass]

Thanks Everyone

[pauldo]

Rob, that restoration is nice.  Great job!

[rv_bass]

Thanks, Paul.


The abalone might need a little touching up, but came out OK for now.

[sonofa_lembic]

SO GLAD TO SEE THIS BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE.  I SAW IT YEARS AGO AT THE SHOP ON VENTURA BLVD., BUT HE WANTED A LOT FOR IT, AND IT LOOKED LIKE A MAJOR PROJECT.  HOPING YOU GOT IT FOR A MORE REASONABLE PRICE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE FIXES WERE NOT TOO BAD.  IT WAS LIGHT WEIGHT AND FELT GREAT WITH ALL THAT PATINA.  CONGRATS!

[rv_bass]

Thanks, Trevor.  It wasn’t that bad to fix up, and it was actually fun.  You are right, the bass is nice and light and sits well when using a strap, very comfortable to play. The neck is like my 67 Starfire, only long scale. It has a sound that I find unique to the early 70s basses too, likely similar to your beautiful fretless. And all of that wear and patina feels and looks good too. I love it