What do you think of this mod to an Excel?

[jacko]

Just to reinforce my opinion on modifying instruments, this is my 1979 Fender precision (some of you will have seen the photo before). Originally a tobacco sunburst it got some 'minor' modifications when a friend drove over his Rick. As well as the rick pups and scratchplate it's been drilled on the side to fit the rick'o'sound jack sockets and I've added the schaller bridge (not to mention stripping the sunburst). There's no way this instrument could be taken back to it's original state and to be perfectly honest I don't care. On the very rare occasion when I feel like playing a 4 string this bass still feels great. Yes, purists would likely tar and feather me and I've no doubt I've lost hundreds on any potential sale but it's my instrument and I have no intention of selling it.


Graeme

[jazzyvee]

I can't see anything wrong with that.  Does it sound like a P bass or a Rick?
Not that I could easily identify either. :-)

[cozmik_cowboy]

Just to reinforce my opinion on modifying instruments, this is my 1979 Fender precision (some of you will have seen the photo before). Originally a tobacco sunburst it got some 'minor' modifications when a friend drove over his Rick. As well as the rick pups and scratchplate it's been drilled on the side to fit the rick'o'sound jack sockets and I've added the schaller bridge (not to mention stripping the sunburst). There's no way this instrument could be taken back to it's original state and to be perfectly honest I don't care. On the very rare occasion when I feel like playing a 4 string this bass still feels great. Yes, purists would likely tar and feather me and I've no doubt I've lost hundreds on any potential sale but it's my instrument and I have no intention of selling it.


Graeme

It's a '79; no big.
Now if it was a '59........

Peter

[jacko]

It's a '79; no big.
Now if it was a '59........

Peter

It would make no difference to me whether it was a 59 or not. If I had a desire to modify my instrument I would.

Graeme

[cozmik_cowboy]

It's a '79; no big.
Now if it was a '59........

Peter

It would make no difference to me whether it was a 59 or not. If I had a desire to modify my instrument I would.

Graeme

As would I - but while I might well desire to mod a '79 (in fact, modding it would be a large reason to buy it), I wouldn't want to do anything irreversible to any Fender made '59-'65. 
Why?  Because by '59, Leo had made them as good as they would ever get, and by '66-'67 the Mark Of The CBS Beast was becoming apparent (which was - except for the large headstocks - actually far more a matter of QC than design changes).


Them there's my thoughts on the matter, anywho.


Peter (who will confess he started playing on a '66 Tele - that had been sprayed a hideous green by a previous owner, then stripped & tung-oiled by the guy who sold it to the guy who taught me.  And loved it!)

[Glynn]

Will let you know when the Hofner makes an outing.

[Glynn]

(my last post was a late reply to Jazzyvee)

[Glynn]

I had the first chance to try the Hofner Contemporary at home today.  For the money and purpose it is outstanding value. The German ones are £2000 odd and the Ignition is super cheap at £300 but shows it.  Mine is £600 new and I bought it used in perfect condition at £375 from Bass Direct. I prefer the solid block inside to the hollow bodies.  Must stop playing "Come Together" though!!
Glynn