Question for Mica

[Michael DeVincenzo (jlpicard)]

I am reluctant to ask this question but  after discussing it with Valentino, I though that maybey it isn't such a crazy idea after all,so here goes.... I've almost given up my search for a used Lefty series I/II  so I'm wondering....  What is the possibility of converting a right handed bass to lefty? By that I mean replacing the body wings, nut and bridge, using the existing electronics, knobs etc.  thanks, Mike

[mica]

Changing the hardware is easy, but by the time you pay for a new body and refinish, you may be approaching the price of a new bass.  
 
If you can live with an upside-down body shape, I'd say to simply move the controls to the other side, and either do a body inlay like on Adam's bass on one or both of the sides.  
 
The hardware prices:
205 bridge
85 tailpiece
38 adjustable nut blank
 
The labor to restring for lefty will run about $150. Refinishing is $750, and you'll probably run another $300 in shop labor for a simple body inlay.  
 
As far as outright replacing the body wings, that will depend on the woods you choose.