1976 WHITE/BLACK TRIM 4001

I was surprised when I opened the case on this project and was treated to a disassembled and properly-prepared-for-paint bass!

Normally I discourage owners from doing prep work, as there are very specific techniques and materials that need to be used, or I end up “re-preparing” an instrument at added cost to the owner. In rare cases, the owner over-sands or does something else that’s irreversible, necessitating a back-and-forth about how to save his or her guitar or bass, and this is NEVER cheap!

Ii this case, I had some finish sanding and pre-paint detailing and masking to do, and the carcass was ready for the spray booth. White, pastels, and pearlescent are the toughest to paint, as defects cannot be touched up, absolutely sanitary procedures must be followed, and one speck of dust in the color coats or each of the six clear coats will ruin the entire finish.

This beauty turned out perfectly, and within a few days, it was shipped back to its owner, who did the reassembly and set up himself. These are the photos he sent for inclusion on this website.

To emphasize once again, please don’t try to prep your instrument yourself. It could end up costing you hundreds of dollars in additional work on my part. This owner really knew what he was doing, but he’s in the vast minority. That’s straight talk, from Studio California to you, our customers.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT SLIDE!