I recently had the privilege of doing some work on two vintage Fender basses belonging to Howard Bates. Howard was the original bassist in Slaughter and the Dogs formed in Wythenshawe, Manchester, in 1975, one of the first wave of punk bands to sign with a major label. They supported the Sex Pistols on their legendary gig at Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall in July 1976. This concert, more than any other single event, spawned Manchester's punk scene. One Stephen Patrick Morrissey was briefly a member of the band, prior to later forming the Smiths with Johnny Marr. Billy Duffy (later of The Cult) was also a band member for a period in an incarnation of the band known as The Studio Sweethearts. Anyhow, both basses had seen plenty of action, in particular the 62 Precision. Both had very worn frets and needed complete re-frets and new bone nuts. Whilst taking the instruments apart I took the opportunity of checking the parts for originality. First up, the 1971 Fender Jazz bass ... Neck plate "F" stamped and serial number indicating 1971. The neck is faintly stamped with a 7 and A..... Many Fenders of this era have incomplete codes, or are missing altogether. There is nothing to suggest the neck is not 100% original to the guitar. The headstock sports the 1970's solid black logo. The frets are pretty worn ... generally frets which are less than around 30/1000th inch high cannot be fret dressed any further as there is not sufficient metal left to be crowned. The worn frets are heated (to minimise chipping to the fretboard) and removed. In this case most frets came out very cleanly, except for a couple of minor chips at one end of the neck. These odd chips are repaired, and the rough edges to the fret slots made level and smooth. The slots are slightly bevelled and cleaned of any debris. The depth of the slots is checked to make sure the new frets will seat down fully when installed. The fretboard is now fully prepped and ready to re-fret. The new frets have been radiused, cut to length, and placed in a wooden block in order. As this is a bound fretboard, the frets have to be measured carefully and cut to fit within the binding. The new frets installed and the ends bevelled before fret dressing. The worn bone nut needs to be removed without disturbing the neck binding, which it was! The neck is mounted on the neck jig for fret dressing - levelling, crowning , sanding and polishing the new frets. I've cut a new bone blank to match the 7.25" radius of the neck, and carefully measured so it fits snugly between the neck binding. The nut slots are then cut to the correct spacing and depth, and the nut lowered, shaped and polished. The finished nut, which looks rather nice I think...I used unbleached bone (which is not bright white) to give a vintage look. The neck pickup was stiff and difficult to adjust as it was being pinched by the celluloid pick guard which had slightly shrunk. The pick guard was removed to make some minor adjustments, revealing that somebody had at some time in the past, routed the body for another pickup and then filled the hole left behind. The pots were original, dated 23rd week of 1967 (Fender had purchased a large stock of pots then so it's not unusual to find instruments made in the early 70's with these earlier dated pots). The new frets after fret dressing.... All done.. Here's the 1962 Fender Precision, which has had the original finish stripped back to bare wood, probably in the early 70's. Despite this, the bass sounds wonderful, just as you would expect a pre CBS Fender to sound. The frets are very worn and flat, with insufficient metal remaining to carry out any more fret dresses. These are not the original frets - there was evidence of many chips and gouges on the fretboard from where the last re-fret was done, unfortunately not very expertly. The bone nut is also very worn and will be replaced. Taking the neck off, it's apparent the bass was refinished green at some point, but through the layers of paint there's an indication that the original finish was probably Fiesta Red. The neck plate L19xxx indicates the bass was made in 1962, and the neck is dated in pencil 10 or 12/61 so October or December 1961. Once the frets were removed it was easier to see the chips and file marks made during the previous re-fret. The worst areas are repaired as best as possible prior to re-fretting. It is usual to level the fingerboard prior to re-fretting however this is not particularly advisable on vintage fretboards, especially old Fender Brazilian rosewood fingerboards like this one which can be quite thin. In this case the old frets looked like they were nearly through to the maple neck underneath, luckily once the old frets were removed it could be seen there was sufficient wood left for installation of the new frets. It helped that this was a slab board neck, used on Fenders up to mid 1962. These were subsequently replaced by thinner veneer like rosewood boards in 1963. The frets installed and bevelled, prior to dressing. The original celluloid pick guard has shrunken pulling screws inward, cracking the celluloid in places and gripping the neck in the neck pocket. Some adjustments were required to ensure the neck could be aligned properly. The non original screws were replaced with vintage correct aged nickel cross head screws. When I removed the old screws one corner of the pick guard just fell away... a spot of super glue solved the problem. The pots are not original, one dates from 1977, the other unknown. Otherwise pickups and electrics are original. The set up is completed ....
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From 2nd December the workshop will be open again to customers, although the option to drop off/pickup outside remains. When entering the workshop please continue to observe social distancing and wear a mask, if possible. We will do likewise. We ask that customers remain in the customer waiting area. Thank you. Stay safe.
As the country goes into another lockdown, new arrangements will be in place from 5th November:
Well I've not posted anything for a while as the workshop has been rather busy since we reopened in May. I've had several vintage instruments requiring more involved repair and restoration work which have presented me with various challenges, alongside a whole host of other servicing and repair jobs. Some of these will be the subject of future more detailed posts. With all this activity I've rather neglected updating the blog recently ....so, as a stop gap, here's a nice pair of vintage Gibsons that customers brought in for some attention over the summer :) Gibson ES125 - 1950's A sweet deep bodied ES125 semi acoustic, probably from the early 50's. No visible serial number. The pickup would have been a black plastic covered P90 and this has been changed for a mini-humbucker. The original tuners have been replaced with Grovers and the control knobs have also been changed. A tune-o-matic bridge has been installed. Despite the non-original parts the guitar still has it's original finish and a lovely woody tone. This just needed a good clean and a set up. Gibson ES335 -1966 This sunburst Gibson ES335 from 1966/67 came in needing repair to a number of loose pearl block inlays, a new bone nut, and a set up. This guitar was, at some time in the past, converted to left hand with the controls installed on the opposite side of the top, only later to be changed back to the original right hand configuration. This necessitated plugging the holes left behind with maple...a fair attempt was made by the repairman who did the work, but it's virtually impossible to match the repair finish on a top such as this. Otherwise the original finish, chrome covered humbuckers, and control knobs are still evident. Bridge and stop tail have been replaced together with the tuners and truss rod cover. The alterations and non original parts make this an affordable players grade vintage ES335.
We (myself and the amp repairman Steve with whom I share the workshop) are now able to work more or less as usual at our benches. Below are our arrangements to keep safe:
This guitar, and it's slightly higher spec'ed cousin the Yamaha SG 2000 were a quite popular choice in the late 70s/ early 80s, originally popularised by the likes of Carlos Santana and Bill Nelson (Be-Bop Deluxe) then taken up by a number of post punk/ new wave guitarists, in particular John McGeogh (Magazine/ Siouxsie and the Banshees), Stuart Adamson (Skids/Big Country), and Andy Taylor (Duran Duran). The SG range were produced in Japan from 1976. It was an alternative to the ubiquitous Gibson Les Paul, with slightly hotter pickups, and a substantial weight akin to a Les Paul Custom, It's since become a bit of a cult classic. This model holds a soft spot in my heart as a tobacco sunburst SG1000 was the main guitar of John McGeogh, one of my favourite guitar players who was a big influence on the likes of John Frusciante (who also now plays Yamaha SGs), Johnny Marr, and Jonny Greenwood ...all of whom also happen to be some of my favourite players - strange that they are all Johns! The original Yamaha Grover type machine heads and serial number on back of headstock (2xxx) date the guitar to 1977, so a fairly early one. The original frets had a fair amount of wear so I dressed these. The guitar had an old plastic nut, which I removed and made a new one from bone (shown in photo) as this guitar deserves better. The original alnico humbucker pickups (which came without covers), bridge and stop tail piece are in place. The original volume pots did not work very well, despite a good clean, so I replaced them with good quality CTS pots for a smooth operation (keeping the old pots). The original push /push tone pots provide a coil split for a single coil sound - these worked fine so I left them alone. The volume and tone knobs were not original and did not fit the new pot shafts, so I replaced these with barrel knobs which look quite nice. The body is solid mahogany with a maple top, the set neck is also mahogany with an ebony fretboard inlaid with distinctive pearl chevron inlays. The quality of the build is apparent when looking at the finishing details - the triple bound bound body and headstock and fancy headstock inlay. The guitar still had it's original green velvet lined case. This is a high quality instrument, in my view better than most guitars coming from Gibson during the 1970's (when their quality control was somewhat suspect). You don't see many for sale in the UK these days, but if you can find one, in my opinion they are still great value and you get a lot of guitar for your money. They also look super cool!
Due to the current lockdown situation the workshop is closed to customers for the foreseeable future. Please do continue to send enquiries by all means and I'll endeavour to give advice over the phone or via email. As soon as we're able to open up again I'll let you know. Meanwhile stay safe everyone. Best wishes Andy.
I've grouped these guitars together for the high quality and detail of their finish/construction, the woods used, or classy design/aesthetics... the Martin and PRS are custom higher end models, the Dean a mid range model. Martin Davy Graham OM Model (Custom Edition) PRS McCarty Private Stock Dean Custom Series
Further to my last post, I'll be available during the day for free bench inspections on instruments. Does your guitar not play as well as you think it should? Is the action too high? Strings buzzing? Or have some other annoying issue? Feel free to bring your instrument along and drop into the Fret & Nut workshop and see me for a free bench inspection and assessment of it’s condition, and what work might be necessary, or recommended , to get your instrument playing as well as it can again, without obligation.
Having spent the best part of August decorating, moving equipment and benches, and organising where things go... the new workshop will be up and running from Monday 2nd September. In addition to this, on Saturday 21st September, Flax Drayton Farm workshops have an open day. Please do come along and enjoy the various activities, listen to some live music, and have a look at what the creative businesses here are up to...more details below ... Fret & Nut and Steve's Amps are the third workshop on the left. Flaxdrayton Workshops Open Day ( Press Release)
This September come join the extraordinary arts and social enterprise hub at Flaxdrayton Farm in our Workshops Open Day. ** Free entry! ** Flaxdrayton Workshops are opening their doors to the public on Saturday 21st September from 11am to 4pm. Visitors can explore the fascinating history of this Victorian farmyard, along with an exclusive peek into the 18 thriving businesses and workshops nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside; each working to make their corner of the world a better and more interesting place to be. This historic Victorian farmyard has been in the Blake family since it was built in 1858. Francis and his wife Jane, the current generation, took on the farm in the mid 70’s, first farming organically, then, following a substantial fire in 1993, gradually converting the buildings with great care into its current vibrant community of 18 small businesses (there’s just two units currently empty and available to let). Come to the Open Day and you can: Taste and buy wonderful fresh produce from local food producers, including: Cider and apple juice Bread and bakery products Fruit and vegetables, eggs and preserves Sports nutrition, healthy snacks Purchase restored antiques and memorabilia and other up-cycled collectibles See wood carving, upholstery and furniture restoration in action Sign up for discounted sessions – photography and Body SMART fitness Tour the metal gaming miniatures workshop and follow a game in action Play with Imagine Learn & Create’s “Club Tropicale” – crazy golf, photo booth, fortune telling, coconut shy, splat the (tropical) rat Enjoy live music from John Adamson, Plum Jam and Toadflax in the farmyard and try out the outdoor dance floor Refresh yourself at our “pop up” café, selling tea/coffee, pasties, cakes, mocktails Find out about the history of what was a model Victorian farm 160 years ago, and its story since. All profits are going to The Refugee Council, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Prostate Cancer UK. Flaxdrayton Farm is just ½ mile from the A303 between South Petherton and Norton-sub-Hamdon. For more information, please visit www.flaxdrayton.co.uk, ring 01460 241062 or email francis@flaxdrayton.co.uk. Our tenants (clockwise around the farmyard)- Angel Eyes Sarah Wallace New-born, maternity and family photography Veelyn Ltd Lynda Styles Antiques, collectables, craft Items, memorabilia & up-cycling Fret and Nut Andy Hann Guitar set up and repairs Steve’s Amps Steve Rowse Valve amplifier repairs Julia Thompson Ethical jeweller and silversmith Take Art Ralph Lister Arts charity for Somerset communities Arttus Ken Peterkin Period interiors and furniture, restoration conservation and consultancy iOme Fitness Charlie Fardon Fitness studio, yoga/pilates Bower Bakery Peter Hill Artisan baker Blackdown Greenroofs Ian Banks Green roof supply and installation and all related roofing/podium needs Navtor UK Ltd Richard Northover E-navigation solutions, products and services John Adamson Wood carving Marc Wood Fine joinery and furniture bespoke Joinery JJ’s Nuts Andy and Debbie Cox Nuts, nibbles, herbs and spices Imagine Learn and Create Jess Hyslop Art and craft tutoring for those and create with learning disabilities SHQ Miniatures Heroics & ROS Pete Edwards Ian Armstrong Metal gaming miniatures Hackney Studio Wendy Heath Painted furniture and upcycling, pedicure and reflexology Upholstery Studio Linda Whatley Upholstery, furniture repairs, dress making All contact details can be found at www.flaxdrayton.co.uk. |
AuthorAs a luthier, and also a vintage guitar enthusiast, I'll be posting articles about guitar repair, guitar construction, and also vintage instruments Archives
December 2022
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