The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: Bass VI on November 24, 2008, 12:44:03 AM
-
Hello All,
This started out in " Other Bass Brands " http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=1447.0 but as it's turned into a mod and restore project, I thought it was more appropriate to continue it here....
1979 Guild B-302, cracked headstock ( repaired ), replaced J-bass pups ( replaced with an original in the bridge posiyion and a DiMarzio Model One in the neck ) brown sunblah finish ( stripped soon to be black ) that's about where it is at the moment, and now for a few pics to get this post up to speed..........
This is where it started.....nothing too bad....
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302.jpg)
Non original J pickups....
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/Copy2ofG3RipperWiring001.jpg)
Headstock repair before, during, currently...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/Copy2ofG3RipperWiring005.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302043.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302025.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302041.jpg)
It should be noted that I didn't do the repair, although it was done solidly albeit not the prettiest I've ever seen, I stripped the finish and did a little smoothing to make the break a bit nicer...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302051.jpg)
Here it is with a couple of sealer coats, not too bad...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302087.jpg)
At this point I could have redone the 'burst on the headstock and left it alone.....but...
I decided to re-fin it in black with a natural neck and add a Model One in the neck position....
Back of the neck with a few coats of clear ( note the vintage tint to the maple center ) I've got what I hope is a cool idea for the back of the headstock, but we'll have to wait for the pics...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302083-1.jpg)
Nice contrast on the " wings "
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302084.jpg)
Finally a few body shots, including the route for the Model One
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302073.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302069.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302082.jpg)
That's it for now, I'll be working on a new pickguard and filling a few dings around the perimeter of the body and then paintwork.
Cheers,
Scott ( BassVI )
-
Very cool project! Did these basses sound anything like a jazz bass?
-
Looks like you have my evil twin . Nice repair job.
-
Thanks Guys!
Dr B, not really, even with the mystery jazz pickups that were in mine when I got it, it seems much more Gibson-ish in tone to me. With the original installed in the bridge and the big humbucker in the neck position, I expect it to sound even more like the other "G" brand. I suspect it has much to do with the set neck, all mahogany construction, three point bridge and the pickup placement ( the bridge pickup isn't very close to the bridge ) combined together in a way that is definately not Fender-like.
Evil twin! just because I'm gonna do it in black? Actually if I rank my collection by color, black wins hands-down. I think over half of my basses are black and I can't remember the last time I did a show playing any other color.
Shadow, how is yours coming? Post some pics, I'd like to see what you've done with the pickups and covers.
I roughed out a pickguard template at work today, will try to get that finished up this evening, I'm such a night-owl.
I'm looking forward to getting this one back together, should be a pretty cool deal.
:toast:
Scott ( BassVI )
-
Three hours later-ish..................
Pickguard template sans the big hole at the neck for the Model One! I'll get that tomorrow, a bit tired right now and I don't want to screw it up ( or lose a finger! )
Original and template
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302090.jpg)
Template on the bass ( note the nifty new pickup mount ( the brass thingy ), the original was jacked up when the jazz pickups were installed )
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302089.jpg)
Geez, buiding Fender clones is easy, try and redo something off the wall like one of these and you've got to make everything yourself......not like Allparts has B-302 pickup brackets in stock :mrgreen: Oh yea, that's why I like doing this stuff!
Anyone need a pickguard? PM me, ( I'm sure my inbox will not be flooded!
Nap Time!
Scott ( BassVI )
-
I will if I ever get to work on it. I finally got a job teaching at a culinary school 1 1/2 hour from home. I only get home on weekends and is usually filled with honey dewz!!I may get in the shop this weekend :mrgreen:
-
Good Luck with the new job, Shadow!
I'm pretty lucky, my job is repairing guitars, so I have a bit of leeway to work on my own..... ;D so today I soaked the p/g template in super-glue ( makes it a bit stiffer and smooths the edges, also double stick tape dosn't peel the masonite up as bad ) and did the layout for the Model One route.
Finished up the template, not as pretty with the super-glue "paint job" but the edges are nice and smooth.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302091.jpg)
Close up
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302092.jpg)
Big Black pickup ( Uwe should be happy I didn't Chrome the cover! )
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302095.jpg)
I also roughed in a new bone nut, the original was replaced with some horrible generic plastic thing, probably when the headstock was repaired.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302094.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302093.jpg)
That's about it for now, I'll try to refine the nut a bit and line up the Model One before I drill the four mounting holes for it. Then it's back to the refin and actually making the new pickguard.
Happy Thanksgiving All,
Scott ( BassVI )
-
Wow, looking good Scott!!! Keep us posted.
-
Modest update,
Temporary all black pickguard ( waiting for the five-ply blank ) although it dosn't look bad as is......
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302098.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302099.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302100.jpg)
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving,
Scott ( BassVI )
-
Looking good! Too bad that huge pick guard covers up so much wood. I'd like it more if you could see more of that nice old mahogany.
-
Looking good! Too bad that huge pick guard covers up so much wood. I'd like it more if you could see more of that nice old mahogany.
I thought about that ( for a moment ) but the route for the controls is huge...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302073.jpg)
...if the controls had been back-routed, something might have been workable. I'm doing Black for the body anyway so it's not an issue on this one. The back of the neck has the prettiest grain on the guitar so I am leaving that natural.
Probably a defect in my character :mrgreen: but I'm no fan of brown-sunbursts or natural finishes, I like cherry, three-color Fender sunbursts ( on Fenders anyway ) blonde and of course black. The whole natural/brown sunburst thing just looks too much like furniture to me, I like my guitars a little flashy. Of course it goes without saying, I wouldn't be doing a refin on something "classic" say a '64 Bird, I could deal with brown on one of those!
Thanks for the kind words, I'm starting to get into making pickguards. In the past I've usually sent those out to be done, but lately I'm having a bit of fun with it. Last night I finished a template for a hybrid Tele ( I get a lot of requests to build them at my job ) and made a couple of them. It's amazing how fast you can zip one out, after you've spent a few hours making a proper template.
Hopefully I'll get it ready to finish this week and get it back together soon.
Cheers,
Scott ( BassVI )
-
Why not pick up another project and make twins???
http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-Guild-B-302-Bass-Guitar-Project_W0QQitemZ230313209680QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
-
Why not pick up another project and make twins???
http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-Guild-B-302-Bass-Guitar-Project_W0QQitemZ230313209680QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I soooooo already there on that one! another character defect : several of the same basses ..........sometimes in the Same Color !!!!!!!!! :o
Progress report:
Headstock 'burst, I think this should be called a Dachshund 'burst or maybe a Black and Tan...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302101.jpg)
Another view...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302104.jpg)
The body joint...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302103.jpg)
The finished five-ply guard with the one ply "test" and electronics...
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302105.jpg)
Pickups and etc....
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302106.jpg)
Close-up of pots & switch....
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302107.jpg)
So far so...........................far
-
I like the black and tan . That is my style ,nice job.M
-
Looks great, thanks for keeping us up to date! Black & Tan, I'll drink to that!
-
Amen!! :popcorn: :mrgreen:
-
Minor update and really nothing special, but as it's been cold here ( as with most of the country ) not much painting to be done! I might add, the shop is heated but opening the door to help the exhaust fans a bit ( and since the paint room is next to the brass repairmans' shop ) is no fun when it's 20 degrees outside!
As is, been doing a little wiring. Guild really was thorough when shielding these things, I've done the same on my new pickguard.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302110.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302111.jpg)
Note the solder "pools" near the pickup openings, these match up to copper tape in the pickup cavities in the body ( which also have shielding paint in them ) I guess the solder helps connect the body and pickguard shields.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302112.jpg)
Just a closer view, I replaced all the pots, the switch and jack. The old ones seemed to work fine but had a lot of corrosion on them. I also had to enlarge the opening for the Model One, it now sits on the body and not on the 'guard.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302113.jpg)
Now if it will just warm up a bit!
Scott ( BassVI )
-
Id love to know the pot and cap values.M
-
The original pot values were 500k for the volumes and 200k(?) for the tones.
That's interesting since 250k is the norm for single coil pickups.
I used 500k for all the pots on the rewire, which should result in a little more high-end getting through, that and the humbucking Model one would seem to call for 500s.
I re-used the old caps which are .047+/-10%. That seems pretty standard.
This link has a good view of the wiring: ( scroll down )
http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/guildB302.php
Hope that helps, Have you been able to make any progress on yours' ?
I may put mine together this evening, the weather is still quite cold and I'm anxious to check my mods before I get more of the finish on.
Keep ya' posted,
Scott ( BassVI )
-
That looks great! You really see the thought you put into your work. :)
I've been watching this with great interest, as I first played a B 302 when I was looking to upgrade from my first bass (a Bently Series 10). Unfortunately it cost more than I was able to scrape up at the time so I had to pass on it.
I was browsing eBay and ended up BINing a B 301 F that had a P Bass pickup in the neck position. I have Model One laying around so I may follow your lead and sink it in there! Now I guess I'll be able to brush up on my electric fretless chops.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/whereisgooge/guild.jpg)
Isn't winter a pain? All the time in the world to work on projects but it's too cold to spray and finish them up... :sad:
-
Thank you for the compliment, sometimes I wonder if I get too obsessive about these things , and the I think.......naw!
How does the P sound? DiMarzio I think ( cream covers )
Temporarily put mine together, the Model One sounds HUGE ! very nice fat low end, but more clarity that a Gibby Mudbucker. I'm glad I checked it out, because I've got the two pickups out of phase and will need to switch wires on one of them to get both pickups to sound right together. Simple enough, but better now than having to take it apart after the final coats are done! I also discovered I'll have to shorten the pickup height screws as the bridge single coil is too high........
Half-hour later.......
Switching the wires on the Model One did the trick, I think this will be a great sounding bass. Super fat neck, plenty of articulation in the bridge and my fave, both in the middle position. All the nice copper tape seems to do its' job, no hum from the single coil when soloed, and that's without a proper bridge ground. I'll post a few pics of the trial-run as soon as Photobucket comes back online ( site maint. )
Cheers All!
Scott ( BassVI )
-
And through the magic of the internet......
Trial-run.....note that the Model One pole-pieces line up perfectly with the strings.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302115.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302116.jpg)
Nap Time! :bored:
S.
-
note that the Model One pole-pieces line up perfectly with the strings.
This is real important to me. Not only soundwise but aesthetically.
-
Aha... I figured the Model One spacing would work out better for you than the Will Power Neck version.
-
is the model one cover metal or black plastic ?
-
I haven't received the bass yet, but it should be here Friday. I'll let you know how it sounds. I can't say I've ever heard a P pickup that close to the neck before.
is the model one cover metal or black plastic ?
It's metal with a matte finish.
-
This is real important to me. Not only soundwise but aesthetically.
Me too!
Aha... I figured the Model One spacing would work out better for you than the Will Power Neck version.
Yes, and thank you again for finding the measurements.
is the model one cover metal or black plastic ?
It's metal, painted black sort of a textured finish. If it wasn't epoxied to the coils I could have it Chromed!
If I can run away from the family, I may do the color coats Christmas day!
Happy Holiday of your choice!
Scott ( BassVI )
-
I haven't received the bass yet, but it should be here Friday. I'll let you know how it sounds. I can't say I've ever heard a P pickup that close to the neck before.
It's metal with a matte finish.
Hollow,
We must have posted at the same time.
I did notice that the split-coil was up pretty close to the neck, should be interesting. As I said earlier the Model One sounds Huge, I like it!
:mrgreen:
-
I was able to escape some of the Chistmas cheer and get a few coats of black on the thing....
Hollow, did yours' arrive today?
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302117.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302118.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/GuildB-302119.jpg)
Hope you all had a Happy Holiday!
Scott ( BassVI )
-
That looks nice! How did you keep the stripe on the neck from getting color?
The holiday pushed delivery of the bass back until tomorrow.
-
That looks nice! How did you keep the stripe on the neck from getting color?
The holiday pushed delivery of the bass back until tomorrow.
Pinstripe tape.
Same thing with a couple of things I ordered too, hope it arrives tomorrow.
-
I received my Guild yesterday and did a setup on it. It plays great!
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/whereisgooge/SUC50573.jpg)
There was a pleasant surprise in the case: a Fretsling strap!
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/whereisgooge/SUC50575-1.jpg)
I like the sound of the split coil but I'll have to rewire to get everything 100%. Right now it's set up as V-V-T with a three way switch. I'll either pull the switch and stay V-V-T or maybe I'll set it up like the 302. First off I have to build my fretless chops up enough to warrant any overhaul. I very rarely plug into an amp when I practice at home.
-
Yet another one pops up on Ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-VINTAGE-GULD-B-302-BASS-USA-MADE-RARE-100-ORIG_W0QQitemZ280297942541QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
-
Looks Great Hollow!
Know what you mean about playing through an amp. I rarely plug in at home, but you just about have to for pitch accuracy with a fretless. Interesting wiring job, I could make you a pickguard if you wanted to wire it up like a 302 V/V/T/T with a three-way switch, I'd need a tracing to do the P-bass cutout at the top.
Have we started a trend with these things? I looked for a month or so before I found mine ( and it was on Craigslist ) now I see one ( or two ) a week on the 'bay.
This one looks pretty nice!
Yet another one pops up on Ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-VINTAGE-GULD-B-302-BASS-USA-MADE-RARE-100-ORIG_W0QQitemZ280297942541QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
And another, Free Shipping with Buy it Now!
http://cgi.ebay.com/1978-Guild-B302A-Fretless-Bass-Mint-Condition_W0QQitemZ180316898951QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item180316898951&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
I hate to tell this guy, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't originally fretless. But then again the guy he bought from is pretty sure he's the original owner ( maybe he was pretty sure his Dad was the original owner ??? ) But like he says it's mint ( except for the changed pickups and two " un visible " dings. Honestly I think anyone has a right to ask any price for any item they have for sale ( e-bay or otherwise ) but if you're going to ask a premium price, and IMHO this is way beyond premium................Get yer' freakin description and spelling right!
Sorry for the rant,
Happy New Year to All,
Scott ( BassVI )
-
I may take you up on that pickguard somewhere down the line. I just noticed in my picture that the treble side of the split coil is off, so I'll have to move it over or it will drive me crazy.
That first eBay Guild jumped up substantially in the first few hour of bidding. There must be a lot of people checking out this site because the seller actually left the "I" out of Guild!
It does seem that these basses are suddenly in vogue. I wonder what hot band is using one right now?
-
I hear you, Scott. Even if there's not so much as a scratch, it can't be "mint" unless it's factory original. Besides the admittedly changed pickups, anyone who allegedly owns a music store should know that's not a factory fretless. All beside the point as even a true mint one wouldn't fetch anywhere near his BIN.
-
Hollow,
Let me know on the guard, I've got the template so any time you need one let me know.
Dave,
I work in a music store and there are standards that you really should adhere to. If you're gonna say mint, it should be at the very least all original without any sign that it has even been played. If you're going to get real technical mint should be "as new" as in newly minted, you ought to have all the docs and case candy as well. Kinda like the 'Bird in the box, that would qualify as "dead mint" ( or maybe just dead :mrgreen: ) since we don't know where or at least how the box was stored.
Oh well, I'm going back to re-minting mine!
Cheers All,
Scott ( BassVI )
-
describing something as 'mint' or any variation thereof is a misnomer and should be avoided, imho. simply because any obsessive asshat can nitpick at something and find a tiny flaw. i learned this lesson as a dealer at record shows. :P
-
Tru-dat!
:mrgreen:
-
Well Im back in the shop again,finally,& and did some sanding,taping/touch-up on my 302. Its been a tough '09 already. Im lookin foreward to some quality time with laquer and fine grit paper.M
nice job on your 302,Bass IV
-
Check this out!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260349130752
-
(http://devstation.dyndns.org/Kyle/402/electronics.jpg)
CLEAN! I love a good control cavity.
The rest of it's nice, too. ;) Guild sure did make some pretty basses.
-
That one is crazy-cool!
I need to get back to mine, Christmas, New Years, and the NAMM show really cut into my time!
:mrgreen: