I think I just scored another one... this time a '63

Rob · February 28, 2018, 06:58:33 PM

I agree with Dave

It seems that in the long run of things you are better off to have the neck come loose.
'if it were just slightly pulled I would have probably tolerated it and been frustrated.

ilan · March 01, 2018, 06:48:05 AM

Quote from: Rob on February 28, 2018, 06:58:33 PM
if it were just slightly pulled I would have probably tolerated it and been frustrated.

That's when most vintage Höfner owners start to shave down the bridge. I can't remember when I've seen one with its bridge unshaved.

uwe · March 01, 2018, 06:49:21 AM

Why on earth would you want to - intentionally - run down a bass from 1965 in exceptionally good condition?

The world has gone mad and now even you (of all people), Ilan, as the former beacon of sanity in this forum of fora, are waving the flag for this madness!

uwe · March 01, 2018, 07:04:50 AM

Quote from: ilan on March 01, 2018, 06:48:05 AM
That's when most vintage Höfner owners start to shave down the bridge. I can't remember when I've seen one with its bridge unshaved.

True. But the shaving down is just a first step and won't prevent the eventual reset - been there, done that!

ilan · March 01, 2018, 07:36:55 AM

Shaving down the bridge widens the break angle, resulting in floppier strings. And if the bridge is shaved from the bottom, then almost always its legs don't fit the top perfectly. That's why I have new Höfner bridges in my parts drawer - I know I will need them.

ilan · March 01, 2018, 07:40:43 AM

Quote from: uwe on March 01, 2018, 06:49:21 AM
Why on earth would you want to - intentionally - run down a bass from 1965 in exceptionally good condition?
The world has gone mad and now even you (of all people), Ilan, as the former beacon of sanity in this forum of fora, are waving the flag for this madness!

It's resprayed, and has a slight orange peel effect. I usually don't mind it much until I pick up the '60 blonde 500/3, and it looks right.

patman · March 01, 2018, 10:17:44 AM

level the finish properly and buff?

uwe · March 01, 2018, 11:09:21 AM

But Ilan, some orange peel is no cause for separation from either a wife/GF

or a bass fin!

Alas!, nature's imperfections, but function is largely retained in both cases.

(I'm a constant source of comfort. Here and everywhere else.)

ilan · March 14, 2018, 06:04:53 AM

The luthier has just sent me this pic

patman · March 14, 2018, 07:36:09 AM

beautiful!

Rob · March 14, 2018, 11:47:51 AM

Really nice!

ilan · March 20, 2018, 09:23:20 AM

Picked her up. Perfect. Added side dots (old Höfners don't have them and it drives me crazy). Of my 4 this one has the fattest neck (front-to-back) and I really like it.

Dave W · March 21, 2018, 03:20:19 PM

I've learned to really appreciate fat necks on basses.

Chris P. · March 22, 2018, 02:39:13 AM

so cool!

ilan · March 22, 2018, 10:53:31 AM

Quote from: uwe on March 01, 2018, 06:49:21 AM
Why on earth would you want to - intentionally - run down a bass from 1965 in exceptionally good condition?

The world has gone mad and now even you (of all people), Ilan, as the former beacon of sanity in this forum of fora, are waving the flag for this madness!

So now Höfner are doing a relic - H500/1-RLC-63-0. Basically Macca-spec with "secret varnish". I can assure you that every good violin maker knows the "secret".
http://www.hofner.com/news/news/view/label/Violin%20Bass%20-%20%27Relic%27%20/