A new-to-me 1988 SR5, a true “relic”

[OldManMusic]

I saw this old girl at a local GC and just couldn’t pass her up. It was one of those basses that begged to be taken home.

It’s a 1988 SR5 with a very early serial number (50262). It’s definitely been a player but it’s in such sweet playable condition, it’s amazing. While the body is extremely “reliced”, the neck is that smooth gloss of the classics without a serious nick to be found. The headstock has seen its share of cymbals but the old girl is in excellent working order.

I swore off 5ers a little over a year ago (old dog, new tricks and all that) but this just had to be mine.

I’m trying to decide if I should leave the “relic” look or send it off to Mary Bell for a refinish. But first, a good cleaning is in order.

 

[fevitz]

I wonder how many punk rock venues thats seen . Quite a few by the look

 

[tbonesullivan]

awesome! whether you repaint it or not, it's killer.

 

[jlepre]

How much? Congrats!

 

[njhammer]

Wow. Well done. That really is a must-have beauty.

 

[OldManMusic]

I wonder how many punk rock venues thats seen . Quite a few by the look

Well, I've played my share of punk stages too. I'm about as worn as the bass.

 

[OldManMusic]

How much? Congrats!

Probably a little more than I would have liked given her condition. But it looks like it was made pretty early in the SR5 runs according to Gav's website. And it sorta spoke to me, so it was worth it to me.

 

[five7]

Love it! Congrats on finding it, would of been hard for me to pass up. Why anyone would want a new bass and be afraid to take it to a gig when you can enjoy an instrument with character. If you ever want to let it go, please let me know.

 

[OldManMusic]

I figured you or one of the other local forumites was going to grab it. I'm sure that most GC shoppers thought it was an ugly beat up overpriced bass...

 

[five7]

I go to GC maybe once a year, bout all I can take. Great score, Man!

 

[76DUB]

That's a Beauty for sure!

 

[76DUB]

I would leave it untouched. Its perfect

 

[bovinehost]

I am already in love with that bass.

 

[MattOfSweden]

I am already in love with that bass.

I second that motion.
Congrats!

 

[nurnay]

No refinish! That baby has character!

 

[Musicman Nut]

LOVE It,

 

[oli@bass]

Way way cool!
Such a beautiful and true relicing should not be wasted by a refin...

 

[OldManMusic]

Ok, I'll stop thinking of the refinishing her. She's is too damn cool the way it is. I got inspired by Musicman Nut's killer orange sparkle a couple of days ago and thought refinishing was the way to go. But I've come back to my senses, thanks guys.

It will be in GC's "pawn shop hold" for a couple of weeks as they do when they get used gear in Colorado. Here are a couple more cell phone pictures I took of her.

Yes, those are my pale chicken-legs under the bass. I know I need more sun... and muscle.

I tried to get the bridge and serial number. The grime and dirt were include at no extra charge.

 

[Movielife]

Don't refinish! That's a beauty.

 

[liverbird]

Definitely don't refinish - looks great! Heavy?