damaged 30th musicman bass

[jim4237]

hey all. here is my problem. I left my 30 anniversary bass at my brothers house. I got it a year ago for a wedding gift from my wife. I'm pretty sure my brother did it, but can't prove it. I just moved into my new home and took it out after 3 months. right next to the control knobs, between the knobs and the strings, on the body, is a 1/4 - 1/2 inch sized chunk taken out. Just like someone took a screwdriver and stuck it. the finish is gone right down to the wood. ive kept this bass in mint condition. can anyone please tell me where I can have this fixed so I don't loose value. I live In massachusetts. thanks for the help. Jim

 

[Big Poppa]

Geez that is a tough one. I know some people who could fix your brother though!~

 

[jim4237]

thanks. Too bad I can't prove it. we got into an arguement and the next thing I knew, the guitar was busted. fyi: the wood isn't damaged. its just the finish. its amazing how thick the finish is on this thing. it looks like an 1/8 thick. thanks for the advice though

 

[the unrepentant]

Hmm, maybe somebody really nice from EB customer service could hook you up with whatever it was they finished the 30ths in and you could get a local luthier to patch it up for you.

I also heard you could take the bass into the factory if you're close and they might do it for you there, but i'm sure BP could clear this up for you!

 

[ekb16b]

it sucks that your 30th is damaged, it sucks even more than someone else did it..

 

[Kristopher]

I'd check with a local luthier and ask for advice, they may know someone local who can do paint jobs. I'm sure there's someone out there that will at least attempt to fix it, but you'll have to pay. Basically anyone who does refinishes could help. That's my two cents.

 

[carpedebass]

When is the funeral?

 

[johnfrazier]

Ouch.

Last year I bought a badly abused and neglected '77, and the forumites here were kind enough to offer advice that led me to Gord Miller at GM Vintage Restoration in Vancouver, BC. He did an excellent resotration, worth the time and expense. He can be reached at 877 394 8676 and his website is:

gmvintagerestoration.com

 

[Caca de Kick]

Can you post a good picture of the chip? You say it didn't gouge the wood, but is it still red stain?

I usually fix big finish chips with careful applications of superglue. You can build up layers, then use ultrafine sand paper/cloth to level it out and polish it to a shine.

 

[Baird]

-1 On pics. I won't look at them as they will make me sad. AND give me nightmares.

Can you post a good picture of the chip? You say it didn't gouge the wood, but is it still red stain?

I usually fix big finish chips with careful applications of superglue. You can build up layers, then use ultrafine sand paper/cloth to level it out and polish it to a shine.

 

[jim4237]

damn. after a second look, it did dig into the wood. yes, the finish, stain and some of the wood is gone. I will take a pic a send it soon. is there a way I can get this fixed through ernieball, or musicman. someone professional. Or do I have to go through a secondary shop? I just don't want this fixed and "seen". I want this fixed professionally. This thing is killing me: I don't even want to look at the guitar again until its fixed. thanks again

 

[bovinehost]

Jim, my answer should be taken as no more than opinion, just like most other people here.

It's not a warranty issue and in any case the factory really isn't setup to do spot finish repairs. I think you have two options.

1. Find a local/nearby place that does good work.
2. Live with it.

I'd probably be more inclined to go with option 2, but that's a personal decision.

Where are you? Someone may know a good repair shop in your area.

Jack

 

[thunder]

pimp your brother.

 

[silverburst]

You could drill a hole there and install a coil tap switch.

 

[carpedebass]

I would seriously try to get some original paint from EBMM, then have someone refinish the entire thing.

 

[Slater]

Where are you? Someone may know a good repair shop in your area.

Jack

That's the question. If you were in my area, I would know exactly were to send you...

 

[mynan]

He said he's from Massachusetts...

 

[hankSRay]

Ok here's my 2cents.

If you're concerned about the value of the bass (if you want to keep it mint as a collectable) I'd say sell it, take the loss, buy a new one and kill your brother. Really even in you get it professionally fixed, it wont be worth as much because it will still be damaged.

Now if this is the bass you're holding onto for the rest of your life then as Jack said, either have a luthier repair it or just leave it be. I personally would just leave it and then not worry about it when you get another ding here and there.

 

[Will_Spengler]

If you are really worried about the ding, it would probably be cheaper to sell the bass, and buy another one, which is used but in mint condition.

 

[jlepre]

I personally would just leave it and then not worry about it when you get another ding here and there.

This sounds a little deeper than a little ding. He said it's down to the bare wood. I know how he feels. Even if I was going to keep this bass forever, I would hate to look down and see that damage!
I would sell it and cut my losses. Buy a new bass!