So with the advice & help of a few members here, I am now the proud owner of my first Ernie Ball instrument - a well used, older model Sterling I purchased for $750 (Serial #48734). I was debating b/w this one, and buying a new one at GC, and the used one won out. I went to GC 3 times and tried out a single H, HS, & HH, but at the end of the day, the bargain hunter in me prevailed. Plus this one kinda looks cool, it's got a pretty dark birdseye neck, and is very, very easy to play thus far (1 hr. of noodling - amazing!).
The wear on this bass is mostly cosmetic, which I don't mind. If I bought the one at GC, I would have babied it to no end. I like having a beater to not have to worry about too much dinging, etc. There are only two things that concern me, and I wanted to throw it out there for your feedback.
First, there is some rust on the pole pieces (see picture below). I'm wondering whether this could somehow affect the signal or general function of the pickup. I couldn't hear anything, but I was just curious.
Also, if anyone has suggestions on how to remove the rust (I usually remove rust on metal objects w/ vinegar & scour pads, but I'm definitely NOT doing that here), that would be greatly appreciated.
Last, there is some fret wear on a few frets. The guy I bought it from was a slap monkey (I'm saying that in an endearing way - he was cool). The wear is not too bad or deep, but its there nonetheless. At what point (or depth) does fret wear become an issue? Is it only when I get some string buzz that I should consider a refret?
Thanks for everyone's help. Can't wait to try it out w/ the band (after the holidays 'hiatus').
Happy thanksgiving.
x-ray
The wear on this bass is mostly cosmetic, which I don't mind. If I bought the one at GC, I would have babied it to no end. I like having a beater to not have to worry about too much dinging, etc. There are only two things that concern me, and I wanted to throw it out there for your feedback.
First, there is some rust on the pole pieces (see picture below). I'm wondering whether this could somehow affect the signal or general function of the pickup. I couldn't hear anything, but I was just curious.
Also, if anyone has suggestions on how to remove the rust (I usually remove rust on metal objects w/ vinegar & scour pads, but I'm definitely NOT doing that here), that would be greatly appreciated.
Last, there is some fret wear on a few frets. The guy I bought it from was a slap monkey (I'm saying that in an endearing way - he was cool). The wear is not too bad or deep, but its there nonetheless. At what point (or depth) does fret wear become an issue? Is it only when I get some string buzz that I should consider a refret?
Thanks for everyone's help. Can't wait to try it out w/ the band (after the holidays 'hiatus').
Happy thanksgiving.
x-ray
Last edited:
