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Post subject: My '74 Bass' finish/paint is coming off, what to do?
Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 2:02 pm
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First post, loooks like a lot of interesting discussions going on. I couldn't quite figure out the best place to ask this, so I'll ask here, sorry if its the wrong place.

I have a beautiful '74 MusicMaster bass, candy apple red body, white pickguard, and light/dark wood neck, all original hardware/pickup. New pots and wiring to reduce/eliminate hum, I've been playing it since I was 15 and its been in the family a lot longer than that.

The trouble is that the finish is coming off. I have always kept it in the case, and play it a couple times/week. When I wipe it down lately, the rag (yellow microfiber) has red on it! The only chemicall I've ever used on it is gibson and/or duncan brand instrument polish. I also noticed the red is rubbing off onto the black nylon/leather strap.

I have no idea what to do with it. I want to preserve the look and/or value as much as possible, and cost of repair isn't much of a consideration, I can save up, etc.

Can some of you Fender experts give me some advice, or do you know if this is a common problem for instruments of that era/age?

I live within driving distance of the Fender factory in Corona, CA, do you think they can look at it or fix it? If not, how should I choose a music shop? I'm probably not going to take it to Sam Ash at the mall ;)

Thanks
Matt

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Post subject: Re: My '74 Bass' finish/paint is coming off, what to do?
Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 4:33 pm
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For right now wax it. Any non-abrasive car wax that you apply and let dry and buff off. Wax brands like "Classic" which are slightly abrasive should be avoided.

Without actually looking at it, I'm just guessing about what has happened, and no it is not very common. Colors will change based on environment and UV exposure but usually don't come off during a post-session wipe. I think it is possible you may have polished away any sealer coat or it may have softened and buffed off in polishing. Then you kept using the same polish and it is doing the same to the color coat.

If you want to preserve the original finish then you need a protective layer over the paint pronto.

Polishing is OK but you can go overboard with it. Many polishes are slightly abrasive and others not very kind chemically. It is car paint. Use auto type products. Many products marketed for guitars are actually not as good as the high end stuff at the auto parts store for use on cars.

Wax it twice or thrice. Apply, buff and then reapply and rebuff. Should slow it down dramatically and may even solve the whole issue. If it doesn't then you should get it to a restoration specialist. I don't know for sure where you are but there are some really good shops on the left coast.

Fender Corona isn't going to be a lot of help if you show up there uninvited. Would probably be a wasted trip. They do no refinishes at all.

Sam Ash will probably try to sell you more guitar polish. You need something instead to seal and protect it, I think it has had enough guitar store polish for now.

If truly as severe an issue as it sounds, then I'd already be looking for refinish shop to just go ahead and do a clearcoat on the body ASAP. At any rate it needs to be looked at and soon by someone will experience with the same issue and how to correct it. If you do a clearcoat reshoot it really isn't "original" anymore, but if it is done right nobody but you would probably know. I would personally feel obligated to disclose the clearcoat reapplication when selling it though.

Wax it a few times first, might cure the whole situation. You may even have some suitable car wax in the garage right now.


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Post subject: Re: My '74 Bass' finish/paint is coming off, what to do?
Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2013 6:06 pm
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Welcome to the Forum berrmal. Cool first post. Hope that your bass is ok now.

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Post subject: Re: My '74 Bass' finish/paint is coming off, what to do?
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:06 am
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Thanks for the excellent advice bro Dave. I'll try the car wax ASAP and report back.

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Post subject: Re: My '74 Bass' finish/paint is coming off, what to do?
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 5:52 am
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I'm now awaiting the conclusion to this saga. ;)

I want to find out what happened! :)


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