Article in Broadsheet Sydney

Broadsheet Sydney was nice enough to do an article on the Saltmine!

Truss rod and fretboard replacement

This bass had two major issues, a broken truss rod and a two-piece fingerboard that was separating at the seam.

On the bench for inspection.

The truss rod had failed, and was pulling itself out of the neck when adjusted.

Removing the fingerboard.

New truss rod channel routed. Maple pieces added as bass side ebony piece did not reach the fingerboard.

Headstock end checked for adjustment nut clearance.

Maple filler piece glued to accomodate new truss rod.

New ebony fingerboard slotted and located with maple dowels.

New fingerboard after glue-up.

End of fingerboard trimmed for new nut.

Dowel holes countersunk and ebony filler glued in place.

Fret position inlay markers glued in place.

Trimming back filler material.

Fret markers levelled.

Fret markers levelled and ready for radius sanding.

Beginning radius sanding.

Radius sanding finished.

Inlay marker material trimmed to edge.

New side dot marker holes drilled. Neck is temporarily coated in wax to protect it from adhesives.

Inlay marker material glued in place. This special marker material is made by Luminlay, and glows in the dark when charged by a UV light.

Marker material trimmed back.

Fingerboard edge sanded flush and edges rounded.

Fingerboard buffed and oiled.

Luminlay markers after UV charging.

Bass completed.

This instrument presented several challenges, but the end result was a stable, fully adjustable neck with great tone.

Back from Mexico, married, and ready to rock.

I'm officially back in the workshop and ready to fix your guitars once again, now with the power of marriage! Email me for details.

Getting married, back on 26/04/13

I'm getting married this weekend, and will be away until the 26th of April. Please direct any inquiries to info@saltminerepair.com.au.

Cheers,

Matt

Synth Bass Madness!

I don't know what it is about these Roland synth basses from the 80's, but boy do they make me happy!

The Salt Mine is back!

Back in the saddle again! The Salt Mine is now operating independently in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Full website and trading details to follow. For now, here's a peek at the new setup.

Fender Jaguar Modification Part Two

Time to finish off the Jaguar!

The shoulder control recess and preamp rout were enlarged to fit the OBP-3.

Wiring the treble, bass, and preamp bypass switch.

Wiring the push/pull midrange, master volume and stereo input.

Everything fits!

Hipshot bridge fitted. Everything's good to go.

Finished!

This bass modification came together really well, and the pickup/preamp combination provides a wide range of tones.