1963 Atlas (National) Rubber-Bridge Pocket Bass Conversion

Overview: This cute little thing started-off as a 3/4-size, National/Valco-made, student electric guitar. The National-branded ones were called the "Thunderstick" but this one has cool, "Atlas" branding at the headstock. It arrived all-original but I've modded it into a super-pocket bass (it only has a 22" scale length) that is made useful and rather wonderful by the application of a rubber-topped bridge rather than the traditional rosewood ones (which make for quirky intonation to say the least). The rubber has the benefit of intonating at a straight line and keeping the strings from "wobbling" out of tune (when plucked harder) on such a short scale due to its damping properties.

Repairs included: I gave it a level/dress of the frets, added side dots, replaced the wiring harness with a fresh one (500k pots, 47 cap, Switchcraft jack), reinforced the jack area of the pickguard, fit a new tailpiece (we do these out of discarded "Strat trem claws"), made a new rubber-topped brass saddle (out of a lipstick pickup base), fit some foam under the pickup so it's height-adjustable, modified some salvaged old tuners to a 4-post format, cleaned it up, scrounged some quite-used old bass strings (well-loved sounds better!), and set it up. It plays spot-on and is ready to serve.

• Weight: 5 lbs 3 oz
• Scale length: 22"
• Nut width: 1 5/8"
• Neck shape: fat C
• Board radius: 10"
• Depth at first fret: 1.05"
• Depth at seventh fret: 1.09"
• Body width: 12"
• Body depth: 1 1/4"
• Body wood: unsure -- poplar?
• Bridge: rubber-saddle/adjustable
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: poplar, likely
• Pickups: 1x original single coil
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium/lower

Condition notes: The pickguard's plastic has a crack at the screwhole right under the pickup housing that I've briged with tape on the reverse. The area near the jack on the pickguard also has hairline cracks that I've reinforced both with shielding tape on the reverse and also a couple of large washers. There are nicks, scratches, dings, etc. here and there throughout the finish and big wear spots from where the (movable) bridge feet have scratched the surface on top. I currently have said bridge feet tacked-down lightly with a couple dots of glue to keep the bridge in place. The rest is obviously modified -- swapped (but period) tuners, different tailpiece, side dots added, and whatnot. 

It comes with: It actually has its original chip case.

Consignor tag: JW