Hey everybody, i just thought i'd start a thread on my second and third bass projects. The project title is twins-2 basses, made for me, nearly identical except one is fretted one is fretless.

General specs:

bodies: Alder [c/o larry @ galleryhardwoods]
fingerboards: Pau Ferro 12inch radius [LMII]
chrome hardware
Bartolini P-J pickups [passive]
5 string
1-Unlined fretless w/side dots, 1 fretted w/side dots
Schaller Black straplocks
finish: debating between stained black w/a nitro clear coat, or just goin for black gloss nitro [stew mac].

For more info/see updates of my projects along with pictures-see my sig. for the link.

Also-feel free to make comments about what you think of the shape, the materials, et al. I appreciate the input. That's all

Gloss Black is quite simply the most difficult, unforgiving, frustrating, time consuming, error prone, gooberific finish you could possibly choose.

Have a great time!

Last weekend, I'd finished the last stroke on the umpteenth poly coat on the black back of a bound body. What I thought was finally my last. As I turned to put the gun down, a bug flew over my left shoulder and square into the just laid, perfectly glass smooth finish. I've learned that to dig 'em out leaves bigger crater so I just let it cure and started over with the next coat. *sigh*

Gloss Black is quite simply the most difficult, unforgiving, frustrating, time consuming, error prone, gooberific finish you could possibly choose.

Have a great time!

Last weekend, I'd finished the last stroke on the umpteenth poly coat on the black back of a bound body. What I thought was finally my last. As I turned to put the gun down, a bug flew over my left shoulder and square into the just laid, perfectly glass smooth finish. I've learned that to dig 'em out leaves bigger crater so I just let it cure and started over with the next coat. *sigh*

Were you outside, I hate lacquering outside.

[QUOTE=Hambone]Gloss Black is quite simply the most difficult, unforgiving, frustrating, time consuming, error prone, gooberific finish you could possibly choose.
QUOTE] end of the snip......

Hmmm, i'll do some more research than before committing 100% to the gloss black. The current project [have to place 1 last order] is going to be tung oil. Do you have any suggestions hambone for a colored finish? Like using a wipe on poly over a stain or something? This is why i enjoy TB so much, people that know more than i do and that are willing to share info. :D

Do you have this book, if you don't I'd recommend it.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Building_and_repair:_Finishing/Guitar_Finishing_Step_By_Step.html

I have had ok results with woodburst dyes [It has its quirks though] with tung oil. And TEST not just how the stain or dye looks on scrap but also how the stain / dye reacts with the finish, you can get some strange results if your aren't careful.

Thanks AMN, i think i'll add that to the order from there i'm getting ready to place.

Gloss Black is quite simply the most difficult, unforgiving, frustrating, time consuming, error prone, gooberific finish you could possibly choose.

Have a great time!

Last weekend, I'd finished the last stroke on the umpteenth poly coat on the black back of a bound body. What I thought was finally my last. As I turned to put the gun down, a bug flew over my left shoulder and square into the just laid, perfectly glass smooth finish. I've learned that to dig 'em out leaves bigger crater so I just let it cure and started over with the next coat. *sigh*
Maybe I'm missunderstanding you, but it sounds like you're saying you just leave the bug on the bass and spray over it????

Do you have this book, if you don't I'd recommend it.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Building_and_repair:_Finishing/Guitar_Finishing_Step_By_Step.html

I have had ok results with woodburst dyes [It has its quirks though] with tung oil. And TEST not just how the stain or dye looks on scrap but also how the stain / dye reacts with the finish, you can get some strange results if your aren't careful.

Yea, I bought this book, & it does have quite a bit of info, including various color recipe's... The only thing I wish it did have, was how to mix translucents. But, based upon when you get, it should be easy enough.

The only thing I wish it did have, was how to mix translucents. But, based upon when you get, it should be easy enough.

I'll agree with that. I thought the book should have been twice as long. I think it is a good place to start. I would have liked more on french polish though.

Got the Stew-Mac Order placed. I was surprised to find out that they are located in Ohio. According to the tracking number from the shippers website-the package has a good shot at being here tomorrow. I'll give the book a good read through and then comment back here on what finish i think i'm going to use. That's all

Maybe I'm missunderstanding you, but it sounds like you're saying you just leave the bug on the bass and spray over it????

i think i misunderstood him too. cause thats what i read

i think i misunderstood him too. cause thats what i read

When the finish dries, the bug, having gone to his Valhalla, is now a hard little bump, ready to be sanded flat, (or off completely), and painted over... Digging it out when it's wet causes a huge divit in the paint, much harder to fix... don't even bother to ask how I know :D

-robert

NEW COLOR ALERT "BUG BURST"
:hiding:

Updates: got the bodies glued up. Body shapes are determined. Got the fingerboards in for being "2nd" level boards-these things are niiice. :D I had LMII go ahead and do the slotting and radiusing for me. [note: LMII grades their fingerboards based on looks not quality]. Pics have been taken. Go to my website under Twins, Pics for all of them. Also-updates have taken place on the first project. I go to a guy's house tomorrow to do the routing. Depending on how long the routing takes-might go ahead and drill for the tuning machines, pots, and the other holes. That's all