Hello!
I have a nude jazz bass ('68 neck on an ash body of indeterminate origin - definitely NOT a stock '68 body and probably just aftermarket). The neck has plenty of finish left and is not the issue.

The body was just never finished, I'm guessing. I've had the bass about a year, and don't know it's true history. Just trying to "read" the weathering of the wood, I'd guess it could have been like this for 10-15 years. For example, it has a ridged feel in places because the dark and light rings in the grain have dried out to different degrees.

I love the sound of the bass (excellent sustain even with a lightweight stock-style bridge!) and the look of the wood, but wonder what I risk by leaving it exposed to the air and years?
And if a finish is really indicated, are there significant sonic differences (sustain damping is what I'd worry about) to my various options?

thanks! tim in chicago . . .

I don't see how a finish would have any "significant" change in sustain seeing is basses usually have a finish. Someone probably got a new body and just never applied one. I would finish it somehow.

Hello!
I have a nude jazz bass ('68 neck on an ash body of indeterminate origin - definitely NOT a stock '68 body and probably just aftermarket). The neck has plenty of finish left and is not the issue.

The body was just never finished, I'm guessing. I've had the bass about a year, and don't know it's true history. Just trying to "read" the weathering of the wood, I'd guess it could have been like this for 10-15 years. For example, it has a ridged feel in places because the dark and light rings in the grain have dried out to different degrees.

I love the sound of the bass (excellent sustain even with a lightweight stock-style bridge!) and the look of the wood, but wonder what I risk by leaving it exposed to the air and years?
And if a finish is really indicated, are there significant sonic differences (sustain damping is what I'd worry about) to my various options?

thanks! tim in chicago . . .

nude is cool...

just apply a little lemon oil twice a year...this will help keep the wood from getting too dried out.

through the years, it will scratch and ding, discolour a little and look GREAT!

Funny, I'm kind of in a similar position. I jsut took the finish off my jazz bass and am Unsure about what to do for a finish. it does sound way better without the finish though.

2 to 6 coats of tung oil is another "naked" option.

I did my maple wishbass in a wipe on "scandinavian oil" (danish oil with polyurethane).

when thick paint is getting you down...go naked...

i would also go with lemon oil. or just 2 coats of tung.. or shellac. just to give it a little seal. and i would also love to see a photo of your instrument.. because of weaknes for vintage jazz nudes ;;;

all the best,

mike