80's Engelhardt Refinish Job

bSaRSvS · #1 05-12-2009, 05:07 PM

Well, This spring I got my hands on a free bass, which is very nice as I've been playing with the school for 6-7 years now and was yet to get the cheddar to buy one. It was in rough condition so I refinished it. I used Waterlox tinted with paint like Wendy did on that nice TV-1 kay. I just thought I'd share it with you all. I'm going to replace the maple fingerboard with a Jatoba one before I set it up, and when I say I, I mean my luthier is going to let me watch him do this. Here are some pictures.

http://s578.photobucket.com/albums/s...ection=reverse

Andrew Grandahl · #2 05-12-2009, 06:26 PM

Looks great! Well done.

CamMcIntyre · #3 05-12-2009, 07:46 PM

Nice job, I liked the pictures.

Heifetzbass · #4 05-13-2009, 04:57 AM

Did you brush or spray the finish? Looks good!

DrBassie · #5 05-13-2009, 09:26 AM

Nice job!

bSaRSvS · #6 05-13-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heifetzbass

Did you brush or spray the finish? Looks good!

Thank you. Neither actually, the finish is actually 7 layers of waterlox tinted with paint. So I just had some lint free rags, and I rubbed it all on. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, but it was a little streaky if your not being careful.

400$Bass · #7 05-13-2009, 06:55 PM

Thanks for sharing your bass photos with us...Looks like a lot of work. It seems what you are doing will make your instrument very unique. I have enjoyed reading about it.
Now if I might be so bold as to ask, how did you manage to get your bass FREE, and why did it have [b]SALINE[b] stenciled with white paint on the back of the Bass. That stenciling gesture seemed kind of, well...drastic.

bSaRSvS · #8 05-13-2009, 07:53 PM

Ha, no I didn't steal it, it was dumpster bass at my school with a broken neck joint. When I told my teacher that I was having trouble getting enough money together to ever actually own a bass, he gave it to me. I really wanted to play in my college orchestra next year, and it was just someone giving me something that was going to be thrown out. I contemplated removing the finish from everything but around that [saline]. My orchestra teacher in middle school told me the Engelhardts being labeled like that was a Janitorial decision, before he worked there.

400$Bass · #9 05-13-2009, 10:25 PM

Interesting history there on your Bass. I dare say the Janitors carry a lot of weight and have a lot of clout in your school!!!!

Are all the musical instruments labeled with a painted on stencil? It would seem a piccolo would be a challenge?

cajunInExile · #10 05-14-2009, 05:47 AM

I'd like to do my Engle the same way. I hate the nitro cellulose finish from the factory. Citrus stripper I guess?

400$Bass · #11 05-14-2009, 06:39 AM

Manufacturing year/serial number ENGELHARDT

1981 26839
1982 29155
1983 31064
1984 33265
1985 34968
1986 36706
1987 38888
1988 41320
1989 44132

You said your bass is an 80's Engelhardt...I'm posting this serial number roster from a website...FYI

PaulKing · #12 05-14-2009, 07:12 AM

nice job

MollyKay · #13 05-17-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bSaRSvS

Well, This spring I got my hands on a free bass, which is very nice as I've been playing with the school for 6-7 years now and was yet to get the cheddar to buy one. It was in rough condition so I refinished it. I used Waterlox tinted with paint like Wendy did on that nice TV-1 kay.

Brendan...glad we could help. Be proud of your efforts!

Nice job young man.

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.

PaulKing · #14 05-18-2009, 04:35 AM

Hey Molly, you got that stripped TV1 earlier this year didn't you ... ooh how I lusted after that, I had a transatlantic courier lined up and everything. How's it looking?

I just picked up a startling S-9 in the UK. Off to the luthier soon for a big set up, new f/board.

A question on finish: I've never been a big fan of high gloss. The nitrocellulose on the S9 is very shiny. Of course I wouldn't dream of ruining the authentic finish on the bass

but if I were to try wire wool on it, you reckon I'd get a softer matt finish?

MollyKay · #15 05-18-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulKing

Hey Molly, you got that stripped TV1 earlier this year didn't you ... ooh how I lusted after that, I had a transatlantic courier lined up and everything. How's it looking?

Yep...the TV-1 (the second one we have had) is resting waiting her turn in the workshop. We are still pondering what the next step will be.

Quote:

A question on finish: I've never been a big fan of high gloss. The nitrocellulose on the S9 is very shiny. Of course I wouldn't dream of ruining the authentic finish on the bass

but if I were to try wire wool on it, you reckon I'd get a softer matt finish?

I don’t recommend you do anything…BUT…very fine steel wool or a rubbing compound will cut the shine…but again if this is a Kay S-9, leave it as is…please.

PaulKing · #16 05-20-2009, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MollyKay

....again if this is a Kay S-9, leave it as is…please.

I know, you're right. I won't ruin it. Tis a beaut.

MollyKay · #17 05-20-2009, 08:35 AM

What a GEORGOUS bass…I see you like blondes.

You would be fool to do anything to it. Let playing and wear make its own natural patina. The sheen and condition of your bass would be appreciated by a Kay collector. Play it and enjoy in good health.

Verrrrrry nice!

PaulKing · #18 05-20-2009, 08:41 AM

For a 42 year old she's in good shape.
I should post pics of the back too, stunning flamed maple veneer. Quite the looker.
She's at the luthier now, f/board transplant.

bSaRSvS · #19 05-21-2009, 07:23 PM

well, its been a good ride, but here it is. DONE!!! its sounds great! completely given it new life. Looks like its going gigging tomorrow

**Freddels** · #20 05-21-2009, 07:36 PM

That is the best looking Englehardt I have ever seen.