Refinishing In Antique

[Robert Spencer]

First of all I have to say that this question (request for help) involves a bass guitar. I was refered here after posting on the bass guitar forum because this is something that might be more in line with double bass owners/users.
I would like to be able to apply an antique violin finish like this:
http://www.quest-md.com/ARB204.html
Can anyone point me in the right direction ? Thanks & take care. Bob

[bassphase]

Hi

I don't think the builder's term "antique violin finish" meant that the finish itself was spirit varnish but that it was of similar colors to many violins. Lacquer is a traditional guitar finish. Oil finishes are popular too. The 'burst on that bass in the picture fades so gently I think it was likely done with an airbrush. Bursts can be done by hand too. You might want to look at this video of James Condino finishing a flame maple mandolin body blank and applying a burst by hand. He's using a shellac finish which probably wouldn't be appropriate for a bass guitar but you might be interested in how he enhances the figure in the wood and how he builds up colors using wood dyes.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/Skill....aspx?id=30182

Hope that helps

bob