Shiny bass

[Jack Keddie]

Hi, I have a Stentor Elysia Chinese bass which you probably can't get in the US. It has been recently set up by a respected violin maker here in Edinburgh who confirmed that although it needed a good set-up, it is basically an extremely good instrument made from solid spruce and maple with an ebony fingerboard and tailpiece. The trouble is it is finished with traditional shelac varnish which is extremely shiny and shows up all the tiny imperfections in the carving. The violin maker suggested that I can 'cut back' the shine with pumice powder and oil which will give the bass a more matt appearance. It seems a big step and I wonder what you guys in the States think of this idea. Is a shiny finish more traditional for a bass?

[Barron]

Jack,


Welcome. I know for a fact that there are a couple of threads that brilliantly discuss safe and not so safe options for shiny basses if you would check the
"newbie" links above or search for "shiny".


Ordinarily I love a good chat, but this is your best option in this case.



3,004? Kidding.