Staining fingerboard?

TenorClef · #1 07-13-2009, 03:50 AM

I thinking of staining my double bass fingerboard ebony to match the tailpiece, its currently solid rosewood (see photo), any one tried this, or can any one offer any advice in this regard. I figure a couple of coats of satin ebony woodstain should be enough but my concern was that it might start pealing or leaving my hands black??? I'm using nylon strings (La Bella Supernil) but will be adding a gut D & G shortly.

Advice appreciated!

TC

JtheJazzMan · #2 07-13-2009, 04:01 AM

I would be worried anything you put on there will eventually dirty your hands and your strings, at the very least it will leave a residue making it uncomfortable to play.

Is the tailpiece ebony or just stained? Would be easier to match that if its just stained.

TenorClef · #3 07-13-2009, 04:08 AM

Thanks for the input, the tailpiece is just a cheap wood one i bought off ebay to replace the even cheaper metal one that was on previously.

MIKMAN · #4 07-13-2009, 07:30 AM

Dear TenorClef it looks much better if you can purchase a rosewood tailpiece to match the FB. Any stained FB tends to look ugly after some use, so IMHO, leave it as it is.
By the way the wood grain in the Thomann 111 i laid hands yesterday looks very beautiful. If yours is the same why would you like to change it?

TenorClef · #5 07-13-2009, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKMAN

Dear TenorClef it looks much better if you can purchase a rosewood tailpiece to match the FB. Any stained FB tends to look ugly after some use, so IMHO, leave it as it is.
By the way the wood grain in the Thomann 111 i laid hands yesterday looks very beautiful. If yours is the same why would you like to change it?

Hi MIKMAN, yes i think you are right, i will look around for a rosewood tailpiece. Any ideas where i can purchase a rosewood tailpiece? Regarding the wood grain, yes it is quite nice on the fingerboard, the body grain is ok too but because the bass is laminate it does not have the same fine close grain detail of a natural wood spruce top. As i said in another thread if the top had a better solid top finish i would shellac the top. Shellac looks so pretty. I am very happy with my bass.