Stripped Bass

[StevieDee]

I picked up a Romanian bass very cheap a while back and thought I'd have a go at stripping it as I didn't like the colour much and I thought it was a cheapy.

Afterwards I took to my luthier and he told me it was fully carved, about 20 years old and a pretty good instrument worth a bit cash, by that time I'd went a bit mad with the sander!

I refinished it with Danish Oil but the is still some ingrained lacquer in the grain so it's kind of mottled, I rather like it but I have to say that!

[bassics1975]

Refinishing is one of those words that strikes fear in the hearts of luthiers. The stories that many of them could tell you about someone discovering sandpaper and introducing it to a rare old instrument (with good intentions mind you).

I have a century-old instrument that has been refinished (rather poorly at that) complete with sanding scuffs and deep gouges from an electric sander. I love the sound of this instrument but from a collector's point of view, it has been devalued considerably because of the ambitions of a previous owner. I have to compliment you on the job...from the picture that you posted, it looks quite nice!

[StevieDee]

Originally Posted by bassics1975

I have a century-old instrument that has been refinished (rather poorly at that) complete with sanding scuffs and deep gouges from an electric sander. I love the sound of this instrument but from a collector's point of view, it has been devalued considerably because of the ambitions of a previous owner. I have to compliment you on the job...from the picture that you posted, it looks quite nice!

I know what you mean, I did a little bit of research on the bass when I got it and worked out it was a student level bass, with maybe a carved top. I picked it up for just over £100 and the lacquer was very orange so I reckoned it must be a cheap bass. I was pleasantly surprised when the luthier told me it was of a reasonable quality but also a bit worried. I have an old B&H from the 50's and half size Selmer which is over 100 years old and I wouldn't touch them, even though the b&h is pretty beat up looking.

I think if I were to re-stain it I'd make it a bit darker just to even out the colour imperfections but I don't intend selling it so I'll leave it for a while.

[bassics1975]

The original lacquer would have penetrated the wood to a degree and to remove all traces of it would require you to remove a considerable amount of material through sanding. staining it darker would be the better way. I think it looks quite good the way it is if you ask me. If it sounds good, I would be inclined just to let it be and enjoy it.

[Marcus Johnson]

When I read the thread title, I thought it was another food thread. lol

The bass looks nice... A friend of mine did almost the same thing, with very similar results. Going after a bass with a sander is a little dicey, but... it's done now, and it looks good.