Double bass finish

digdog · #1 03-30-2011, 05:58 PM

Hello

I have a strunal model 5/35 w. I would like to remove the shiny finish from the instrument (I don t like it) but I wanted to ask if I remove the finish of the bass should I apply a new one after? I made it already in a small area of the instrument and it looks so nice without any finish on it that I was thinking if it s possible to remove the finish from the whole instrument and not apply something else on it. How will this affect the instrument in terms of sound and life?
Thank you for your time!

fdeck · #2 03-30-2011, 09:31 PM

Before you strip it down completely, have a look at these threads:

No more gloss!

Cutting the gloss - student grade laminated

I think that leaving the bass un-finished would be a bad idea. Also, exactly how would you plan on removing it?

digdog · #3 03-31-2011, 12:28 AM

Hi...
Well I was planning to make it with the scotch brite way. The thing is that I don t know how much I am supposed to rub it in order for the finish to be removed. And another thing.
If let s say I am rubbing this shiny finish off is there another finish for a double bass that can be applied? (one without this shiny effect)
How do I know if the finish has been completely removed?
Is it possible to remove all of the finish with a scotch brite?
Thanks

fdeck · #4 03-31-2011, 05:08 PM

I think that what's discussed in the above thread is simply distressing the surface of the finish to cut down the gloss, not removing it altogether.

I don't know anything about your model of bass, but de- or re-finishing a bass typically lowers its value by a fair amount.

tstone · #5 03-31-2011, 06:08 PM

If you just want a satin finish rather than a gloss finish, you can use #0000 steel wool or a fine (white) Scotchbrite pad. The idea is just to dull the finish, not remove it. It's a lot of work and takes a lot of patience.

I would never recommend stripping an instrument down to bare wood and leaving it that way. The finish slows down the rate of change of moisture content in the wood with humidity changes in the environment, and as such helps prevent warping and cracking. Many believe it also has a beneficial effect on tone. Bare wood instruments also can get very dirty and sticky and cannot be cleaned easily. JMO.

fdeck · #6 03-31-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstone

If you just want a satin finish rather than a gloss finish, you can use #0000 steel wool or a fine (white) Scotchbrite pad. The idea is just to dull the finish, not remove it. It's a lot of work and takes a lot of patience.

I would never recommend stripping an instrument down to bare wood and leaving it that way. The finish slows down the rate of change of moisture content in the wood with humidity changes in the environment, and as such helps prevent warping and cracking. Many believe it also has a beneficial effect on tone. Bare wood instruments also can get very dirty and sticky and cannot be cleaned easily. JMO.

I agree. The odd thing about the double bass is that everything, including the decorative elements, also serves a functional purpose. So one must approach modifications with great circumspection.