Got a problem with my new bass!

Elrend · #1 12-04-2009, 02:29 PM

I bought this DB today for about 500$. It' has fantastic resonance, a smooth fingerboard and anything I could ever want for a starting bass.

There is however, one problem... A rather shallow problem, no doubt, but a dire one nonetheless. The previous owner, when leveling out the fretboard, never did refinish it. So it's got a huge wood-colored scratch seemingly made by a large animal.

How would I go about fixing this? Epoxy or?

Appreciate all replies!

John Wentzien · #2 12-04-2009, 02:31 PM

I like it!

MalcolmAmos · #3 12-04-2009, 02:43 PM

Can not really tell from the photo - put it into perspective - some time if we repair we hurt the value. Some time it's best to just leave the imperfections alone.
http://philspector.files.wordpress.c...ons-guitar.jpg
Trigger is Trigger and best left like he is.

Elrend · #4 12-04-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Can not really tell from the photo - put it into perspective - some time if we repair we hurt the value. Some time it's best to just leave the imperfections alone.

This bass is only 1 years old.

Paul Warburton · #5 12-04-2009, 03:37 PM

Gee. He did a great job getting the frets out though...

Eric Swanson · #6 12-04-2009, 04:18 PM

Um...what are frets?

forester · #7 12-04-2009, 06:51 PM

you've been de-ebonized...
you'll get a straight answer from somebody soon.

gbaker · #8 12-04-2009, 08:06 PM

You got that porkchop in the shot and tilted everyone.

You say the FB is smooth and it plays OK.

So why don't you consider just sanding it to remove the old color leaving a nice natural FB? If you are handy.

Remove the strings, weight down the sound post (search), remove the nut. Use a block and sandpaper and work long ways with the grain. Start with 120 grit to remove the old junk. Then smooth with 180, then 220, then 400. Apply boiled linseed oil. Replace the nut.

While you are at it do the neck in the playing area the same way.

Luck.

Eric Hochberg · #9 12-04-2009, 10:43 PM

Unfortunately, that's what $500.00 gets you...

Michael Case · #10 12-05-2009, 10:45 AM

It looks like your fingerboard is not ebony, but possibly maple or some other light wood painted to look like ebony. One thing you could do is have the whole fingerboard sanded to remove the paint and have it dyed. Or, if you're feeling rich get a new fingerboard.

wayne holmes · #11 12-05-2009, 01:45 PM

get finger board stain from International violin- 800-542-3538 remove whatever is on there-use about 3 coats of the stain(dye)---- dries fast- Make sure that you don't get the stain on the neck or anything else on the bass(very hard to remove unless you get to it instantly. You can minimize your getting black stain on the surrounding areas by placing the bass on its frontside. Make sure that you protect the fingerboard ---don't put any weight on it. Even though the Finger board is at the bottom now that the bass is on your kitchen table upside down(don't use a bed-it makes some family members nervous), I would still put painters tape on every thing except the finger board.(take it off as soon as you finish the three coats.) With the bass upside down, the stain will not run uphill, most likely., before you stain, fill in any whatever with epoxy wood filler- (hey, this is how I do it- you may use something else)epox wood filler(dark)which you can get at woodcraft 800-225-1153. Mix the black stain with the filler as you knead the filler. If it has anything more than nicks or scratches, take it to a bass luthier. Once the filler has dried, all is sanded ending with fine steel wool, and the 3 coats have dried completely, then use linseed oil, or Kolstien polish on it. Rub it good or you will experience a black stained left hand for awhile. My experience and in my opinion, this is one way and the best way that I would recommend you fix your fretless board. Good luck! send me a pm if you don't understand any of this.