Sanding the back of the neck?

dblbss · #1 06-09-2010, 08:08 PM

On my 2nd bass which is a ply-Hofner, whatever the finish is I find my thumb sticking to the back of the neck when moving positions.

Is it possible to sand off what is there and if so any tips . I know this gets into luthier territory but I really dont want to spend the $ on a bass I use once in a while and the hike in to Toronto is no fun to say the least.

Any help would be great

JtheJazzMan · #2 06-09-2010, 08:52 PM

Yes, just about every bass I know has the neck sanded then the skins natural oils gives the wood a finish over time. Some fine sandpaper is all you need, with very fine sandpaper to give it a smooth finish.

However it could also be indicative of a technique problem. Is there too much weight on your thumb when youre playing? That will slow you down no matter what finish is on the neck.

Its worth examining how you hold the bass, and perhaps later exploring sitting, standing or endpin options.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #3 06-09-2010, 09:11 PM

Sure, get the finish off. I like a little Watco oil rubbed in with 0000 steel wool. Let that dry well and then let nature do the rest.

Jake deVilliers · #4 06-10-2010, 11:22 AM

To expand a little, work your way from 120 grit through 180, 220, 320 and 400, then raise the grain by wetting it with a damp cloth.

When that dries, sand with 400 and 600, apply a couple of coats of boiled linseed oil and you are in heaven.

bigolbassguy · #5 06-10-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

To expand a little, work your way from 120 grit through 180, 220, 320 and 400, then raise the grain by wetting it with a damp cloth.

When that dries, sand with 400 and 600, apply a couple of coats of boiled linseed oil and you are in heaven.

This is essentially what I've done to the neck of my bass and I
AM in heaven. It's faster, but more importantly it just feels good.

**Damon Rondeau** · #6 06-11-2010, 07:33 AM

For the finish-removal part of this process, an alternative to sandpaper is a nicely-tuned scraper. True, you need a little skill to set the scraper up and knowledge of how to use it, but it will get that finish safely off in minutes. I've got some curved scrapers that work very, very well for this type of job.

dblbss · #7 06-11-2010, 08:55 AM

Thanks for all the replys and tips. I will be off to the hardware store this afternoon.

And it is not an issue of technique. I've been playing for over 15 years. Its more like being in a bad relationship and not knowing it. I was only able to get a fully carved bass 4 years ago. Needless to sat it was much easier to play.

I slugged it out on the ply for 11 years, and now when I go back to it now and again for those gigs where I dont want to bring my main bass its a drag to play.