tidying up superficial scratches

[wisemonkey]

I have a cheapish bass, approx fifty years old carved wood, that's been heavily toured over the years and is covered in superficial scratches, just generally untidy looking. If possible I'd like to give it a sand and re-varnish to tidy it up. It looks like it should be a fairly easy DIY job. Can anyone give any advice on doing this?

[salcott]

Pictures would be useful, but I think the majority response will be,"don't do it".

[bigolbassguy]

Originally Posted by salcott

Pictures would be useful, but I think the majority response will be,"don't do it".

+1 - Varnishing is one of the most difficult skills to master.

[hdiddy]

NOOOOO! for the love of god, Don't DO IT!!!!!

The scratches and battle scars and bass acne give a bass it's mojo. It gives it character and a history - something you cannot find in a new bass. I love seeing cracks and dents. If anything, I'd enhance them by finishing over the scratches and making it permanent!

It's not ugly, it's beautiful!

[Eric Hochberg]

Get a pro to do some nice touchup work. Do not sand the old finish off! Get professional advice on this.

[Dave Irwin]

Mine has a spot a few inches wide where it's been scuffed down to the white. Is there anything that can be done short of taking it to a luthier?