naked maple

[poomwah]

I know that a transparent finish on quilted maple is beautiful, as is flamed, birdseye, etc. But has anyone ever done a transparent finish on just a plain old piece of maple? I'm getting a bass tomorrow that I want to refinish in either transparent green or transparent black cherry. From the research I've done, the bass SHOULD be one solid piece of maple. But i've never seen a particularly good looking piece of plain maple.
Would I have to put a new top on it to get it to look good?

[pilotjones]

Originally Posted by poomwah

But has anyone ever done a transparent finish on just a plain old piece of maple?

My old Pedulla was unfigured maple, with a transparent gloss finish.

From the research I've done, the bass SHOULD be one solid piece of maple.

SHOULD be...why? For appearance? Or some other reason? Single piece maple bodies are pretty rare.

But i've never seen a particularly good looking piece of plain maple. Would I have to put a new top on it to get it to look good?

The way I'm reading it, is: your question (the second sentence of this pair) is answered by your statement (the first sentence of this pair). That is: in your opinion, which is what matters here, plain maple is not good enough.

[Greenman]

Shoot a mild burst and carry the burst color to the back. By the time you ad pickups, bridge and knobs you will break up the "boring" wood. As far as 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 pc... Horse Hockey.

[poomwah]

what I meant by "should" be one piece is... its a 2001 bc rich NJ mockingbird. from what i've read, that year, model and series were made with one piece maple bodies. so from what I read... its "should" be, but I wont know till I strip it.
I didn't mean should as in "the proper way to do it would be one piece"

[pilotjones]

I wouldn't expect a bass with a solid color finish to be one piece. Seems like a waste of wood. But anything's possible, and I don't really know BC Riches well.

[poomwah]

Originally Posted by pilotjones

I wouldn't expect a bass with a solid color finish to be one piece. Seems like a waste of wood. But anything's possible, and I don't really know BC Riches well.

that's exactly what I was thinking

[mikeyswood]

I do expect that bass to be at least 3 pieces and it may not be acer saccharum. Chestnut and basswood were two very overused species for the imports.

More importantly you will want to consider a retop for this body.