Double Bass Adding A Finish

[cmmcm]

I have a Plywood bass that has some type of satin paint on it, and I wanted to make it look nice by putting a finish on it.
I was looking for some tips on what is the best way, and if it requires any specific type of varnish/laquer, or if it is even advisable at all to do this.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PoorPlayer]

There's a similar thread you might want to read. MollyKay might be able to give you some pointers on stripping the paint off.

Varnish is the best, and our luthier friends can recommend what's best.

 

[cmmcm]

...I wasn't really thinking of stripping the paint, just putting a coating over it...is it reccommended to stip the paint first?

 

[PoorPlayer]

I'm sorry. I misunderstood. That's not unusual!

 

[Chasarms]

...I wasn't really thinking of stripping the paint, just putting a coating over it...is it recommended to strip the paint first?

Conventional wisdom is that the heavier the finish, the greater the dampening effects it has on the resonance of the instrument.


So, if you slap a few coats of something else over the top of the paint, you should be prepared for the possibility of the bass sounding different than it does now.

 

[cmmcm]

..yes...conventional wisdom does...but I am looking for expert advise, before I possibly destroy my only DB...it may be a piece of crap, but it is the most expensive piece of crap I own...

 

[Nick Lloyd]

I have a Plywood bass that has some type of satin paint on it, and I wanted to make it look nice by putting a finish on it.
I was looking for some tips on what is the best way, and if it requires any specific type of varnish/laquer, or if it is even advisable at all to do this.

Thanks in advance!

Pictures?

 

[cmmcm]

Here is a pic...hope it shows what you need to see..if not, let me know...
What would you recommend?

 

[Nick Lloyd]

I'd honestly recommend leaving it alone.

 

[Michael Case]

I have to agree with Nick.

 

[Chasarms]

..yes...conventional wisdom does...but I am looking for expert advise. . .

Conventional wisdom is the fruit of expert advise.

 

[Michael Case]

Just leave the bass as is and concentrate on playing it. Save your pennies and when you've outgrown the bass take the money you've saved and upgrade to a better bass.