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another relic project ..... for fun

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by kenjikun, Jul 20, 2009.

  1. Jul 20, 2009 #1
    kenjikun

    kenjikun

    Apr 27, 2008
    Japan
    I'm a big fan of naturally beaten-up basses but can't afford to buy one, so I made an artificial one for myself just for personal enjoyment. This 32 year -old Aria Pro II bass body was formerly finished in 3T sunburst which I sanded down and re-finished in oil. I had nothing to do last week so I decided to experiment with relicing. I shot it with 2 cans of cheap water-based acrylic lacquer, dried it for a week, then leveled the paint with #600, #1000, #5000 sandpaper then finally hand polished with automotive rubbing compound then car wax. I got that slightly glossy appearance typical of aged paint. For relicing, I just used a flat head screwdriver to scape the paint:p I know I have overdone it and looks unrealistic but hey this was just for fun! By the way, the neck was not reliced, it was still the same neck since 1977.

    THE BASS BEFORE

    [​IMG]

    THE BASS NOW

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
  2. Jul 20, 2009 #2
    bh2

    bh2

    Jun 16, 2008
    Oxford, UK
    Blimey! Although slightly coming round to the relic thingie, it looked way better before!
     
  3. Jul 20, 2009 #3
    Dave Vader

    Dave Vader

    May 18, 2009
    Devon Uk
    I like that.
    And I've seen far more overdone. That's quite mild.
     
  4. Jul 20, 2009 #4
    Mr. Ray

    Mr. Ray

    Feb 20, 2009
    Canada
    The bass was a "relic" before you started. Those 32 year old Aria P bass copies have some collectible value. I liked it with the natural finish reminded me of a 76 Fender P I use to own. :)
     
  5. Jul 20, 2009 #5
    murphy

    murphy Supporting Member

    May 5, 2004
    Canada
    WOW!!!! Great job.
    It looks Wicked!!
     
  6. Jul 20, 2009 #6
    kenjikun

    kenjikun

    Apr 27, 2008
    Japan
    You're right sir but this Aria is not all original parts (only the body, pickup and neck are Aria, other parts were from Fernandez P-bass ) so the value is no more that's why I modded it. Anyway, I can always get an all original Aria here:cool:, there's a lot and cheap.
     
  7. Jul 20, 2009 #7
    skotsour

    skotsour

    Mar 4, 2009
    Chicago
    I like the way that looks. I'm also a big fan of beat up basses and I think you did a great job. Do you have any pics of the whole process?
     
  8. Jul 20, 2009 #8
    OriginalKeyster

    OriginalKeyster

    Jan 1, 2009
    Southwest Michigan
    I can't believe you'd do that!!! Sweet.
     
  9. Jul 20, 2009 #9
    FL Knifemaker

    FL Knifemaker

    Apr 9, 2006
    Lakeland, FL
    Well done. I also reliced an old Aria Primary bass. Along with some other minor mods, it is now the best playing P bass I have EVERY played or owned. I would NEVER part with it.
     
  10. Jul 20, 2009 #10
    cnltb

    cnltb

    May 28, 2005
    ... it used to be a...beauty...
    I REALLY like the bass as was!!!
     
  11. Jul 20, 2009 #11
    Spinal Tapper

    Spinal Tapper

    Nov 15, 2007
    Chicago
    I don't think it looks that unrealistic at all...in fact, i'd make some craters in the wood where your thumb would rest by the PU's.

    here's a real 66 jazz w/ natural wear...doesnt seem too far off i'd say. nice work!

    000_0160.gif
     
  12. Jul 20, 2009 #12
    Jim Carr

    Jim Carr Dr. Jim

    Jan 21, 2006
    Denton, TX or Kailua, HI
    fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
    +1

    I agree, very well done! :bassist: :bassist: :bassist: