another relic project ..... for fun

[kenjikun]

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 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

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THE BASS NOW

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[bh2]

Blimey! Although slightly coming round to the relic thingie, it looked way better before!

 

[Dave Vader]

I like that.
And I've seen far more overdone. That's quite mild.

 

[Mr. Ray]

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.

 

[murphy]

WOW!!!! Great job.
It looks Wicked!!

 

[kenjikun]

The bass was a "relic" before you started. Those 32 year old Aria P bass copies have some collectible value.

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, there's a lot and cheap.

 

[skotsour]

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?

 

[OriginalKeyster]

I can't believe you'd do that!!! Sweet.

 

[FL Knifemaker]

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.

 

[cnltb]

... it used to be a...beauty...
I REALLY like the bass as was!!!

 

[Spinal Tapper]

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!

 

[Jim Carr]

Well done. I also reliced an old Aria Primary bass...

+1

I agree, very well done!