Carvin Bass Kit Project !!!

As long as the top is fairly thin it shouldn't change much of the tone. A top of 1/4 might alter the tone a tiny bit, but it probably wouldn't be very noticable. 1/8 inch would work out better.

and I believe maple necks/fingerboards require finishing.

 

carvin necks are sanded and sealed, but you will want to put a more durable finish. The body will be fine with just tung oil, as transparent finishes are hard to get to come out even. if the piece of alder looks good, there would be nothing wrong with an oil finish. Veneers are hard to do properly. But not impossible. Good luck, and I want to see how it turns out.

 

Like Killdar correctly pointed out - not much if thin enough. Remember, even though the bridge sits on the maple top, the screws are anchored in the alder. There some sonic coupling from both.

What's the difference between tung oil and polyurethane ??
I want something satin for the body and something smooth for the back of the neck.

Oil finishes penetrate the pores of the wood in ways that poly's don't. Polyurethane sits on top of the wood unlike oils. Which is better? Can't tell since it's a subjective thing. But you should keep in mind that oil finishes protect the body nicely from moisture (once cured) but aren't great for impact damage. Poly's can really put a shell around the body but can't bring out the depth in grain and figuring like oils can. BTW, it is easy to do an oil finish for looks and then coat with poly after it cures. That way you can have the best of both methods.

does maple fingerboard need to be finished too ??

Yep, especially the fretboard. Unfinished maple really picks up stains from body oils and sweat and gets sort of grey looking with continued use. Just look at those old Tele's played by blues guys that have had the finish worn away between frets. I also think you might find a really glossy surface on the back of the neck a hinderance. This can sometimes make for a neck that can "stick" under sweaty conditions. I prefer an oiled neck with a glossy protective coat of poly on the fretboard.

Well, I will be very thankfull for any answer and help

You're welcome!

 

And try the discussion boards at www.carvin.com
On both the bass forum and guitar forum you'll find quite a few people who have built those kits.

Good luck on your new bass. From what I've heard, they go together pretty easily. And everyone that's done one seems to love it. I haven't built one myself, but I'm planning to get a B4F (fretless) in the near future.

 

Let us know how it came out PALEASE ?i've seen those kits and always wondered how one would come out.i guess the better you are at the stuff the better the turn-out,but i am pretty handy and am wondering if its for a non-pro like myself ?