Double Bass Chrissy Owners: tip for a fast neck

[Huy Nguyen]

Guys, I just attended a Bass workshop with Ron Carter last weekend and got a couple insights from him. Amongst teaching everyone else in class, he singled me out and asked me about my Chrissy and who made it and such. Said he'd heard that the chinese can make really nice basses. It's nice to have Ron Carter tell you he likes your $2500 bass (tho he doesn't know how much I paid for it).

Anyways, he had me come over and check out his Juzek. I got to feel the neck on his bass as he had it down to the bare wood. I got to sense some of the mojo that bass has got from playing it. He told me I needed to get rid of the thin finish on the blond part of the neck and get down to the bare wood for a better feel. Thin lacquer? I didn't think there was finish on that part of the bass. Turns out he's right. As my Chrissy is just a cheap hybrid, I went to town with some light sandpaper. 0000 steel wool probably would've been better. The neck is now slicker than snot. Boy was he right.

Obviously this probably applies to other newly made basses that might have a finish on the neck like Christophers can. You might consider having a luthier do it for you, he probably won't use sandpaper. But I don't care so I did it myself.

Cheers.

 

[Peck_Time]

Thanks for the tip Hdiddy!

My Christopher 401 flatback has got the finish on the neck too.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

Peck, FBOFW, I just rubbed linseed oil onto the sanded neck yesterday to keep it protected as was suggested to me. Thinking about it again, this may not have been such a hot idea as it may keep hide glue from sticking. Did I make a big booboo? Luthiers?

I guess I dont' mind too much. There's definitely alot less stress dealing with a less expensive bass for sure.

 

[mpm]

Hey guys, google pool cue conditioners. Lots of info on getting smooth, no-stick wood/finish over there. I've been sanding down to wood for years, but the silicone based products do interfere with varnishing...

 

[mojoluthier]

It is traditional to finish the neck of a bass with shellac, usually over Potassium Permaganate or some such chemical stain to add character. I have had quite good results with two applications of Watco oil. The "Fruitwood" flavor will bring out any flame a bit, as well as leaving a compatible color tone. If you hate it, it sands off easily. One coat a day, put on wet and wiped off entirely after ten minutes is the method. There is no reason not to play it after it's wiped off! 24 hours after your last coat, rub it vigorously for a minute or so with 0000 steel wool. Your neck should feel great after that, and not react to sweat either. If it does react to sweat, just give it another coat and the 0000 too. Watco is extremely unlikely to react with any finish.