Custom Bass Build. Finish Question.

[gpcl16]

I'm building a custom bass and I ordered an unfinished hollow body "Custom T" body from Warmoth. The body is Mahogany with a Flame Maple top. I really like the look of the bass unfinished. I don't really know very much about finishes so my question is: Is it advisable to have no finish on the body? How will this affect the wear? the sound? etc. If I do need to have it finished, what are my options?

I'd rather just leave the body unfinished assuming it won't cause grave problems down the road. But any help would be appreciated.

 

[guitar ed]

Hi,

You don't have to finish the body or the neck, but.......

The finish does a couple of different things. It protects the wood against minor bangs & dings, and makes it easier to clean than bare wood. The finish also helps seal the wood in the sense that it is slower to react to changes in the environment.

The last reason is that, properly, the finish will make the guitar look better than unfinished. In the case of the maple, a good finish can make that flame pop out, and really "wow" people.

For me, the most important reason is to protect the wood from the environment, so it does not warp or twist or do any of the things wood likes to do.

edg

 

[gpcl16]

Okay, thanks for the info. I've decided that it would be a wise choice to get the body finished by a professional. I'll just have them do a clear finish (no paint) that will bring out the natural grains in the flamed maple. Any suggestions on whether I should go with high gloss, satin, etc.

 

[vbasscustom]

the finish type is really up to you, whatever you prefer.

and just another thing about unfinished wood. i have one that i built that isnt finished, it tunred out unsatisfactory and i was lazy. its been really humid around here, and the neck has been soaking up the moisture, it almost feels greasy. so thats another reason i guess for a finish.

 

[fishsticks]

i love the feel of well sanded tung oiled wood

 

[adam.beauchene]

Both mahogany and maple really need to have a finish on them, their open grain structures are going to be a mung-magnet. You'll have black, nasty dead skin mank rubbed into the wood (especially those nice flames in the maple) before you even get it strung up.

A tung oil finish or wipe-on poly are both really easy to do, and will provide a measure of protection that both of those woods really need. You might even consider using a grain filler.

 

[gpcl16]

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll try to post some pictures when this beauty is finished. No pun intended.