Custom Colour P Bass

[topaxi]

Hey all,

Wasn't sure where to put this. I don't mind it being moved there's a better category.

I'm looking to buy/build a P Bass, but as a vain, image-focused millennial type, I'm after a particular colour combo which I can't seem to find. I'm looking for an Ocean Turquoise Metallic finish with matching headstock, a tort pickguard, and a rosewood fretboard. Basically this in a p bass. I'm not fussed about the other hardware or anything, I can always upgrade that stuff easily enough. I'd prefer to not have to go to the custom shop or finish (or refinish) an aftermarket body because I'm poor.

I've been scoping STRATosphere, Warmoth, USACG, but can't seem to find that colour, let alone a neck with a matching headstock. Aside from the custom shop, does anyone have any advice or ideas about the best way to get this combo?

 

[two fingers]

Hey Welcome to TalkBass!!!!!

It would seem to be easier to buy a P bass and have it refinished in your color choices... which, by the way, should look awesome.

 

[topaxi]

Hey Welcome to TalkBass!!!!!

It would seem to be easier to buy a P bass and have it refinished in your color choices... which, by the way, should look awesome.

Thanks

Yeah, I feared I would have to go down that route. Do you know a ballpark price range for a refinish like this? From what I've seen it's like $400+ and two months

 

[two fingers]

Thanks

Yeah, I feared I would have to go down that route. Do you know a ballpark price range for a refinish like this? From what I've seen it's like $400+ and two months

That's about what I've found. I have gotten close to having my 5 string P bass refinished several times.

I have always been quoted around $300 for the body and throw in $100 for the head.

 

[topaxi]

That's about what I've found. I have gotten close to having my 5 string P bass refinished several times.

I have always been quoted around $300 for the body and throw in $100 for the head.

Sigh. I guess this will be a more expensive project than I thought. Thanks for your help!

 

[sissy kathy]

Thanks

Yeah, I feared I would have to go down that route. Do you know a ballpark price range for a refinish like this? From what I've seen it's like $400+ and two months

Welcome aboard Talkbass.
There's a rattle can (spray paint) refinish club here. Check them out. Lots'O'Help and tips there.
Rattle Can Refinish Club

 

[buldog5151bass]

Guitar Reranch has a couple of blue metallic paints. Why not get a rattle can and do the work youself?

 

[juancaminos]

There are a few P bodies and necks in the classified section. I've been lurking there myself, thinking of building a fretless.

 

[topaxi]

Welcome aboard Talkbass.
There's a rattle can (spray paint) refinish club here. Check them out.
Rattle Can Refinish Club

Guitar Reranch has a couple of blue metallic paints. Why not get a rattle can and do the work youself?

Intriguing... I hadn't considered DIYing the finish. Mostly I'd be concerned about the quality of the finish. I've never attempted anything like this myself. I could always attempt it myself, if it turns out poo, sand it back and get it professionally done?

Do you know how a DIY spray can job such as this would differ from a pro refinish job?

 

[topaxi]

There are a few P bodies and necks in the classified section. I've been lurking there myself, thinking of building a fretless.

Thanks! I'll scope it out now

 

[sissy kathy]

Intriguing... I hadn't considered DIYing the finish. Mostly I'd be concerned about the quality of the finish. I've never attempted anything like this myself. I could always attempt it myself, if it turns out poo, sand it back and get it professionally done?

Do you know how a DIY spray can job such as this would differ from a pro refinish job?

You almost got it there; ...sand it back and try again.
If you put a coat of poly on top, other than the cure time there isn't much at all.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Intriguing... I hadn't considered DIYing the finish. Mostly I'd be concerned about the quality of the finish. I've never attempted anything like this myself. I could always attempt it myself, if it turns out poo, sand it back and get it professionally done?

Do you know how a DIY spray can job such as this would differ from a pro refinish job?

Take a look at the gallery on their site.

 

[topaxi]

You almost got it there; ...sand it back and try again.
If you put a coat of poly on top, other than the cure time there isn't much at all.

Haha sure, no harm in trying again!

I think I assumed there was more to it than spray paint + poly. I'm not sure why I thought that.

 

[sissy kathy]

Doing it yourself you can do things like the back of the head stock and the neck heel, having them fade into the natural maple; essentially a burst at either end of the neck
View attachment 3169858

 

[topaxi]

Doing it yourself you can do things like the back of the head stock and the neck heel, having them fade into the natural maple; essentially a burst at either end of the neck
View attachment 3169858

Oh yeah, I like that.

Okay, I'll give the DIY spray can a go when I can afford the parts!

 

[BassGeekJack]

I've seen something Invalid Link Removedat a couple GCs... you'd have to find a rosewood neck and then you could just finish the headstock to match!

 

[fhm555]

Intriguing... I hadn't considered DIYing the finish. Mostly I'd be concerned about the quality of the finish. I've never attempted anything like this myself. I could always attempt it myself, if it turns out poo, sand it back and get it professionally done?

Do you know how a DIY spray can job such as this would differ from a pro refinish job?

I’ve done a few rattle can paintjobs using Rustoleum enamel paint and primer in one and so far so good.

 

[topaxi]

I’ve done a few rattle can paintjobs using Rustoleum enamel paint and primer in one and so far so good.

Got pics?

 

[fhm555]

Got pics?

I took some shots of the first one i did while i was painting it but i quit doing that before i finished and the others have all been pretty much the same except for color so i never took any pics, mostly because they were for other people and i don’t put out pics of other peoples stuff without their permission.
Here’s the first one right before the final coat of red was applied. I’ve since put a few coats of blue on it and it’s waiting for me to get back around to it and do a final scuffing and a final coat of blue, then a good cure and sanding and buffing.

Here it is now, waiting for a good scuff and final coat of blue. It’s a satin finish so it’s won’t really reflect right until it gets a final finish sanding and buffing. The ones i’ve done since all came out fine. Notice the dust on it, my personal projects always stay at the bottom of my roundtoit list. I’m hoping to sneak in enough time to get the final coat of blue on it before it gets too cold so i can (hopefully) have it finally done next spring.

 

[friskinator]

Dupli-Color offers a couple colors that come close to Ocean Turquoise. Their products can easily be found in most big-box automotive stores, and they're not expensive.

To the OP: if you've never done a DIY refin before, make sure to do plenty of research before you begin. It's not difficult, but if you want to do a good job, you'll need to purchase a lot of products other than just the paint. It really depends on how professional of a result you're looking for.