So I've had my bass for about 6 months now and am loving it, but it appears that the painted fingerboard is beginning to chip. The actual board its self it in wonderful condition but the sides look scratched ugly and unappealing. This is really a cosmetic issue and it doesn't affect playing at all. Is there any sort of paint or something I can use to fix it? (In case you're wondering, a replacement Fingerboard isn't an option at the moment, money is tight what with the Holliday season and all)
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Fingerboard touchups?
- Thread starter Ryanml
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Welcome to TalkBass, Ryanmi!
In the past, I've attempted to use my old, art-school experience to do fixes on all manner of non-musical-instrument-thingies. If I've learned anything, it's there are times when some things are better off left alone. At best, it'll work out well enough for you. At worst, it'll end up working against it's playability. In the middle, it may not affect playability, but could look even worse than when it was naturally "road worn".
If you're gonna do it, choose your methods and materials very, very carefully, especially if you need to do some preparatory steps before you even touch brush to wood.
In the past, I've attempted to use my old, art-school experience to do fixes on all manner of non-musical-instrument-thingies. If I've learned anything, it's there are times when some things are better off left alone. At best, it'll work out well enough for you. At worst, it'll end up working against it's playability. In the middle, it may not affect playability, but could look even worse than when it was naturally "road worn".
If you're gonna do it, choose your methods and materials very, very carefully, especially if you need to do some preparatory steps before you even touch brush to wood.
Thanks for your advise. I'm really surprised Igor a response that quickly!
No problem. And if someone has some solid advice that sounds like it will work, or you decide to be a little daring and you want to make your bass that much "Your Bass", then rock on!
I realize I might've sounded like I'm a bit pessimistic, but in truth, I'm just advising caution.
It looks like an attempt at fake black binding that didn’t work too well. If you don’t want to have it repainted, you could always do faux binding tape. The faux inlay stickers are very convincing, and seem to hold up well, this is the same material:
Binding Sticker/Decal For Body, Neck, Headstock
Binding Sticker/Decal For Body, Neck, Headstock
Lol, I should have been more specific, probably should have taken a better picture. Its an upright bass, I don't think those stickers would work very well .
Attachments
If you do decide to paint it, this is the only masking tape I’ve found that will give you an absolutely crisp, sharp paint line. I used it to mask real binding, worked incredibly well. Put it on carefully, burnish it down good with a credit card, and Paint away. Ideally you should then overcoat with clear laquer.
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I’ve tried the green Frog tape, other automotive masking tape, none work as good as this stuff, don’t even bother.
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I’ve tried the green Frog tape, other automotive masking tape, none work as good as this stuff, don’t even bother.
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Ha! Sorry, thought it was an electric. The tape would make an upright look like a rockabilly bass! Paint is probably your best option for a faux ebony board. Stewmac sells ebony stain, but I think it would bleed into the surrounding neck. I’ll stand by the 471 fineline tape.
