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First build - 5 String Bolt-on
- Thread starter Jason_A
- Start date
I spent some time the other night working on the neck and body.
For the neck, I just lightly sanded with some 320 grit paper to level the finish and then hit it with some 000 steel wool. It was just enough to take the shine off and leave a really slick satin surface. Feels great in the hand.
Initially I did the same with the body, just to see how the satin effect would look. Honestly, I almost left it, as it felt great and had a nice warn/vintage vibe going. But it kind of muted the color and figuring. So I decided to dive in and do the whole polishing routine, figuring that if I didn't like the gloss, it would be easy to smack it with the steel wool and be back to the satin. Needless to say it will be staying gloss.
I did 320 -> 800 -> rubbing compound (4" buffing wheel) -> polishing compound (hand) -> McGuier's SwirlX. Turned out pretty well - nice deep gloss finish, super smooth and shiney. I won't try to pretend it's perfect, but any imperfections will be able to be passed off as "normal wear" after the first time I play it
The figuring and color really pop much better under the gloss finish, and it's a nice contrast against the satin neck.
This weekend I plan on reassembling the thing. I need to spend some time resoldering the electronics. I bought the preamp used, and the connections to the pots are all in pretty bad shape. I probably ought to make the truss rod and control cavity covers, too. Anyway, hopefully next update will be of the completed bass.
For the neck, I just lightly sanded with some 320 grit paper to level the finish and then hit it with some 000 steel wool. It was just enough to take the shine off and leave a really slick satin surface. Feels great in the hand.
Initially I did the same with the body, just to see how the satin effect would look. Honestly, I almost left it, as it felt great and had a nice warn/vintage vibe going. But it kind of muted the color and figuring. So I decided to dive in and do the whole polishing routine, figuring that if I didn't like the gloss, it would be easy to smack it with the steel wool and be back to the satin. Needless to say it will be staying gloss.
I did 320 -> 800 -> rubbing compound (4" buffing wheel) -> polishing compound (hand) -> McGuier's SwirlX. Turned out pretty well - nice deep gloss finish, super smooth and shiney. I won't try to pretend it's perfect, but any imperfections will be able to be passed off as "normal wear" after the first time I play it
The figuring and color really pop much better under the gloss finish, and it's a nice contrast against the satin neck.This weekend I plan on reassembling the thing. I need to spend some time resoldering the electronics. I bought the preamp used, and the connections to the pots are all in pretty bad shape. I probably ought to make the truss rod and control cavity covers, too. Anyway, hopefully next update will be of the completed bass.
Body with base stain applied
QUOTE]
This brings up my biggest finishing question for when I do a build... How did you apply stain to only to the top wood?
I know you had it all glued together prior to stain, so that
eliminates one possible approach.
In my case I was able to "cheat" a little in that I had an accent layer between the poplar and maple body woods. I applied the stain just with a paper towel, but very carefully only applied the stain to the maple. The accent line gave me about 1/16" of wiggle room. Without it, there's no way I would have even attempted to stain just the top part. Similarly, masking it off with tape probably isn't a good plan either - I've never had luck with that; the stain always manages to find a way to soak in behind the tape.
Jason has some good staining info starting with this post and in subsequent posts: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7136093#post7136093
Jason has some good staining info starting with this post and in subsequent posts: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7136093#post7136093
gbarcus
Commercial User
- Jul 20, 2008
- 398
- 12
- Disclosures
- Owner of Barcus Basses barcusbasses.com
Does your wife know you have a picture of her bras on the first page (last photo) of this thread? 
I have to admit, my wife pointed it out...must be a girl thing...
I was sitting here showing her the pictures of the build and she said "is that what I think it is???"
I have to admit, my wife pointed it out...must be a girl thing...
I was sitting here showing her the pictures of the build and she said "is that what I think it is???"
HA! My wife did notice that the other day and was extremely embarssed. I told her "nah, no one will notice - you'd have to know it was there". Guess I was wrong Off to do a little photo editing...
Off to do a little photo editing...
I managed to get the bass assembled over the weekend, tweak the electronics a bit and get it set up. I'm extremely happy with how it turned out - first build or not. It's definitely not perfect, but it's also not destined for the dumpster. Definitely a gigable bass that plays and sounds good. I happen to think it looks pretty decent, too.
I have practice tonight, which will be the first time in a band setting - I'll report back with real-life use impressions.
So on with the pics
I have practice tonight, which will be the first time in a band setting - I'll report back with real-life use impressions.
So on with the pics
If your first turned out that well, I can`t wait to see what your next ones will look like. Trust me, there will be more, I bet you even have wood choices running through your head. I can`t believe that it is your first bass.
lowsound
lowsound
Thats awesome! Im thinking about attempting a build over the summer 
Perhaps a video or sound clip?
Perhaps a video or sound clip?
