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Forearm Contour reshape, refinish

NoFretsNoWorry

NoFretsNoWorry

Guest
Oct 18, 2011
128
0
West Michigan
#1
Greetings TBer's:

I have a Reverend Mercalli 5 that I want to add a forearm contour to (see grey area in pic). The top of the bass body is flat with a binding.

I believe the finish is polyurethane (per dealers info). Korina body.

I am not too terribly interested in re-establishing the binding to accommodate the new contour. But I would like to figure out the best way to make a nice contour, paint the new contour black (like back of body), and seal with the best option.

I am not looking for that new showroom immaculate finish, but I don't want/need it to be shabby either.

What is a good way to finish newly terminated binding without being an eye sore?

What is a good sealer/clear coat? What will blend well with existing coat?

Any info, or suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance :)

PEACE
 

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#3
For the forearm contour, get to it with a Microplane tool. It's like grating cheese, but it takes a while.
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I really can't picture your refinish idea working out. The binding is going to look good if it suddenly stops at the contours. You're not going to get a clean color transition from blue to black, either, unless you sunburst the perimeter of the bass. Personally, I would just repaint the entire bass a solid color.
 
#6
As a general rule, I hate binding. There are exceptions, but mostly I think it's just pointless and ugly. I see the reason to have it on an acoustic, and on hollow-body electrics, but on a solid-body electric, I don't really see a good reason for it. If it's an aesthetic choice, I guess that's understandable (different strokes and all), but it's not something I would ever do.
 
#9
HaMMerHeD said:
As a general rule, I hate binding. There are exceptions, but mostly I think it's just pointless and ugly. I see the reason to have it on an acoustic, and on hollow-body electrics, but on a solid-body electric, I don't really see a good reason for it. If it's an aesthetic choice, I guess that's understandable (different strokes and all), but it's not something I would ever do.
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I feel that way, as well. I think binding is ugly, and serves no purpose on most solid-bodies. Some say it adds a touch of class, but to my eye, it's a cheap plastic look that I would prefer to do without. I don't like plastic on my guitars. (Though I have a few with pickguards.) Now on the other hand, I have seen a few double-bound Teles with solid or metallic paint and pearloid binding that looked great. Not my cup of tea, but the look can be pulled off in some cases.
 
#10
HaMMerHeD said:
Honestly, I think you'd be best off stripping and painting the whole body a solid color, rather than hack up the binding and try to make it look presentable.
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My heart agrees with you! :)

And I also am not a fan of binding; LOVE this bass though!

I am thinking more so of the quickest, less labor intensive, but reasonably well finished result.

What I had in mind was:

1) carefully trim binding with dremel
2) belt sander for initial contour
3) micro plane for detail sanding
4) hand finish sanding
5) black paint
6) clear coat finish that blends with existing original finish.

Unless you can suggest a quick strip and refinish process? :)

Thanks

PEACE
 
#13
I don't want to sound negative, but I do not see a positive end to this project. If this were brought to me to do, I would be suggesting a new body from scratch, probably cheaper and easier to get right the first time. Aside from that, at the minimum, I think you'll need to refinish the top entirely, blending black to blue on a curved surface under lacquer is a fool's errand...
 
#15
According to specs, that's a Korina solid bodied instrument, IMO too nice to mess with up on a whim.

According to my eyes, it's a slab bodied design, of fairly simple shape.

Depending on your skill level, you could probably get some wood and cut yourself the same basic shape, contour it as desired, and move all your parts on to it. Be a fun project with a more likely, predictable, and easier outcome, and you'd retain (most of) your instrument's value, if/when resale becomes a possibility. You could make it any color you like.
(This is what I'd do.)

No skill level at all? Have someone else make it for you. :)

Just sayin'...

wraub
 
#16
Happy with contour and shape!

Belt sander then random orbital....total time 10 minutes!

Needing to stain or paint then seal with polyurethane.

Any suggestions about stain or paint to use followed by gloss polyurethane? Brands? Compatibilities? Do's don'ts?

Thanks
 

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#18
Paint it the same colour as the pickguard. Or you could cut pickguard material to the shape of the contour and heat/bend it to the shape. Bevel the bottom edge or its flush with the body and glue it straight to the body with contact so you wrist doesnt rub on the screw heads.

That is if your nit comfortable with paint. I know I'm not.
 

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