• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fretless Epoxy Help?

Junior Shark

Junior Shark

Guest
Nov 7, 2013
85
20
Colorado
#1
So I've got a new fretless bass, and I'm looking into coating the fretboard with epoxy, à la Jaco.

If anyone could me in a good direction to go for this, à la HG Thor (I know he does a good job, but I'm not into waiting for 4 years just for an epoxy job, so others like him), the help would be much appreciated.

If any of you Colorado bassists have had this done locally, please please give me the details! I'm in the Springs, so hopefully I can get it done somewhere on the Front Range.

Your help is appreciated, and thanks!
 
#2
I've been looking into coating my new fretless bass' fingerboard with epoxy, but I'm unsure about going the DIY route.

Does anyone have any advice, tips, reassurance, dissuasion, methods, pics, horror stories, or how-to about doing a DIY epoxy job on my fingerboard?
 
#9
^^^ I have played with CA a bit and if you do it like Dan does here you will get amazing results. There is another tutorial somewhere I watched on working with the CA...If I can find it I will post a link. What is says that Dan's here didnt is apply liberally and work it wet. Once it starts to dry at all stay the hell away from it cause things stick to it at that point. You will want to put down several coats before final sanding. Done right and its a super hard coating that is supposed to wear very well.

You should be able to do a fret board or two with this kit...

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2084563/38156/StickFast-CA-Finishing-Kit.aspx
 
#10
Junior Shark said:
Then what do you recommend?
Click to expand...

I know one of the two guys and use him for epoxy jobs. He's local in Nashville, but I would have to ask his permission to give you his name. He's originally from Miami and worked with Jaco on a bass or two. I'm not sure what he charges these days, but I can try to get his info if you want. He has epoxied necks for people all over the country via mail.
 
#12
Lownote38 said:
I know one of the two guys and use him for epoxy jobs. He's local in Nashville, but I would have to ask his permission to give you his name. He's originally from Miami and worked with Jaco on a bass or two. I'm not sure what he charges these days, but I can try to get his info if you want. He has epoxied necks for people all over the country via mail.
Click to expand...


Oh you betcha. If you don't feel comfortable giving away his info, PM me.
 
#16
Thor does a standard coating but he also does the Jaco "Classic Thick Coat(CTC)", which is 1/8" thick. He advertises it as "Epoxy" and, all other things being equal, it gives exactly what you want if you dig the Pastorius sound.

There are lots of sound files on the Thor website and the testimonials from professionals therein should work to give one plenty of confidence in Thor's work.

You don't have to wait if you don't want to. He charges an expedite fee of $250 and I believe that you could probably get it in a couple/few months or so. But just call or email and I am sure you will get the story pretty quickly. The prices are explicitly listed as well.

All that being said, you could also have Mike Pedulla do it for you as well. The Pedulla website has the info. Mike uses a polyester formula that sounds great.

To the OP: Frankly, I wouldn't trust it to anyone that hasn't spent years and years doing it. If it were a project bass, that would be one thing. But if you dig Pastorius and that fretless sound bristling with clarity and growl, you will likely be somewhat disappointed unless you go straight for the epoxy or something similar. As for myself, I am definitely going to have my F Bass done as soon as I can afford it.

My two cents and Cheers to all.
 
#17
I did my own epoxy, twice! The first time a thin coat and didn't have a sanding block, lasted about a year or less. The second time a much thicker coat, 1 pour, probably an 1/8th of inch or so and a sanding block, came out better and very minimal marks and no problems, after a year and a half. Satin finish, no polishing to clear for me, it doesn't (but probably could be made to) look the same as a real pro job.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back