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Gene Simmons LoBue Tribute Build

#941
bassgod76 said:
I wonder if this bass will re-appear in some little shop somewhere soon, like Jaco's BOD did a few years back?

I'm surprised, it hasn't surfaced, because I bet Gene would pay big dollars for it.
Click to expand...

I hope whoever has it, at least realizes what they have and are trying to preserve it in some way.
The same goes for Jamerson's bass...

I think the guy that had Jaco's BOD knew what he had and, so I guess I'm hoping that a higher caliber crook, like that, has Gene's bass, :hmm:
 
#942
This week started with grain filling and is now ending with first coat of color.
Bass after final grain fill and prep sand.
image_zps432bf848.jpg


After two coats of primer with sanding after each session, I start my first dust coat of color.
image_zpse232ca53.jpg


I should have paint done by the end of this week. Then, it will sit for 3 weeks to cure before wet sand and buff.
 
#943
That Rustolium lacquer in rattle cans is actually a pretty good product. I have only used the clear, but I imagine the black is just as good. You will probably go through about 2 cans of color and 3 or 4 cans of clear to get enough coats on it before level sanding.
 
#944
Hopkins said:
That Rustolium lacquer in rattle cans is actually a pretty good product. I have only used the clear, but I imagine the black is just as good. You will probably go through about 2 cans of color and 3 or 4 cans of clear to get enough coats on it before level sanding.
Click to expand...

I was going to do the whole spray gun route, but I want that authentic look.

I did a few test pieces to make sure the paint sands and polishes well.

As usual, I quickly found that all wet sanding should wait until after a few weeks of cure time.

You are right. This can of color will not last long.
 
#946
SGD Lutherie said:
Yes, and the rattle can stuff sometimes cures more slowly because they have to formulate it to be easier to spray from the can.

I have used the Krylon lacquer with good successes.
Click to expand...

I used Deft lacquer out of the spray gun and had same results. However, this was the first time I painted a guitar. I learned my lesson quickly when the bass glued itself to the furry lining of my HSC. Such a disaster.

This one will hang for weeks.
 
#947
bassgod76 said:
I used Deft lacquer out of the spray gun and had same results. However, this was the first time I painted a guitar. I learned my lesson quickly when the bass glued itself to the furry lining of my HSC. Such a disaster.

This one will hang for weeks.
Click to expand...

A good rule of thumb is that if you can still smell it, it isn't ready. When it is finished out gassing, scuff sand it and let it sit for a few more days just to make sure.
 
#949
Two questions:

My dad, who likes lacquer for his furniture projects, said he quickly rubs the item with steel wool in between each coat. Is this a waste of time?

I read somewhere that you should alternate dust coat and wet coat. An I wasting my time?
 
#950
bassgod76 said:
Two questions:

My dad, who likes lacquer for his furniture projects, said he quickly rubs the item with steel wool in between each coat. Is this a waste of time?

I read somewhere that you should alternate dust coat and wet coat. An I wasting my time?
Click to expand...

I always scuff the finish with 400 grit before I start spraying each day, but not between coats. The dust coat wet coat is more for a urethane finish, with lacquer I would just do one full coat.
 
#955
bassgod76 said:
This week started with grain filling and is now ending with first coat of color.
Bass after final grain fill and prep sand.
image_zps432bf848.jpg


After two coats of primer with sanding after each session, I start my first dust coat of color.
image_zpse232ca53.jpg


I should have paint done by the end of this week. Then, it will sit for 3 weeks to cure before wet sand and buff.
Click to expand...

That thing is going to look badass when it's finished.
 
#956
Nothing crazy to report today.
I have about 3 more coats of black before moving on to the faux white binding.

Realistically, I should conclude with all painting by Sep 23rd.

This gives me 3+ weeks for it to cure.

I pray that it is enough time.

Worse comes to worse, if the paint job sucks then its more authentic looking to Gene's.
LoBueblack_zpse69b8499.jpg


LoBueheadstockblack_zpsbb558e80.jpg
 
#958
Last weekend, my girl earned her stripe.
Masking outline goes on.
photo1_zps0c299203.jpg


All masking goes on.
photo2_zps64a85856.jpg


White faux binding is painted on.
photo3_zpsd3aad615.jpg


After 4 coats, masking is removed. (Like unwrapping a present on Christmas)
photo4_zps17f7ea78.jpg

I'm not super happy with how it came out, but as my guitarist said to me, "Bro, these are props. They have to look good from 10' away."
I think some finish sanding will even up the binding and not make it look so amateurish.

She will sit until Friday. Friday night, she will be sanded, and prepped for clear. After clear, she will sit and cure until Oct 19th. I hope this is enough time for the finish to harden up.

After that, wet sand, buff, and assembly. Then we make KISStory!

We are in the final stretch!
 

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