help deciding a finish for an upcoming p bass build.

[bon viesta]

i want to do a fender flat finish for this p bass project that already has a body on the way for it. i say a flat fender finish just because i don't want to deal with any unforeseen error making the finished product off the mark. that's also why i'm getting a white 60's pickguard with it as well. so no sunburst, or metallic, or tort guard with white or etc etc. i'm debating between dakota red nitro, or black nitro. and i'm strictly going by 60s era fender dupont finishes. but i feel like i'm maybe missing something... like a color i didn't think about, and if not i'd just like to hear other's thoughts on how those two finishes may look. i'm planning on keeping the pickup/bridge covers on.

 

[bon viesta]

some other pics (i'm an avid photo hoarder)

 

[mongo2]

Paisley?

Seriously, CAR would be my choice.

 

[porterbass]

Sonic Blue!

Fender Custom Shop 1962 Precision Bass, Journeyman Relic - Sonic Blue with Rosewood Fingerboard

 

[bon viesta]

Paisley?

Seriously, CAR would be my choice.

is dakota red about the same shade of red as car, minus the metallic?

 

[mongo2]

is dakota red about the same shade of red as car, minus the metallic?

Not really, they're different shades.

The red on CAR is transparent to the bronze (early) or silver-ish (later) undercoat so it's a completely different process. Since the red in CAR is transparent, the saturation of the red in CAR depends on how many coats of red are applied. Then there are the clear top coats to give CAR depth.

 

[hypercarrots]

what fretboard wood?

 

[hypercarrots]

some additional solid 60s colors include, but are not limited to, fiesta red, shell pink, surf green, (sea)foam green, daphne blue, sonic blue.
i can name metallic colors too. any colour you like.

 

[MObasshead]

Nitro Taos blue w/ a mint pickguard

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

i want to do a fender flat finish for this p bass project that already has a body on the way for it. i say a flat fender finish just because i don't want to deal with any unforeseen error making the finished product off the mark. that's also why i'm getting a white 60's pickguard with it as well. so no sunburst, or metallic, or tort guard with white or etc etc. i'm debating between dakota red nitro, or black nitro. and i'm strictly going by 60s era fender dupont finishes. but i feel like i'm maybe missing something... like a color i didn't think about, and if not i'd just like to hear other's thoughts on how those two finishes may look. i'm planning on keeping the pickup/bridge covers on.

Red. You're going to go with a white pickguard. But, red and black is sexy as hell

 

[KaraQ]

Definitely red, for sure

 

[Samatza]

If it's between the red and black I'd take the red on a P, I just think it looks better on that bass. Personal opinion of course...

 

[Chrisk-K]

Dakota red

 

[Durham52]

Surf green looks cool with a white guard. (and tort and black....)

 

[Huw Phillips]

The lighter the color the easier it will be to get a good finish, white being The easiest and black the hardest, I have developed this painting method of lots of coats hand applied sanded down between coats, and polished with bees wax, if of interest let me know and I will elaborate

 

[bon viesta]

glad to know most people agree with red!!

 

[bon viesta]

what fretboard wood?

rosewood! mid 60s style p bass, gonna use musikraft to get a rosewood veener style neck.

 

[TheReceder]

Gotta agree with Durham52. Only because I feel there are so many red and black basses out there... the surf green has a cool vintage vibe and isn't overdone. Just not sure how flat a finish you're talking about so I can't imagine a flat surf green.

If it's limited to a choice of either red or black... I'd go red... then probably mid project change my mind and go completely off and do this..

 

[two fingers]

Dakota six days a week and twice on Sundays.

 

[kmon]

Red. No question.