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homemade bass with awful top?

I'll have pictures up soon but it is a truly awful top. its a very nice sounding fretless and let's just say I was considering maybe removing the paint? I really have no idea what I'm doing and I don't plan on doing it soon. I just want some suggestions on what I can do
 
If ya really want to have a little fun, giv it a bowling ball finish.

here's how ya do it
1) Prep your bass body with sealer, primer, and base color
2) get a tub of water big enough to immerse the bass body
3) Using a complementary color to your base color, pour a couple drops of oil based paint in the water. The paint will spread across the top of the water. (swirl water gently)
4) immerse bass in water.
5) Pull bass out of water
6) Repeat steps 3,4, and 5 until desired effect is achieved (you can use different colors too)
7) Clear coat

Ta Da.... Bowling ball
 
I think swirling is what Scoops is referring to?

I would love to do this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4waOPaI6Q4

That will be my project for my next build after I finish my nice figured top build I'm starting very soon (Been planning for months on this one)

Here is the first vid I saw of this that got me obsessed with the idea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmSV2l6JFt0

And this black and gold one came out stunning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtLGPgSH6Kg

Yeah!

It is cool stuff!

I did this to a guitar years ago, and it turned out really cool.
It's a perfect thing to do to a paint grade piece of wood.

I got an old Strat body I might do this to really soon

Cheers
 
yea I'm familiar with swirling and It would actually look pretty sweet in purple and orange. but what if the neck is also painted? and I've never taken apart a bass completely and I feel like I'd mess something up lol
 
When taking apart a guitar, just be patient and do it slowly. when putting it back together, if you feel it is a bit much for you, take it to your local tech and have them do it.

Regardless of what method you use to paint it, swirling, spray etc, you should remove all the hardware/electronics first.
 
If you're decent at straight lines with an airbrush, this masking technique gives a great 3D effect
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFAAr42SxnM

Also, of course, you could just paint it a solid colour and be done with it. I just find that to be a bit plain for MY tastes.

I am of the personal opinion that if you are going to do something custom for yourself, it should be exactly what YOU want it to look like. If that's a nice solid colour, have at it. If you happen to be like me and like something unique, swirling gives a stunning visual, put a cool pattern on it, or even pay a custom car painter to do something special on it.
There is not enough sharpie art on guitars (hint: there will NEVER be enough)

I once thought I would paint my guitar black, temporarily fill in all the routes and such, then use a silver marker to write the lyrics to my first original song in my terrible handwriting all across it at an angle, clear coat it then remove the filling from the pickup routes and such, put the bridge, pickups and all the goodies back on/in, and voilà one of a kind.

Don't be afraid to think about what you want most. By choosing to refinish your bass, you have the opportunity to paint it however your heart desires. Don't let your perceived physical limitations turn you away from having your dream guitar.

As BassCliff would say,

Thank you for your indulgence,

JP