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I'm going to restore an old, beat-up Ibanez.

F

Flatty Banks

Oct 26, 2008
1,314
44
Arizona
#1
So, I'm going to get this bass in a week:

2q15l3k.jpg


And I was wondering what I should use to get it looking new again?
 
#3
New hardware? You cant really do much about the finish, unless you want to completely strip it and repaint it. I'd just give it a thorough cleaning, some lemon oil on the neck, and a new set of strings.
 
#5
grifff said:
New hardware? You cant really do much about the finish, unless you want to completely strip it and repaint it. I'd just give it a thorough cleaning, some lemon oil on the neck, and a new set of strings.
Click to expand...

Yeah; all that's pretty obvious. I'm also assuming it's going to come with okay-low action.

I don't think I want to repaint it; but maybe there's a way to make the finish problems less noticeable?
 
#6
I wouldn't hesitate to refinish it. Sand it down smooth, and then follow some online guides on refinishing a body. With a stained wood finish, that's probably one of the easier things to do (rather than painting, etc). It will still be some work, but I think its very doable.
 
#9
Armbruster said:
Yeah; all that's pretty obvious. I'm also assuming it's going to come with okay-low action.

I don't think I want to repaint it; but maybe there's a way to make the finish problems less noticeable?
Click to expand...

You could try to use one of those brown furniture markers on it. I wouldn't if I were you though, I'd either leave it alone or refinish the whole body. It's a great bass by the way, I have an SR706. :bassist:
 
#11
it's a natural oil finish on a mahogany body, i don't think there is any stain (i have an sr500)...some "danish oil" from the hardware store should probably make the worn spots the same colo(u)r as the rest, but to do it properly would only take an hour or so with the palm sander and a variety of sandpaper (60-150-220-600-1000-0000 steel wool, or thereabouts)

any oil finish on a soft wood is eventually going to show wear and require some lovin, that's just the way it is...nice bass btw, i love my 500
 
#12
I think it looks good. Has some legit mojo. IMO, the best you'll be able to do is make the flaws less noticeable, which make them looks worse. I'd rather it just say, "hey, I'm a player" than half-try to look clean.
 
#14
I think you should go all the way no point doing a half assed job. Strip it completely and sand it back to bare timber, then restain with the stain of your choice, it will be hard work , but the results and satisfaction you will get when its finished will be worth it. I just finished one that i spent a week on and it was frustrating at first but once i finished it I was stoked. This is just my opinio though, if you like the road worn look and it plays nice just leave as is.
 

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