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Leafenbacker

#581
I think the wooden TRC you've made is the perfect shape, but that it should be scaled down a bit. I like the darker wood matching the headstock wings. As for sandpaper, I'd use 260 grit. That's what I use on oiled finishes. Any lower, and the bass won't be smooth enough. Too fine, and the oil won't soak in. After I do an oiled finish (I prefer Watco's Danish Oil) I give it a coat of Johnson's paste wax. As with the oiling, I start on the back, and work around to the front, then up the neck.
 
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#582
The simple cover you made out of mahogany looks best so far. You could trim the bottom down a bit and it will look great. It will look better with the strings on. I like the mahogany, but I would like to see the same thing in maple as well. I think you are on the right path now, sometimes simple is the most elegant solution.
 
#583
mapleglo said:
So, something like this, only in maple:

50fq00.jpg


Speaking of Saturday, I'll spend some time sanding the bass in preparation for the tung oil finish. Any recommendations for the final sandpaper grit to sand to? 240? 600? Somewhere in between, or higher? The can of Formby's doesn't say anything, and suggests using steel wool in between coats. I never used tung oil finish before.
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er… the tongue depressor look? Popsickle stick? There's many forms of Tung oil out there. Some are too soft, others are better suited for guitar finishing. Regardless of what you use, err on the side of minimal. All you really need to do is seal the raw wood. Brush it on - wipe it off (w/a soft cotton rag) Repeat at least once more after it sets - 3 times optimal. Done.
 
#584
Perfect, so I just need one more session of sanding, maybe an hour or so of work, before I apply the Formby's. The can says to use steel wool between coats. I have a 1000 grit scotchbrite type pad, will that work? I dislike steel wool - the filings get everywhere.

Heh, it does kinda look like a tongue depressor, doesn't it.
 
#588
mapleglo said:
Perfect, so I just need one more session of sanding, maybe an hour or so of work, before I apply the Formby's. The can says to use steel wool between coats. I have a 1000 grit scotchbrite type pad, will that work? I dislike steel wool - the filings get everywhere.

Heh, it does kinda look like a tongue depressor, doesn't it.
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The sb pads are the way to go - I agree not using steel wool, especially on the leaf section. The fibers will never completely go away. Emery cloth is flexible and can be had in very fine grits - can help get into the tight spots.
 
#589
Good stuff. Yeah, the white Carvin item doesn't work. Black would, I think, but not white. I still prefer something simple, just a shape of some sort, and not a lot of detailing. Don't want or need to get too fancy, lest you cross over into "gaudy". :)

I'm assuming the truss rod nut is ferrous? If so, consider affixing a small magnet to the back side of the TRC. Would look a little better than a tiny screw. I'm going to do that on my (stalled) Ric-like build.

I have some experience with Formby's Tung Oil. It's a very forgiving and attractive finish; I think you'll like it. I wouldn't use steel wool, because of the way it tends to shed. I would instead use a fine ScotchBrite pad.

Lovin' it!!


Sent from my asteroid using Awesome
 
#591
I must say that I've always enjoyed reading up on the build threads here at TB, even without any craftsmanship abilities of my own. While there have been some cool builds to follow, this is by far my favorite. I've always loved Lemmy's bass and this is turning out fantastic! If I had the money, Id be sending you a message asking how much you'd charge to make one for me. EXCELLENT WORK!
 
#592
lavmonga said:
I love this thread and I think I am even more impressed (but not surprised) at the fact that most parts of this build go pretty quickly without much input from us, then all of a sudden we got to the truss cover... THE TRUSS COVER! and have spent days and pages of posts going back and forth. Talkbass at it's finest! So meticulous!
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the devil's in the details… ;)
 
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#594
Thanks again for all the lively discussion, feedback, and suggestions regarding the truss rod cover. It's given me quite a bit to think about. It's true, that the devil is in the details, and I want to make this right. I've let the options settle in my head, and at some point, I'll come to a decision. Or not :P

lavmonga said:
I love this thread and I think I am even more impressed (but not surprised) at the fact that most parts of this build go pretty quickly without much input from us, then all of a sudden we got to the truss cover... THE TRUSS COVER! and have spent days and pages of posts going back and forth. Talkbass at it's finest! So meticulous!
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After being a part of this great forum for 6 months or so, I'd expect nothing less. I think we're at 6 pages, and 10,000 page views on just the truss rod cover alone! Yes, this is TalkBass at its best, and one of the things about this place that I love.

In the mean time, I've moved ahead with the project, truss rod cover not withstanding. I started with sanding everything down to 220 grit.

x39z54.jpg


Then I made a quick stand to hold it while it dries.

2zthvlt.jpg


Taped off the fretboard, and applied the tung oil. Getting in all the nooks and crannies around the leaves was a major pain, and I ended up using a brush in order to get in to some of the really tight areas.

nqxybn.jpg


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As expected, the tung oil really brought out the mahogany, and mellowed the maple, bring it to a nice medium shade. It really brings out the grain as well. It also brings some contrast between the leaves and background. I'm very pleased with the tung oil finish so far. Per the instructions, I'll let that dry over night, and lightly sand with the scotchbrite pad tomorrow. Perhaps I'll look into some of the TRC suggestions while I wait.

In other news, I ordered a gallon can of that Duratex. My SVT810E was looking a little ragged so I figured I'd rip off the remaining Tolex, sand it down, and refinish with the Duratex. I'll likely start a thread in the amp section at some point.
 
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#598
Buchada Azeda said:
What are you finishing the fretboard with?
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It actually came from Carvin with a tung oil finish already applied.

thiocyclist said:
Gosh. I am just nuts for that headstock. With the Ric-shaped body in view it is really complementary.
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Thanks!

lowsideonacurve said:
This is really looking great. You do excellent work and have inspired me to get back on a refin project I started some time ago.
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Thank you! I highly recommend the tung oil. It's a lot easier than lacquer.

And not to feed the flames, but here's the tongue depressor style TRC in maple, unfinished. I've got some pieces in progress which should be close to done later today.

2vwfkn7.jpg
 
#600
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Some more options for the truss rod cover. None of them have the oil finish yet, and the last two are actually the same cover, just reversed - maple on one side and mahogany on the other. I have a bevel router bit, but it's a pattern bit, so I'll have to make some kind of jig to bevel the sides to leave a thin edge strip of either maple on mahogany or mahogany on maple.

At this point, I kinda like the the first one - the Ric swoop with the maple center and mahogany wings.
 
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