/ Register

Looking for inspiration: Show me your oil finish basses

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Frank77, Sep 26, 2018.

Tags:
  1. Sep 26, 2018 #1
    Frank77

    Frank77

    May 2, 2011
    Montréal, Canada
    Hey guys,

    I'm soon getting a custom build started by a local luthier, and as the title states I'm looking for ideas on the finish.

    I'm currently torn between two options: A sparkly solid colour with a pickguard (aka "the flashy option"); or a more sober, oil finish without a guard. My luthier can do both, but prefers oil finishes - he's done more of these and always had good results.

    Some data:
    • Body wood: I'm leaning towards swamp ash, but this can change. Adding a fancy figured top is not excluded, either.
    • Body shape will be a double cutaway. Think Chowny SWB-1 or Reverend Wattplower.
    • Neck wood will be maple.
    • Fingerboard will be ebony.
    • Can be natural or coloured.
    Let me see what you have, maybe it'll give me some ideas!

    Cheers!
     
  2. Sep 26, 2018 #2
    lug

    lug Supporting Member

    Feb 11, 2005
    League City, Tx
    u0dv2ih63d.jpg
    Bare

    o9pv3afa0u.jpg
    1 coat of Tung Oil

    7sa37ei2fi.jpg
    About 5 coats

    Wings are Ash
     
    Bass Man Dan, JRA, Frank77 and 1 other person like this.
  3. Sep 27, 2018 #3
    Frank77

    Frank77

    May 2, 2011
    Montréal, Canada
    * Crickets*

    Well, I was hoping for more pictures of more basses, but that is one fine example. Thanks @lug !
     
  4. Sep 27, 2018 #4
    JRA

    JRA my words = opinion Gold Supporting Member

    Oct 28, 2013
    Indianapolis and Cincinnati
    yes: we need more pics! :hyper:
     
  5. Oct 5, 2018 #5
    FretsAreFor

    FretsAreFor

    Apr 26, 2017
    I'll bite. Woods here are khaya (main body), curly maple (top wood), flamed roasted maple (neck), and ebony (fretboard). I don't have a good shot of the neck, which is really to die for. You can see the same wood used for the knobs and the cavity cover.

    The finish is:
    * Angelus black leather dye (just on the maple top, obv)
    * Boiled linseed oil
    * Several coats of satin Osmo hard wax oil

    The Osmo really glows, without having the harshness of a gloss finish. (Gloss should be outlawed IMO, you can't convince me otherwise.)

    More glamour shots in my build thread.

    01 body.jpg

    05 back body.jpg
     
    Strung_Low, MrLenny1, Frank77 and 1 other person like this.
  6. Oct 5, 2018 #6
    lug

    lug Supporting Member

    Feb 11, 2005
    League City, Tx
    That is beautimous!
     
    FretsAreFor likes this.
  7. Oct 5, 2018 #7
    OldFenderPlayer

    OldFenderPlayer

    Nov 19, 2010
    Richmond, Virginia
    I picked up a 1967 Fender Precision Bass last year that pretty much meets the spec's you outlined ... oil finish, maple neck, ebony board, but I don't know what type of wood they used for the body. You can see some pics here. NBD 1967 Fender Precision Bass. It has a poor "hippy refinish" but I have'n't changed a single thing on it and don't intend to; the neck and head-stock appear to be untouched. It may have come from the factory as Fiesta Red or Candy Apple Red.
     
    Frank77 likes this.
  8. Oct 5, 2018 #8
    Frank77

    Frank77

    May 2, 2011
    Montréal, Canada
    Wow! This finish is just unbelievable!
     
  9. Oct 5, 2018 #9
    FretsAreFor

    FretsAreFor

    Apr 26, 2017
    Thanks -- oil finishes don't need to be dull and lifeless!
     
    Frank77 likes this.
  10. Oct 6, 2018 #10
    cosmicevan

    cosmicevan ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Feb 1, 2003
    The edge of oscillation, New York
    Oil finish life here. If the wood is nice shine it up and show it...if gross paint it.

     
    Frank77 likes this.