Double Bass Making woodgrain more prominent?

[nicechuck]

I guess this isn't actually a setup/repair question, but the neck of my upright has some nice grain, but without re-finishing it, which it doesn't need, is there anyway to make it stand out a bit more?

 

[Jazzdogg]

Sorry, but the answer is no - not without refinishing or modifying the finish.

 

[nicechuck]

That's ok, it looks really nice, just subtle. Good to know that they did cut the wood in the right direction etc. on a CCB. Subtle is something I don't have much experience with lol

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Per Eric Roy from Upton Bass -- apply tanic acid to the bare wood, then finish in tung oil. Or just play the hell out of it for years and let the acid in your sweat do the dirty work for you.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f1/upton-bass-club-513764/index7.html

 

[nicechuck]

I like the last idea lol. It's only a bit over a year old, but it does get played every day

 

[Jazzdogg]

One modification that can take place after the finish has already been applied is fuming with ammonia. But, ammonia is toxic, working in the presence of ammonia vapors can be fatal, and the results can vary widely from one wood species to the next; not something to try on a lark!

 

[nicechuck]

Yea, that's a bit drastic, and the lark wouldn't appreciate it either lol