I purchased this bass off of another TB member (actually traded + cash, but who's keeping track?) early this year. When I received it, it wasn't in the greatest of conditions. One of the saddles was cracked, the microchip on the preamp was secured with a piece of tape because the pins were broken off, it's still got a pretty bad crack on the upper horn, and the finish was just horrible. It looked like someone had stripped it with a wire bristle brush, or some 25 grit sand paper.
So, I finally decided I'd start (slowly) redoing the finish with tung oil. What I like about the oil process is that I don't have to do it all at once. The finish blends together so well that I can work the back without doing the front, and vice versa. This is nice, cause I've got just enough time each week to do some sanding, oiling, and drying time before I have to slap it back together for Sunday service and Tuesday practice.
What you're looking at has been taken down with 180g, then smoothed with 320, 400, and 600. I'm using low gloss on the back and neck, and high gloss on the front. Unfortunately, some of the gouges and scratches were so deep that they still show up. I just couldn't bring myself to remove enough material to get them out, as they are very deep in spots.
I also took some time and made new covers for the electronics and batteries. A big thanks to Larry at Gallery Hardwoods for dealing with a small timer like me. He was great, and did a pretty good job matching the color and grain pattern of the walnut.
Well, here she is. It ain't the best finish job, but it's miles ahead of what it used to be.
P.
So, I finally decided I'd start (slowly) redoing the finish with tung oil. What I like about the oil process is that I don't have to do it all at once. The finish blends together so well that I can work the back without doing the front, and vice versa. This is nice, cause I've got just enough time each week to do some sanding, oiling, and drying time before I have to slap it back together for Sunday service and Tuesday practice.
What you're looking at has been taken down with 180g, then smoothed with 320, 400, and 600. I'm using low gloss on the back and neck, and high gloss on the front. Unfortunately, some of the gouges and scratches were so deep that they still show up. I just couldn't bring myself to remove enough material to get them out, as they are very deep in spots.
I also took some time and made new covers for the electronics and batteries. A big thanks to Larry at Gallery Hardwoods for dealing with a small timer like me. He was great, and did a pretty good job matching the color and grain pattern of the walnut.
Well, here she is. It ain't the best finish job, but it's miles ahead of what it used to be.
P.
