Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
New Bass with Very Light Pau Ferro
- Thread starter kyral210
- Start date
And if you want it really dark, you can stain it with Old English scratch cover...(as I duck behind the nearest bass cab).
Looks just like my CAR Roscoe Beck V I got in '98 - and Pao Farro was considered an upgrade back then.
After reading about it here frequently, I finally tried Howards wax & feed.
It does the best job of any temporarily darkening fingerboards, but it won't work miracles. I doubt you'll get the results you want.
I'm strongly in the camp of "if it plays great and sounds great" keep it. The odds of swapping it out and getting one the "same" / as good are slim, IMO/IME.
Pau ferro in general is lighter than rosewood. And there are variations within both species of wood. I've had light rosewood and dark, same with pau ferro.
The first thing I do with a new one is to oil the fretboard tho, no matter what. Be generous and let it sit for atleast 30 mins before wiping off the excess.
That should increase the richness of the wood alot. Remember that "new" bases have already been sitting in carboard and been transported around for a while. The cardboard and silica packs in the box will itself create a pretty dry environment.
If thats not enough, you can mix a tiny tiny tiny amount of dye into the oil next time
The first thing I do with a new one is to oil the fretboard tho, no matter what. Be generous and let it sit for atleast 30 mins before wiping off the excess.
That should increase the richness of the wood alot. Remember that "new" bases have already been sitting in carboard and been transported around for a while. The cardboard and silica packs in the box will itself create a pretty dry environment.
If thats not enough, you can mix a tiny tiny tiny amount of dye into the oil next time
A new bass can have a dry fretboard...
This was the fretboard of a MM Caprice.
On the left is with a first coat of oil, on the right is how I got the bass.
This was the fretboard of a MM Caprice.
On the left is with a first coat of oil, on the right is how I got the bass.
It's your baby, throw it out with the bathwater if you want...BUT I think that particular fretboard is VERY nice especially compared to many of the Fender PF fretboards I have seen lately. I have Pau Ferro on a couple of my Peavey Cirrus, and its beautiful but like everyone has said, PF comes in various shades and grain patterns.
What kind of oil did you use?A new bass can have a dry fretboard...
This was the fretboard of a MM Caprice.
On the left is with a first coat of oil, on the right is how I got the bass.
I took the picture when I got the bass in... 2018 !
From memory I would say Planet Waves Lemon oil
Pau ferro from tree. Tree from seed that eats dirt. Tree not able to control for color dirt makes tree. Carbon fiber neck is what you want.
Fender PF boards seem to come feeling quite rough/dry. Tape over the fret wires and polish the wood with 1500 grit micromesh--just takes seconds per fret. THEN hit it with the oil of your choice, a couple times. Will soak it up like a sponge. Feels like RW, and will darken some.
When did Pau Ferro come onto the scene as a fretboard? I'm curious what an older one looks like. Was it around in the 70/80's?
PF came into use when export/import controls were applied for conservation reasons
This was when genuine rosewood was being pillaged for furniture making ( a status symbol in China)
There's nothing wrong with PF imo
This was when genuine rosewood was being pillaged for furniture making ( a status symbol in China)
There's nothing wrong with PF imo
This is the photo I've can looking for!A new bass can have a dry fretboard...
This was the fretboard of a MM Caprice.
On the left is with a first coat of oil, on the right is how I got the bass.
I didn't like the feel and appearance of my roasted maple board when I first got it a few years ago, one round of almond oil (Tibets stick) was the fix.
Normally, I don't give a hoot in Hell about what my bass's fretboards are made of - as long as they hold the frets securely, and don't give me splinters. I do, however, care about what my fretless bass's fingerboards are made of. And, sadly, the Canadian-made '93 Fury Anthem bass I own, is a lined fretless bass - with a Pau Ferro fingerboard. While it is very pretty, it's also a tad softer than I'd like, on this fretless bass. And, although it's only ever worn tape wounds, it has the wear marks to prove it. It's not bad enough to be re-leveled, but... it's getting there too fast to make me happy with it. When the time comes, it will almost certainly get epoxy-coated, too...
But, yeah; it is a pretty piece of wood. Mine is... well, it looks a lot like the... Bubinga?... fretboard on my '73 Rick 4001...
But, yeah; it is a pretty piece of wood. Mine is... well, it looks a lot like the... Bubinga?... fretboard on my '73 Rick 4001...
I'm in the same boat with my Player Plus Jazz V. The Neck just looks 1/2 way between Maple and Rosewood. I think I'll give this Dunlop oil a try.
I have a MIM Strat and it came with PF. Looked dry as hell. Hit it with some MusicNomad F-One and now it's darker and the grain looks good to me.
I have no issue with PF at all.
I have no issue with PF at all.
It all matters.
No you're not weird at all for wanting to return a bass that doesn't bond with you. It doesn't really matter the reason. The fact that you're not happy with the product. should be enough justification. Any good store will not require a justification and a grand Jury to decide if they should take it back. Today we have a new definition of weird and there a couple of high-visibility examples of the new weird and they are nailing it but I digress.
Whenever I buy a costly item I make sure I know what the return policy is before buying and sometimes I refuse to buy because of a return policy. Most things I buy these days I like to have a trial period before I decide to keep it. There are exceptions.
Anyway, you're not even close to being weird by modern standards.
Last edited:
