Double Bass Questions about Aged Finished

[BassDuex]

This '42 Kay has a severely aged finish:
It is peeling, and 'crinkley', what would the BEST way to treat this finish be?
The goal is to keep it playable, preserve it - an aged look is great, but not 'Neglected'...

1- leave it alone
2- clean it with xylene or mineral spirits
3- light sanding to even it?

 

[james condino]

That old finish is a badge of honor! Leave it as is. Around here, I actually get more $ for the worst looking finishes.

j.
www.condino.com
wwwkaybassrepair.com

 

[PortlandBass77]

For a vintage bass like that I would take it to a professional luthier and have them look it over and recommend something. If you lack the means to do that I would leave it as is, you don't want to use a cleaning solution that doesn't agree with the wood.

 

[El Thumpo]

Good lord, yes. Don't touch a damn thing on that finish. Trust me, that looks like it's been played, not neglected.

Your Kay earned every inch of its mojo. Don't deprive it of that.

 

[BassDuex]

I am very glad that I asked!
Thank you for your advice - I will NOT be messing around with the finish!

 

[vejesse]

I've always wanted to try this with a crackled lacquer finish:

http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/Lacquer/Amalgamator/amalgamator1.html

 

[mtb777]

That's been ridden hard and put away wet! Beautiful. They can't do that at ANY custom shop.