Testing the waters

[Erich Bruning]

I'm not a luthier, but hope this is the best place for this project. In the past, I have done basic set-up's, neck swaps, and pickup replacements on my basses. I have enjoyed working on them, but have wanted to do more. I am not at the point of gluing up and fully shaping a bass, but recently found this potential project in a clearance sale. I have always wanted a neck through, and thought for the money it might be a good learning experience.

A cursory inspection finds the neck with a slight back bow. The truss rod screw turns and tightens, but that is about all I know at this time. The body seems to have a satin finish, which will need to be removed. It is cloudy in some areas, and I am thinking there was some water damage.

My goal is to re-contour the body a bit, then install a bridge and tuning machines, before moving to electronics, and final finishing if all works out.

Thanks for checking this out.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Great. Lots of good advice here. GFS clearance?

 

[Jisch]

Looks like a good project, keep us updated! Don't underestimate the effort related to removing the finish, it's a big job.

 

[Erich Bruning]

Great. Lots of good advice here. GFS clearance?

Yes GFS Clearance. Looked to be worth experimenting with.

 

[Erich Bruning]

A little progress: I managed to remove the finish, and it was definitely giving the grain a hazy look. I also started to reshape things a little, as the body was pretty blocky to begin with. There is still a lot to do, but I am pretty happy with the process thus far.

The neck radius looks to be 14", which is nice. the neck width is 45mm at the nut, and 68mm at the 24th fret. From what I can figure out, that puts it somewhere at 16.5-17mm string spacing at the bridge. Does that sound correct? I'm looking at the Hipshot A series bridge, which is supposed to have some minor adjustability if needed.

Thanks.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Based on my recent experience, im gonna recommend Tru-Oil, nice hard, transparent, shiny finish thats stupid easy to apply. That wood looks great clear.

 

[Erich Bruning]

Based on my recent experience, im gonna recommend Tru-Oil, nice hard, transparent, shiny finish thats stupid easy to apply. That wood looks great clear.

Thanks, that is my current plan. I've used Tru-oil, as well as linseed oil, in the past when refinishing gun stocks. I was originally thinking of tinting it, but the clean look s growing on me.