• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Tort Top

bdplaid

Supporting Member
Aug 31, 2007
9,451
18,585
florida
Have any of you guys every put a top of Tortoiseshell on the entire top of a bass? I saw a guitar like that some time ago and can't get it out of my head.

fullsizeoutput_208d__13998.jpg
 
First I've seen it. I think it's pretty cool. Definitely different and looks way better than just a tort PG.
The only question I would need answered is what would be the best type of adhesive to bond to both the plastic and the wood.
I'd say, scuff the underside of the plastic and go with an epoxy. But I'm guessing.
 
This is cool! I had been considering a formica top instrument for this year's WBO. Did you use contact cement?


Yes. Weld-on? Whatever brand Home Depot had for countertops. Make sure the body wood is nice and clean and follow the directions on the bottle. I remember it having a good “get a buzz going” stank so try to have some ventilation.
 
Yes. Weld-on? Whatever brand Home Depot had for countertops. Make sure the body wood is nice and clean and follow the directions on the bottle. I remember it having a good “get a buzz going” stank so try to have some ventilation.

Yep, I'm familiar with the stuff! Was kinda hoping you found a better adhesive that didn't kill as many brain cells...
 
No but I have a buddy who wants me to build him one badly, but doesn't want a seam and I can't find a large enough single piece that will ship to Canada. :(

Sounds like a job for a faux finisher to tackle. I used to know a gal who was hired to paint drywall to look like granite, and that was but one of the remarkable ways she could use finishes to fool the eye. A skilled faux finisher is capable of amazing work!
 
From their site... Not sure of price , but that's a big @$$ hunk-o-pickguard material.

"WE ALSO OFFER LARGE SHEETS OF APPROX 24" BY 54" FOR LARGER PROJECTS OR VOLUME USERS. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE COMMERCIAL ORDERS."

Pickguard Material Blank Sheets - Pickguard Planet
Just shy of $1000 shipped to me. So, yeah, naw. WD Music won't ship it to Canada at all - they direct me to their canadian distributor who in turn won't carry it. :rolleyes:
 
Make the headstock tort too please ;)

Why stop there? Get a tort fretboard. Put tort all the way around your cab. Steal your drummer's kit and wrap all the drums in tort. Become one with the tort. Submit to the tort. TORT IS THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS

(Kidding aside - these do look pretty cool. I'm a fan of red tort on black myself, I think it's a nice contrast.)