• 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.

Vintage Jazz Bass Refin question ?

C

ciubz

Jan 30, 2005
382
11
#1
So i have a vintage 1963 fender jazz bass, got it last year in a trade. The body has been striped long ago. My plan is to refin the bass. I have a good friend who restores vintage furniture and is very good with laсquers, painting and stuff like that, but he has no idea what kind of laсquers is better to use on a musical instrument.

So here is the question, what kind of laсquers and materials are better to use for a period correct refin ?
 
#3
you might try in the basses forum too, there are a lot of very knowledgable fender "historians" that im sure can tell you exactly what type of finish to use. keep it here too though. and yes, pics please
 
#5
A 1963 Fender would have been painted with nitrocellulose lacquer. Lon pointed you to the best site I have found (provide.net) for information.

I'm am amateur and I know there is deeper knowledge than mine on this forum - but I'll comment about what I THINK I know....

Nitro in rattle cans is available from Reranch.com. I suggest to you that not all the knowledge that a furniture refinisher has will transfer to this task. You will need to strip the finish, sand appropriately, use a grain filler on the body, then a seal coat, then final costs, doing fine sanding (probably wet sanding with mineral spirits) at each step. The process will vary depending on whether you plan to do a clear, transparent or solid color finish. You can do this if you take your time.

Dan Erlewine's books on guitar repair have quite a bit of info - so does the Reranch.com site.
 
#6
A 1963 Jazz is a lot more than just a Vintage Bass. If, it has to be refinished, it definately needs to be done in a very professional manner whether you do it or you take it to a pro. It is a worthy project, but do it right. ReRanch 101 is a good place to start and also Dan Erlewine's book is great. The "Fender Forum" has some extremely knowledgeable members, get all the input you can.
Let us know your progress.
Rocky
 
#8
I DONT KNOW HOW BAD IT LOOKS BUT I WOULD AVOID RE FINISHING IT.....I LIKE THE WORE LOOK ON A BASS THOUGH....PLUS...REFINISHING COULD DRASTICALLY CHANGE THE TONE......I HAVE A 75 RIPPER I REFINISHED AND IT HASNT BEEN THE SAME SINCE....WITH SOMETHING THAT VINTAGE, I WOULD HOLD ON TO IT....IT HAS A PERSONALLITY THAT TOOK YEARS TO DEVELOP & IF YOU CHANGE IT...IT MAY LOSE ITS CHARM...........

GUTTWRENCh
 
#9
Check out stew mac heres a link to their finish page

Invalid Link Removed

i believe nitro would be period corect if you wanna do it yourself stew mac has all the suplies, from spray guns to color, i personaly dont do painting, im doing a refinish right now but i know a guy who will paint it i just gota get it down to bare wood, and thats a pain in the but. Make sure DO NOT use fruntiur laquer, it and insturment laquer are different read ever book you can find on finishing insturments and best of luck to you with your new jazz...PS keep us posted on how it comes
 
#10
If I were restoring a vintage bass, I'd want to make everything as period correct as possible. Research the colors that were available in the specific year. Maybe you can identify what color it was originally. Is there any paint remaining in the cavities or neck pocket? Nitro is period correct, but I'd also pay attention to the details. Fender used to dye the all of the bodies yellow as well whether it was getting a burst or a solid color. Find out as much as you can. Your buddy will have a headstart on finishing, but as mentioned, it's likely that the techniques will vary. Are you wanting it to look new? Slighty aged like a well taken care of vintage instrument? Slightly reliced? There are several guys that specialize in creating period correct finishes and can replicate realistic aging. Take your time do your research and do it right.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back