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Virgin voyage (first build)! 6 string "P Style" bass
- Thread starter yoshi
- Start date
I'd leave it natural... but that's me
In that case, what "finish" would you advise? Even something to protect the wood from my grubby hands and spilled beer.
An oil finish is probably the most newbie DIYer friendly choice. It basically boils down to sanding and wiping on/off. No spray equipment required.
There are several kinds, most folks seem to gravitate to either Formby's Tung Oil or Danish oil. I'm sure you have read a ton of build threads here, try to sniff out the one that appeals most.
I am a neophyte when it comes to finishing, I always defer to my friend Mr @Hopkins. He is knowledgeable and helpful - now that I have tagged him I'd bet he will drop in to offer some advice when he has time.
There are several kinds, most folks seem to gravitate to either Formby's Tung Oil or Danish oil. I'm sure you have read a ton of build threads here, try to sniff out the one that appeals most.
I am a neophyte when it comes to finishing, I always defer to my friend Mr @Hopkins. He is knowledgeable and helpful - now that I have tagged him I'd bet he will drop in to offer some advice when he has time.
Hopkins
Commercial User
I have to agree, oil is a very easy finish. I would recommend it for a first time finisher.
If I oil it, then a year down the line decide I want it painting, is it quite an easy turnaround? Would I just have to sand down the oil and then paint as usual?
Hopkins
Commercial User
Yeah pretty much. What is referred to as an oil finish is basically just a boiled linseed oil based wiping varnish.
Teak Oil gives a rich finish as well.
You can always lacquer over the oil finish at a later date...
You can always lacquer over the oil finish at a later date...
cool, thanks chaps - great info. I remember reading a while ago where the builder did something to his ash (I think) body to increase the grain contrast by making the darker bits a lot darker. Any idea what that may be/how it's done?
The Teak Oil that I used did that for me. I used Swamp Ash and the grain really popped after oiling. Here's a before pic...
...no oil!
...no oil!
...and after Teak Oil was applied (and lacquer...but the lacquer is only supplying the shine, it did not "color" the wood at all)...
Wow, really cool stuff J. Wes. I was checking out your build thread actually!
I've ordered some tung oil and will do a few tests on scrap. How much sanding is required before oiling?
I've ordered some tung oil and will do a few tests on scrap. How much sanding is required before oiling?
If you really want go dark you can use a black stain and then sand back most of it. The deep grain will retain most of the black stain and give you that effect... Like this F Bass...
Hopkins
Commercial User
I would bet they just use a dark grain filler, not black dye sanded back
I decided this baby's going 18v! Last night I routed an extra battery hole, and also routed a 5mm inset around/above the entire cavity for the cover to sit. The cover's being made from some ash offcut from the body, which I'll post once it's complete.
Why 18v and not 9v? I read a variety of info about it, and to be honest, just wanted to play with my router and make the control cavity even more of a beast than it already was. Hopefully the double voltage will give me something to shout about (other than the cost of batteries).
Why 18v and not 9v? I read a variety of info about it, and to be honest, just wanted to play with my router and make the control cavity even more of a beast than it already was. Hopefully the double voltage will give me something to shout about (other than the cost of batteries).
I've done loads of work the last week or so, but very little photoing - sorry!
I've drilled the holes and insets for the 4 neck bolts; filed down the nut shelf for lower strings; adjusted some errors with dodgy frets around frets 11-13; further shaped the body and neck with my beloved saw rasp; done a millenium's worth of hand-sanding...and finally, applied layer one of tung oil to the body and neck (not the fretboard, as I suspect I still have a bit of work on dodgy frets to address).
The oil looks great. The wenge has took on a really dark complexion which looks pretty stellar if I don't say so myself! I plan on adding a few more coats over the next few days and seeing how dark the whole thing gets.
Note the filled holes in the body from bridge placement one. I placed the bridge in the right place, but didn't take into consideration the saddle movement for intonation, and had to shuft it back 2cm. The holes are covered by the bridge so no worries. Lesson learnt!
Before dismantling for oiling, I had the whole thing -pickups 'n' all-set up for about a week. Other than a few duff frets and slightly high action, it was playable and had a great feel and tone/sound. I was almost tempted to take it to a jam like that! But alas, pushed on to to the finish line and dismantled it in the name of progress.
I've drilled the holes and insets for the 4 neck bolts; filed down the nut shelf for lower strings; adjusted some errors with dodgy frets around frets 11-13; further shaped the body and neck with my beloved saw rasp; done a millenium's worth of hand-sanding...and finally, applied layer one of tung oil to the body and neck (not the fretboard, as I suspect I still have a bit of work on dodgy frets to address).
The oil looks great. The wenge has took on a really dark complexion which looks pretty stellar if I don't say so myself! I plan on adding a few more coats over the next few days and seeing how dark the whole thing gets.
Note the filled holes in the body from bridge placement one. I placed the bridge in the right place, but didn't take into consideration the saddle movement for intonation, and had to shuft it back 2cm. The holes are covered by the bridge so no worries. Lesson learnt!
Before dismantling for oiling, I had the whole thing -pickups 'n' all-set up for about a week. Other than a few duff frets and slightly high action, it was playable and had a great feel and tone/sound. I was almost tempted to take it to a jam like that! But alas, pushed on to to the finish line and dismantled it in the name of progress.
Also forgot to say that I'd drilled holes for the strap locks, and installed them....the bass balances! This is the first none-Warwick Thumb I've worn/played in ages and it makes me wonder what witchcraft is at work to keep the head up high....!
