Warmoth less than helpful

[dougjwray]

I just had a rather unpleasant experience with Warmoth. I'm thinking of building a "mocha" color Frankenstein bass. I'll start with an unfinished body and give it a very thin coat of Tru-Oil over the color. (Letting it "breathe", etc. I actually do believe that it makes a difference, after doing this with a natural finish bass a few years ago.) However, I'm not very confident in my stain applying skills.

So, I emailed Warmoth to ask whether it would be possible for them to sell me a body with only stain applied. No poly on top. Their reply had a nasty tone, and went something like this: "We don't use stain. It's too blotchy. We don't offer this option."

I wrote back something like, "Okay, no stain, but you use something to color the wood when you do transparent finishes. Could you stop after that stage, and sell it to me?"

No answer.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with Warmoth?

 

[ehque]

Actually, i've heard that mentioned here a couple of times. "Staining should be reserved for furniture", that sort of thing.

Can't you just get a tinted finish?

 

[carlos840]

I only had great experiences with them, ordered two bodies and they where great.

I always asked to talk to eric whylie, hes a great guy and was always really helpful!

 

[dougjwray]

Carlos,
Thanks-- I'll look for Eric. I think the guy who responded to me was named Bob.

 

[ehque]

I'm not sure it would help, though. Their transparent spray is probably the same stuff as their clear coat to improve compatibility. I don't see how you would be able to apply an oil finish over that.

 

[dougjwray]

Actually, i've heard that mentioned here a couple of times. "Staining should be reserved for furniture", that sort of thing.

Can't you just get a tinted finish?

Well, the point is that the guy I corresponded with could have suggested a tinted finish, if that would have answered my question. All I care about is getting a transparent colored body with no polyurethane on top. I don't care what they use to color it.

 

[dougjwray]

I'm not sure it would help, though. Their transparent spray is probably the same stuff as their clear coat to improve compatibility. I don't see how you would be able to apply an oil finish over that.

Okay, that makes sense.

 

[raymondl3]

I have talked to them (same guy each time I think) a few times and each time the guy had a pretty nasty tone. Oh well, take your business elsewhere. Good luck.

 

[BobWestbrook]

Depending on the wood, the grain, and the stain used, staining can be a bad choice. On the flat surfaces, it's OK, but on the rounded edges the stain can soak in differently, and you can end up with the blotchy look they described.

 

[dougjwray]

Depending on the wood, the grain, and the stain used, staining can be a bad choice. On the flat surfaces, it's OK, but on the rounded edges the stain can soak in differently, and you can end up with the blotchy look they described.

I defer to your experience. Sounds right.
So can anyone suggest a way to pull off what I'd like to do? (Short of having the Fender Custom Shop make me a walnut-colored Highway One P-Bass for $$$$$$?)

 

[ehque]

According to the internets, Tru-Oil can be tinted.

 

[topcat2069]

Get a body that would be the correct color when oiled, Walnut, Weng or maybe Bubinga??

 

[dougjwray]

According to the internets, Tru-Oil can be tinted.

Interesting... I hadn't thought of that.

 

[dougjwray]

Get a body that would be the correct color when oiled, Walnut, Weng or maybe Bubinga??

Sorry, it's going to be alder. None of those coffee table boutique woods for me, baby!

 

[dougjwray]

The same person from Warmoth (Bob) just emailed me with complete info, thanking me for my patience.
So, for the record, I withdraw my criticism!

 

[ghoulbug]

just exactly how long did you wait for the reply?
12 hours?

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

yeah, I've found Warmoth to be *great* - particularly if you call them. Email is funny.

 

[Jared Lash]

Sorry, it's going to be alder. None of those coffee table boutique woods for me, baby!

I don't understand. Aren't you trying to replicate the look of the special edition P's from the early 80's? The ones that looked like this:

If so, those basses really used walnut.

 

[Batmensch]

Crap, that's a gorgeous bass!

 

[Assumer]

I would call them. I have had only great experiences with warmoth.