Rowley Birkin QC Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 Had this since early last year and was never happy with the finish. It had been re-fretted and I was concerned about what appeared to be glue along the side of the fretboard near the neck. Plus, I think it had had some paintwork before which wasn't of a high standard (not mentioned by the guy selling it on Ebay). So, I decided to refinish it. Stripped all the hardware and electronics out last week and was left with this, which, was originall going to be replaced with a white finish. After lots of sanding (mostly by hand) and sore fingers I was left with some rather nice wood So, I've commenced waxing it for the moment and was looking for some suggestions as to which wax will give me a high gloss finish if anyone has any experience of this. Obviously more polishing will be required, but I don't have a problem with putting in the elbow grease. As far as the brass fittings go, which aren't really in bad condition, I have a couple of lines of thought. 1. Simply get them polished and lacquer them 2. Get them satin chromed Any comments on what might suit? Hoping to get it finished over the next couple of weeks, then probably putting it up for sale to fund another bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveybass Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 looks great, first dibs when ready!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowley Birkin QC Posted April 3, 2012 Author Share Posted April 3, 2012 [quote name='daveybass' timestamp='1333476148' post='1602353'] looks great, first dibs when ready!! [/quote] I'll PM you when it's finished if you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveybass Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 yes please, I'd be tempted to polish and laquer the brass fittings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 These bits of wood are almost good enough to have been chosen by Rob Green himself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowley Birkin QC Posted April 3, 2012 Author Share Posted April 3, 2012 It surprised me too when I discovered it. It is just the wings on the front however that are dark, the back of the bass is very similar to the centre section/neck wood. Think it'll still look good though if I choose the right colour wax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 MB1. Surprisingly pleasant grain .... would look great with just a clear lacquering on that . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmz Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 Looks great ! Brass fittings and a nice clear satin finish should bring the best methinks. You must have been seriously chuffed when all your efforts paid off sanding wise - just hope you've got enough fingers left to play her........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby K Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 (edited) Wow, what a result! Keep it natural, definitely I did a re-fin on my Yamaha BB1100s a few weeks back, stripping it back to natural; it's so rewarding to get to this stage (and such a relief lol!) Enjoy the final finishing mate Edited April 3, 2012 by Bobby K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 I really like the grain on that wood. Good result! Jez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowley Birkin QC Posted April 4, 2012 Author Share Posted April 4, 2012 (edited) Taking the brass hardware parts to a local polisher tomorrow to get his opinion. If they polishe up OK I'll clearcoat them then get some replacement knobs (oo err missus) for the pots in brass too. Still trying to decide on the type of finish for the wood though, satin sheen or high gloss? Edited April 4, 2012 by Rowley Birkin QC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubis Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 You could consider gunstock oil, it's easy to apply and starts of matt but the more coats you apply the glossier it becomes. Quite durable too and it will accentuate the grain a bit more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 (edited) MB1. High Gloss, High Gloss, High Gloss Clear Lacquer! Edited April 4, 2012 by MB1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveybass Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 [sup]Think I'd have to agree with the local person! [/sup] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkG3 Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 I'm not usually a fan of basses that aren't a 'traditional' shape etc but man that wood looks good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojobass Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 Lookin good so far, i'm watchin this carefuly as i fancy doing mine now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowley Birkin QC Posted April 12, 2012 Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 Haven't posted any further updates yet as "work" is getting in the way at the moment. However, got the hardware back from the polishers this week......nice finish! Will post some pics at the weekend then get them lacquered up. The body now has 2/3 coats of acrylic lacquer applied which will be getting flatted back this weekend and more added. Again when I've got an acceptable finish on it I'll post some pics before the rebuild. Getting closer now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveybass Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 can't wait to see the new pics,good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorne Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 Mmmm, not saying this IS the same bass, but I once repaired on in this colour for a friend, the fingerboard had lifted from the neck, and his dad (a cabinet maker) had simply shoved some glue in the gap, leaving the fretboard humped over the glue. I steamed the fretboard off, removed all the old glue and clamped it back down to where it should have been, turned out great, really low action, dead straight neck I didn't refret it though Anyway, migh not be the same bass. As for the wood, that should be American Walnut on the front of the bass I've had at least 8 of these, love 'em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 Nice job so far. I own a wine colour( same as the original olour here) Nearly got the green , but as there was a tune strike and many shops in soho were closed , i settled for the wime colour. Want a yellow one. Have only seen one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 That should've said tube strike.(poxy predictive text)!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 (edited) 'RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' Nice job so far. I own a wine colour( same as the original olour here) Nearly got the green , but as there was a tune strike and many shops in soho were closed , i settled for the wime colour. Want a yellow one. Have only seen one. MB1. A "Wime one?"... A Yellow one GAS... this i did not know!...you swime sir! Edited April 13, 2012 by MB1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 There was slso one in salmon pink.) I normally hate pink, but this was nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowley Birkin QC Posted April 14, 2012 Author Share Posted April 14, 2012 [quote name='Lorne' timestamp='1334278277' post='1613855'] Mmmm, not saying this IS the same bass, but I once repaired on in this colour for a friend, the fingerboard had lifted from the neck, and his dad (a cabinet maker) had simply shoved some glue in the gap, leaving the fretboard humped over the glue. [/quote] This particular one didn't have a "hump" on the fretboard but the "glue" was at the rear of the neck by the body, but was "bridging" the joint between the neck and the fretboard. Not sure why this was done, but it all sanded off with no ill effect or signs that it was ever there and the joint between the two is perfect.???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowley Birkin QC Posted April 14, 2012 Author Share Posted April 14, 2012 [quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1334312143' post='1614192'] That should've said tube strike.(poxy predictive text)!! [/quote] "tune" strike might be more fitting if you'd heard my playing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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