alembic1989 Posted February 21, 2018 Share Posted February 21, 2018 (edited) I'm in the process of a 'sympathetic restoration ' of a recently acquired bass. I've read a lot about different products that have been used for refinishing, many people pointing out that some lacquers/ varnishes can react with others. I'm not completely stripping the body back, just getting the old finish sanded smooth, filling in dings/ dents etc. How do I know what was used for the original finish on the bass, so I don't screw up when I attempt to apply the new finish. The bass in question is a 1977 Greco GOB 1200. any ideas, and tips are most welcome. Edited February 21, 2018 by alembic1989 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxfox Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Hi. Mine is Schecter Stilleto Elite 5. It`s a great bass but I`d like to restorate wood because my music style is realy specific (drone-doom), it requires a deeper sound. Whitch wood is the best for a deep tonal weight? Sorry if there are mistakes. I`m not a native english speaker. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 @maxfox you're doing just fine. English is complicated 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 17 hours ago, alembic1989 said: I'm in the process of a 'sympathetic restoration ' of a recently acquired bass. I've read a lot about different products that have been used for refinishing, many people pointing out that some lacquers/ varnishes can react with others. I'm not completely stripping the body back, just getting the old finish sanded smooth, filling in dings/ dents etc. How do I know what was used for the original finish on the bass, so I don't screw up when I attempt to apply the new finish. The bass in question is a 1977 Greco GOB 1200. any ideas, and tips are most welcome. picture might be a good idea ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 1 hour ago, Geek99 said: picture might be a good idea ? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1977-Greco-GOB-1200-Electric-Bass-Guitar/302609356900?hash=item4674ec5864:g:dUcAAOSwdTJaY0Vf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 You can test the finish using Acetone - put a small bit of Acetone on the end of a cotton bud or tissue and wipe it on an inconspicuous area (i.e an area where it wouldn't matter if it melted the finish). If it melts/has an obvious effect, then the finish is Nitro. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 2 hours ago, Manton Customs said: You can test the finish using Acetone - put a small bit of Acetone on the end of a cotton bud or tissue and wipe it on an inconspicuous area (i.e an area where it wouldn't matter if it melted the finish). If it melts/has an obvious effect, then the finish is Nitro. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 On 22/02/2018 at 19:38, alembic1989 said: Thank you! Was it nitro? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted March 23, 2018 Author Share Posted March 23, 2018 I haven't found out yet.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 That is one hell of a fine looking bass. If it was my bass, i'd be keeping it as standard as possible, cosmetically speaking What exactly needed work ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 Aha ... no worries. I've just seen your other thread and have read what you're doing. Keep it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted March 23, 2018 Author Share Posted March 23, 2018 (edited) 31 minutes ago, fleabag said: Aha ... no worries. I've just seen your other thread and have read what you're doing. Keep it up Thanks. As in all these type of projects, the thing that messes things up is all the unforeseen obstacles. But I want to do the best job I can and do justice to a lovely bass. Having said that...I don't even know what it sounds like! Bought it cos I've been gassing for one for years...it'd just be my luck if after all this work I don't actually like it ! :-) Edited March 23, 2018 by alembic1989 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 PS your link a few posts above, goes to a Greco bass currently for sale in Japan ? Different model number to yours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted March 23, 2018 Author Share Posted March 23, 2018 2 minutes ago, fleabag said: PS your link a few posts above, goes to a Greco bass currently for sale in Japan ? Different model number to yours Just tried the link myself. It wasn't bought from Japan...it was London. Don't know why that happened?? :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 (edited) Yes, very odd. Edited March 23, 2018 by fleabag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 Link seems to have sorted itself out https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1977-Greco-GOB-1200-Electric-Bass-Guitar/302609356900?hash=item4674ec5864:g:dUcAAOSwdTJaY0Vf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 I've been GASing after some in Japan. But the idea of 20% VAT isn't good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 And handling charge by whoever sorts Customs and Theft ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted March 23, 2018 Author Share Posted March 23, 2018 2 hours ago, fleabag said: And handling charge by whoever sorts Customs and Theft ? It was less than 20 miles from me...so no customs highway robbery :-) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjr1515 Posted April 1, 2018 Share Posted April 1, 2018 Lovely bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted April 12, 2018 Author Share Posted April 12, 2018 Just an update. I have discovered that a lot of parts that look like solid brass, are not. So while trying to sort out the pitting on the bridge assembly, and sustain block, I noticed some copper coming through...you live and learn I guess. Refret and finger board is complete, and looks great. Body looks much, much nicer now that I've sorted out some fairly sizeable dents, most dings, all the buckle rash, and have polished it. I decided against refinishing, I just rubbed down the original finish from 600- 1500 grit wet& dry, and used a fine rubbing compound...looking nice. Next steps.. 1) Re -shield cavity with copper shielding tape 2) Treat all controls and switches with high quality switch cleaner 3) Re- install electrics 4) Finish restoration of all " brass " fixtures in bridge and string anchor area. ( I've decided to leave the machine heads and ' badges' alone) 5) Make a new bone ( or possibly brass) nut 6) Re-assemble and set up. There will of course be some unforeseen problems..there always are...but contrary to my normal nature of rushing..I'm taking my time and am trying to do the best job I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted April 27, 2018 Author Share Posted April 27, 2018 Renovation complete....pics are up in " Bass Guitars" thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alembic1989 Posted April 27, 2018 Author Share Posted April 27, 2018 Pics here too........hope you like it. https://photos.app.goo.gl/BHBRR6bd0nm4D4T02 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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