Bass Refinishing- Recommendations?

[bassatnight]

Hi All,

 

I have an old black Aria bass that has a fair bit of battle damage, chips and scratches and I have been thinking about having her refinished in the original black, but from my initial research it’s a very expensive process and have also read a few horror stories, can anyone recommend a reputable refinish company?
 

Cheers,

Steve.

[PaulThePlug]

Pics please...

I think the cheapest you will find is doing the prep yourself, or if you have a local Auto Repair Paint Shop, that could give it a go over next time they are doing black...

Rattle Can finish if you are any good?.

Edited March 4, 2023 by PaulThePlug

[anzoid]

I've used Jack's Instrument Services in Manchester after I spent a good while removing the finish myself - heat gun and paint scraper. Cost about £200 but that was nearly ten years ago. The re-finish was nitro, really nicely done and was very happy with the result (just turned out that I had the wrong bass re-finished as I sold it a few months later... oh well...). Jack was great on comms and although the whole process took a while it was worth it. If you send the body away this time of year - you can expect two to three months (or more) for it to all dry out and cure and stuff. Again, was worth the wait.

[Waddo Soqable]

Only probably worth it if its a bass you love and keep forever tbh. The only bass body I ever paid to have refinished was in the 80s at chandler's, it was ok - ish.. I soon flogged the bass anyway so bit of a waste of time and money really. 

 

[dudewheresmybass]

I have a fella I’ve used in Kent, who refinished a warlock I was working on. He used to spray for rolls Royce and now does luthiery full time. 
he may be a bit far away from you though. Happy to share contact details with you if you’d like though. 
 

[nilorius]

8 hours ago, bassatnight said:

Hi All,

 

I have an old black Aria bass that has a fair bit of battle damage, chips and scratches and I have been thinking about having her refinished in the original black, but from my initial research it’s a very expensive process and have also read a few horror stories, can anyone recommend a reputable refinish company?
 

Cheers,

Steve.

Ask Your 1#guy, to who You go, when problems with your instrument appers, if he does refinish (there are are a lot that doesn't) - he will recommend another guy who does it good. I had the same situation with my road word scrached jazz bass. He did his job perfectly, it cost me 200e. Decide yourself, is it cheep or too much. I am satisfied at 100%.

[AndyTravis]

Dave Wilson in the North East?

[dyerseve]

On 04/03/2023 at 09:53, bassatnight said:

Hi All,

 

I have an old black Aria bass that has a fair bit of battle damage, chips and scratches and I have been thinking about having her refinished in the original black, but from my initial research it’s a very expensive process and have also read a few horror stories, can anyone recommend a reputable refinish company?
 

Cheers,

Steve.

Would help to know where you are based. I had a bass refinished by a guy in the West Midlands for about £200 and was very happy with it.