Friday, August 31, 2012

Bass guitar build Post #31

It has been a while since I posted. The main reason behind that is the length of time it takes to build up the finish on this bass and the sanding that needs to be done between applications. I have finally finished buffing out the final 18th coat of clear, sanded the fretboard to 600 grit and oiled it, and started assembly.
There are issues with the finish (which irritates the hell out of me). I will never again use this product. Following the manufacturers instructions precisely did not put me in a happy place. Curing times were incorrect and subsequent coats did not merge with the previous coats properly. There is a little haziness in spots below the surface that is infuriating. Perhaps some day I will strip it back to bare wood and redo the finish but at this point I just want to finish the project and play this instrument.

Final buffing completed on the face of the bass.


Fretboard sanded and oiled.

From a distance of a foot or so the finish looks great. Nice reflections from the top coat.

Assembly begun. If all goes smoothly I should have this beast put together in short order. I still have to shape and file the nut as well as set up the bridge, intonation, and truss rod adjustment which will take a little while to fine tune.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Bass guitar build Post #30

Yep, I am still working on the finish. Just a quick update. After about 6 hours of scuffing back the last 3 coats, the final coats (16-18) have been applied to the bass. The cavity cover has already cured and is being buffed out. Just a few minor scratches left to remove.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Bass guitar build Post #29

Not much to show. Finish has been leveled and coats 13-15 have been sprayed. I just have to sand and apply the final 3 coats before I can sand/buff it out to a high gloss. Can't touch it now until thursday so it will be a little while before the final coats go on.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Bass guitar build Post #28

Headstock faceplate leveled and buffed to 12000 grit. Barring any major defects I think I will be ok with 12 coats.

The bright spots in this photo are the flood lights in my garage ceiling.