carlsim

I was sent two decals so I have a fail safe of a spare - just in case! Instructions state to do a few mist coats and build it up very gradually before laying down proper coats... as long as i get it sealed, that will do for me!

I think I am going with the Rust-Oleum spray poly - think I am going matt finish though as apparently it will buff up to a satin finish...

Can you recommend a specify spray / brand??

Not a build thread, but a fun little project! So, I took delivery of a Sadowsky Metro express and immediately detached the neck and sanded off the decal after removing the tuners. I preempted it's arrival and ordered a new decal for it (uploaded on another post by a kind BC'er) and although it doesn't exactly match the new decals on the new models (the new ones don't have a space between Metro and Express), it's pretty much the same and at least it will distinguish between older gens and newer ones! So, next stage will be a couple of light dust coast of clear coat on the headstock(I think I am going with the Rust-oleum Poly), a light sand so the decal will have something to adhere to and then on it will go once dry. I have added a bit of tru-oil after the initial sanding for colour tinting so will have to rough that up a bit before the dust coats on the headstock. I was going for a full stain approach but have given up on that for now. Then , plenty of dust coats, a couple of wet coats and then a wet sand and buff - should be all good! Will update when I can. Previous post! "What so you guys use to seal in decals? I recently acquired a Sadowsky Metro Express and have had a new decal made as per the newer models to replace the old Tesco looking one. I want to darken the maple first with a subtle stain and then will tru-oil the rest of the neck. The decal I would prefer to seal in - what is the best stuff to use? I was thinking of a spray on Poly - satin finish which i can buff up to a sheen... I dont think I want it glossy..."

Alex took a headphone amp off my hands - easy and swift transaction! Recommended!!

What they said - guitar with a fancy wood top - Overwaters and the like... burls, fancy grains...

i find my tastes change over time... for years I couldn't stand a P bass and only played 5 strings, now I have been after a MIJ/CIJ 70s p-bass for a few months and will pull the trigger when I find the right one. Likewise, I have always loved the 'coffee table' bass and have owned several Overwater basses and similar custom basses but over the past few years, have found myself drawn towards cool and unusual painted finishes! I tend to go with the flow, play it and if it feels good, go with it. I know I will probably sell it after a while anyway! Having said that, despite my first ever decent bass being a sunburst p-bass, I doubt I will ever own another sunburst unless it was a 60's or early 70s P or J bass! Don't know why, can't stand the look of a 'burst!

Hi all you lovely wood people out there... I am shortly taking delivery of a new bass and one of the first things I want to do is change the look of the headstock. It is one the Sadowsky Metro Express basses with the older RSD / Tesco looking decal... there is loads of discussion on here if you want to have a look into it - my plan will simply be to replace it with a eBay bought Sadwosky decal. I haven't seen anyone producing the Metro Express ones yet - if anyone knows where I can get one made as I know someone uploaded an image file on a previous post... Anyway... I have a Stingray Special with a roasted maple neck and much prefer the look of roasted maple. Maple looks naff IMO when new and I can't be doing with that! So... can I create a roasted maple look on maple without shoving it in the oven for 3 hours? I have seen some posts online about soaking steel wool in tea or vinegar to stain the wood, anyone tried anything similar with some success? I know it won't be exactly the same, but I have seen varying degrees of roasted maple so even if I can darken it a bit in a similar way, it will look a lot better! My plan will be to tru oil the back of the neck and possibly do a spray / wipe on poly to cover the decal and rest of the headstock once the process is complete. Possibly rubbing back to a satin finish rather than gloss. Any contributions would be most welcome!

Colin took a DI box from me - top BC'er all round!

Did you ever change the decal? I have picked one up and hate the look of the headstock... wondered if there were decals out there yet? I see the new versions have a metro express decal...

Me too!! Been looking for one for a while… glad I waited at £299!