LukeFRC Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 (edited) Bugger Was meaning to start this thread for a while... but just been getting on with it. So picked up this bass in a trade which was supposedly a 1994 japanese squier jazz with a 1994 japanese squier body, well it still might be, who knows? But I picked it up as it was a good japanese neck to base a project on. More or less going to keep the neck and change everthing else. Got the thing home though and man - it's amazing sounding and playing - it's not quite a trad jazz sound more authoritive- and really really fun to play. So plan B is keep the bass as it is- I can't think of much that would defiantly improve it. Except someone had wrecked the finish- and oddly the chips are really sharp when you play - so strip it off and refinish in nitro! Price up Nitro nooo, poly finsih! So sand paper and paint stripper are bought and I set work on the finish- and it doesn't really do much. The paint stripper does nothing and the sand paper.... well lets just say that is sat sanding the same 2 inch square section for an entire film and still didn't get to the wood.... super hard finish - which would explain why the chips left sharp edges. I don't have a heat gun but I do have a gas cooker (you can see where this is going can't you?) but as it came off I found a really off thing. The body was basswood and had a thin laminate of plastic/wood stuff stuck on around it with a hard shiny finish - the thick hard paint had then been laid ontop of this - I guess it makes sense to give a good painting serface. ended up taking them both off. the top and bottom... first annoyance... where the plastic has been stuck with the grain it peels off easily - where it is against the grain, like on the sides, it doesn't - it just won't shift, doesn't really sand off and arrgh. So out comes the chisel and its all slowly chipped off leaving a ragidy edge to sand back. So that's all done and sand and reshape the body, sand the radius's by hand copying my JV p bass. Mistake number 1 - get so into shaping the edges I forget to give the front and back a good going over. Mistake number 2- see how the bottom horn looks too big? well trying to cut bits off is not a good idea. so then go to paint it - I go for Molotow graffiti paint- this stuff is amazing - great coverage, looks good and is cheap. It shows up all the inperfections (and holes) but hey ho! Mistake number 3 - I should have got a good finsih with cheap paint and left it at that. But go and get some poly clear coat gloss finsih for on the top. Mistake number 4 - graffiti paint is dead easy to spray and doesn't run - this comes out supper fast and before i know it is running everywhere leaving big white patches- Probably I could have left them to dry clear but... Mistake number 5 - I wipe them off with some kitchen roll and start again. And unwittingly get some moisture somewhere - leading to big cloudy patches. Sand back to get rid of them, a few rub throughts and then run out of paint. bugger. Ignore it respray - again it likes coming out fast. Ignore it, leave it to dry it's going to work whatever it comes out looking like now cos blowed if I have any more money to throw at it, and not sure I could do a better job anyway - next time pay a pro to do it. I should have sold this body as it was for £20 and just bought one already painted. Pictures soon Edited January 3, 2013 by LukeFRC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted November 16, 2012 Author Share Posted November 16, 2012 So attacked the thing with wet and dry - it's not a good finish, but it'll do, it's kinda a dull satin now. Bolted the thing back together. Set up and it's alright, too late to plug it in. here's a wee photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Now I know why I never attempted to respray any of my basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted November 16, 2012 Author Share Posted November 16, 2012 [quote name='gjones' timestamp='1353030018' post='1870838'] Now I know why I never attempted to respray any of my basses. [/quote] yeah it's not worth it unless know know what you are doing. I should have just bought a new body and waxed it! it's together and plays ok, memory tells me it sounded better before i messed it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Looks good in the new colour. I've seen this bass somewhere recently but can't think where, here or ebay I guess. so what now then Luke, keep as it is or another respray? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted November 17, 2012 Author Share Posted November 17, 2012 [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1353169465' post='1872368'] Looks good in the new colour. I've seen this bass somewhere recently but can't think where, here or ebay I guess. so what now then Luke, keep as it is or another respray? [/quote] I've stuck photos on here recently. don't know really. Part of me thinks a nice new wood body, wax finish might be the way forward. dunno Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted November 19, 2012 Author Share Posted November 19, 2012 So been playing the thing at home for a while... and... it sounds amazing. So yes thanks to chrisdabass 's excellent fret job the warwick sounds better, and yes cos it's well made and lightweight and feels good the P bass is great - but the tone of this jazz! it's got a fatter tone than you would expect from a jazz, playing around with pickup heights I've minimised the both on volume drop, it's got great.... it just sounds amazing- playability and set up need some work... and the body.... I dunno, part of me thinks with a bass like this I should spend a bit more $ and get the body redone/new body. :S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stroopy121 Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1353351671' post='1874138'] I dunno, part of me thinks with a bass like this I should spend a bit more $ and get the body redone/new body. :S [/quote] Given that it's a "cheap" bass with no sentimental value or anything, then if I were you I'd redo the body again myself if you're not happy with it? Keep doing it until it's right, learn a heap, improve your skills and if you manage to completely butcher it, THEN send it to be redone or buy a new body. That's just my 2p though. Thanks for this thread though, I've always thought it'd be "not toooooo hard really.." to refinish a body, gonna do a lot of second-guessing and research before I jump into some of the projects I have in wait! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 [quote name='Stroopy121' timestamp='1353401446' post='1874536'] Given that it's a "cheap" bass with no sentimental value or anything, then if I were you I'd redo the body again myself if you're not happy with it? Keep doing it until it's right, learn a heap, improve your skills and if you manage to completely butcher it, THEN send it to be redone or buy a new body. That's just my 2p though. Thanks for this thread though, I've always thought it'd be "not toooooo hard really.." to refinish a body, gonna do a lot of second-guessing and research before I jump into some of the projects I have in wait! xx [/quote] I think I made some major mistakes and had problems that caused it.... mayjorly the construction of the body I was using. additionally don't decide on a whim to saw a bit off a body to reshape it with no planning, sand for a long time after it seems right/you're bored. and take it slow. To be honest it only all really went wrong when I tried to put on the awful clear coat I bought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 So I know we are ALL really about photos... the original body before stripping.... this is before it all went horribly wrong. [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/private/DSC00661.jpg[/IMG] and after. [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/private/Photoon01-12-2012at2121.jpg[/IMG] it doesn't look awful to be honest if you don't look at it closely. It probably would polish up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 oh and the last one was taken by a mac - I havn't become a lefty. Well I am a lefty - except when playing bass. [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/private/IMAG0502.jpg[/IMG] so then Darkstar sold me this body he wasn't using. The good things - 3 bits of nice alder (not horrid crap the other one was made of) lightweight, nice surface already the slight negative... the body is slightly down sized- esp the neck pocket -this means I'm going to have to drill 4 new holes in the neck. Not ideal but should be worth it. Excitingly I can fit the neck in and then pick it up and it stays in nice tight joint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 so this time I was clever - a white undercoat - wet sanded back to be flat.... then some colour... [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/private/IMAG0503.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/private/IMAG0504.jpg[/IMG] It's was quite hard picking a colour - aqua blues were quite tempting, then looked at pastel shades and was almost going to go for a shell pink type colour. Then decided that I would possibly tire of it. I've always wanted a red jazz bass. But looking around at other jazzes I didn't want any old shade - TBH I could have gone and bought a cheap red bass for the body- no it was either going to be a dark red, or a light fiesta red tone. I went with this - it's Molotow's "Shock Orange" - shock apparently being some graffiti artist. banzai have it in their webshop with this colour card - so faded orange red. Now white, vintage white, mint or what colour guard? what folk think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 8, 2012 Author Share Posted December 8, 2012 Vintage white pick guard bought! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontalste Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 I've always fancied an Orange, Black & Maple jazz with modern hardware & Bartolinis. Might get to commission one one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 [thread hijack] what are the best type of spray paints to use on bodies? I fancy a white/tort number...[/thread hijack] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontalste Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 [quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1354976196' post='1892522'] [thread hijack] what are the best type of spray paints to use on bodies? I fancy a white/tort number...[/thread hijack] [/quote] I like to use Nitrocellulose but youl need a decent respirator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 [quote name='Horizontalste' timestamp='1354984049' post='1892649'] I like to use Nitrocellulose but youl need a decent respirator. [/quote] Can I not just hold my breath? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkHeart Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 (edited) Darkstar its looking good in orange/red. Crushed black pearl pickguard would be my choice, darker rather than lighter than the body. Edited December 8, 2012 by DarkHeart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 9, 2012 Author Share Posted December 9, 2012 [quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1354976196' post='1892522'] [thread hijack] what are the best type of spray paints to use on bodies? I fancy a white/tort number...[/thread hijack] [/quote] Best for what? Speed? Finish? or Price? Acrylic/poly paints will dry quick and hard. Nitrocellulose will be easier to touch up/sand back/polish but will take a while to dry. I didn't have the money for nitrocellulose so using nitro-alkyd which seems to have the benifits of both- its easy to apply and soft enough to sand back but not as evil fumes wise and not as long to dry. By nitro-alkyd I do mean Molotow graffiti paints - which are great and only £3.50 or so for a can. Cos it's made for graffiti it has great coverage and doesn't run which is nice - for a matt finish it would almost be impossible to get a bad finish - gloss.... we shall see, put first coat of clear coat on today.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 9, 2012 Author Share Posted December 9, 2012 [quote name='DarkHeart' timestamp='1354996962' post='1892876'] Darkstar its looking good in orange/red. Crushed black pearl pickguard would be my choice, darker rather than lighter than the body. [/quote] yeah that would look good - in natural light it's more of a fiesta red with balls, i've gone for a vintage white guard for a more classic look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontalste Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 [quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1354994174' post='1892830'] Can I not just hold my breath? [/quote] Depends if you value your lung function.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 13, 2012 Author Share Posted December 13, 2012 Hung the body up while the finish hardens. So doing a bit of research... the molotow sprays I've been using seem to be typical guitar nitro but with a plasticised resin or something. They are easy and fun to use thats for sure. oh and £3.50 each rather than the £15 -20 for "guitar" nitro..... know which I would go for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontalste Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1355395474' post='1897716'] Hung the body up while the finish hardens. So doing a bit of research... the molotow sprays I've been using seem to be typical guitar nitro but with a plasticised resin or something. They are easy and fun to use thats for sure. oh and £3.50 each rather than the £15 -20 for "guitar" nitro..... know which I would go for! [/quote] I wonder how they age? I've got a Jazz that I finished in Nitro a while back and its already starting to check & look aged. Just need the hardware to catch up. Your right about the price though, I used two clear and one colour & £15 a go plus primer. Ouch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted December 14, 2012 Author Share Posted December 14, 2012 [quote name='Horizontalste' timestamp='1355406188' post='1897962'] I wonder how they age? I've got a Jazz that I finished in Nitro a while back and its already starting to check & look aged. Just need the hardware to catch up. Your right about the price though, I used two clear and one colour & £15 a go plus primer. Ouch! [/quote] yeah I'm wondering the same! I guess I'll find out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted January 3, 2013 Author Share Posted January 3, 2013 Finished - been meaning to stick photos up for a while. My other half calls it the tomato soup bass... as you can see why! [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/DSC00686_zps2d53f603.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/DSC00687_zps10c43a40.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/DSC00688_zps3f75b6bb.jpg[/IMG] you can see the bit where the bridge went on in the wrong place. oops. [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/DSC00689_zpsa880e52c.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/DSC00690_zpsfaedf3e3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/LukeFRC/DSC00692_zps9db9f8be.jpg[/IMG] the red goes well with the vintage white and the chocolatey brown of the fretboard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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