hamfist Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 I bought a 1998 Warwick Fortress one from Bagsieblue a couple of days ago. Whacked some decent strings on, had a play and it was clear that this is a magnificent bass. And the all Wenge neck is an absolute treasure. However, it's been around the BC ranks over recent years and has been rather abused in terms of it's finish. Someone (I forget who) decided that they really didn't like it's original green stain finish and removed it. The bad news really began when someone else was let loose on the body with some unknown stain/paint. If I'm honest, it was one of the worst finishes I've ever seen on a bass, and such a great bass too ! It was lumpy, smeared, uneven, truly horrid. Here it was. I actually wish I'd taken my own higher res photos of it to capture it in it's full glory .... [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/img-20140721-192634814.html][/url] [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/img-20140721-192603327.html][/url] So Martyn let me have the bass at a slight discount under the knowledge that the cosmetics of the wood underneath was going to be a bit unpredictable. Anyway ... what a pleasant surprise I had. After several hours sanding I got down to lovely clean maple (it's a 2 piece maple body) There is still a hint of green at a couple of places on the end grain, and around the pickup cavities. The stain simply soaked in too far to completely get rid of it at these points. I just think it adds character though. This is the first maple body I have refinished and it certainly finishes much smoother than ash or mahogany, which is all I've used before. Sanded down to 2000 grit, it felt simply gorgeous to the touch. Even my wife and next door neighbour were impressed at the tactile feel of it. On the back it's got a slight flame to it. On the front is a slightly more random grain pattern but still pleasant. I gave it my standard Colron natural Danish Oil (2 coats) and Briwax (natural), 2 coats. Put it all back together and I'm thrilled. THe look now matches the rest of the bass ! [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/fortress-front-full.html][/url] [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/fortress-body-front.html][/url] [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/fortress-body-rear-b.html][/url] [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/fortress-rear-full.html][/url] [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/fortress-body-front-b.html][/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 That's better.. A worthwhile rescue, good man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namefail Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 Always nice to see the results of your hard work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 Great job...a bass worthy of rescue. Love the new finish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 [quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1406393572' post='2511173'] Even my wife and next door neighbour were impressed at the tactile feel of it. [/quote] How did this situation arise? Did you take your bass next door and say, 'phwoar, have a feel of that then!' or what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1406396224' post='2511204'] How did this situation arise? Did you take your bass next door and say, 'phwoar, have a feel of that then!' or what? [/quote] I can imagine that scenario occurring Looks awesome now matey btw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 There's so much scope for jokes about asking people if they'd like to stroke some wood, it doesn't bear thinking about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 [quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1406396526' post='2511215'] There's so much scope for jokes about asking people if they'd like to stroke some wood, it doesn't bear thinking about [/quote] I got a splinter last time, so I'm not doing [i]that [/i]again. [size=4] [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted July 26, 2014 Author Share Posted July 26, 2014 [quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1406396526' post='2511215'] There's so much scope for jokes about asking people if they'd like to stroke some wood, it doesn't bear thinking about [/quote] Don't worry, I used the potential wordplay to great effect. With a fortress, the upper horn is just the right shape too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 [quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1406396670' post='2511218'] Don't worry, I used the potential wordplay to great effect. With a fortress, the upper horn is just the right shape too. [/quote] Beaten to the forterss / corvette horn line lol. Great refinish, good result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassHappy Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 Nice Job! The bass looks great! BassHappy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukeward2004 Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 Cracking job, and a stunning example! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 (edited) Ah..... my old bass. Great work there hamfist. Well done - I hope you enjoy what is a great bass - Wizard pups in there as well remember! Edited July 26, 2014 by bagsieblue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted July 26, 2014 Author Share Posted July 26, 2014 Thanks everyone. And yes, Martyn, the Wizard pickups are certainly a great combo with this bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.