TL1 with Basswood body - Paint or stain?

[juddernaut]

Just got my first kit. This is my first build. TL1, presumably with a basswood body. I don't know if you can tell from these photos but I am wondering whether this grain will come up ok stained, or should I go for a solid colour?





Ideally I would prefer a natural finish like this but understand that it might be too much to ask of a $150 kit. Also it is my first build so if painting is easier than stain that would be a consideration. Cheers.

[wokkaboy]

Hi Juddernaut, it is basswood, the grain is generally pretty plain but sometimes you get a nice surprise when you sand then stain it.
Staining will be easier than solid paint so I would order a Dingotone kit. Would pay to put a coat of black stain or ebony timbermate over it before you stain it the colour you want will pop the grain more.
Good luck. Let us know what stain colour you would favour ?

[Andy40]

Judders,

I don't think attaining a stain colour like that on a Basswood body is out of the question. Mabye as Wokks says, I'd prefer to go Neutral Timbermate dyed with a stain of your liking. Then stain the guitar.

Dingotone has some fantastic stain, you are in Canberra so humidity wont prolong your drying times, but you'll have to battle the nailbiting coldness....

I don't think that Dingotone has a similar colour to that in the standard colours, but I know Dingobass was working on a butterscotch type colour at one stage. Feel free to ask him to match the colour if you want to order a custom colour.

Have a look at my TLA-1R build diary some time. Dingobass mixed a custom rosewood stain for me and it looks fantastic! I've gone neutral with Dingotone finish on the maple neck and I'm very impressed with the results.

Other than that, the colour looks similar to a Wudtone stain. maybe you could try Wudtone?

[wazkelly]

DT Colourless with a tiny amount of yellowish tinted stuff in it too, probably 10:1 ratio or even higher.

Believe that DB was working on an opaque butterscotch a while back and maybe he will see this thread and drop in some time soon.

[peterh]

Hi Juddernaut,
The basswood bodies definitely can stain up quite nicely. Looks like yours is pretty evenly grained across all pieces - mine had noticeably different grains across multiple pieces - they all took stain well. Make sure you take the time to get a nice sanded surface before you stain. Not a glassy finish - too highly sanded and the stain won't take as well - you just need to get out any glue marks and machining scratches (especially on the sides in the curves). Good luck with your build - the TL-1 is a good one to start with.

Here's a picture of mine right out of the box -


and another after staining and Tru Oil (3 coats) -

[juddernaut]

Hi Juddernaut, it is basswood, the grain is generally pretty plain but sometimes you get a nice surprise when you sand then stain it.

Good luck. Let us know what stain colour you would favour ?

I am thinking a butterscotch stain, if such a thing exists Wokka. I am not sure what you mean when talking about staining it black. Do I just put a light coat on and then sand it all back or something?

[juddernaut]

Andy40 - I have read your TL build thread and bricking it more than ever. I thought the string holes would be predrilled in back of body. Good job on yours thus far.

[Dedman]

bear in mind string though body is an option, I'm not sure the standard fittings are set up for it.