Roy from Adelaide Southern suburbs signing in.

Hi All,

I started learning bass almost 2 years ago at age 64 and having a blast. :cool:
Bought a JB4 kit before Xmas but only just now getting a start and looking fwd to it.

Welcome Roy

Welcome Roy. Good luck with the build.

Welcome along Roy!

Welcome Roy. 64? Pfft, welcome to the new young guy.;)

Need some feedback.
Have stained the body and ready to apply poly coat.
Happy with the body but every time I look I feel an urge to stain the fretboard the same as the body.
Should I or not?
PS. Big thing I've learnt so far; measure the bridge before you stain :)
Attachment 38961

Rosewood is not generally stained. I have never tried to stain it, nor do I know anyone who has, but I think it could be problematic.

One, it is quite dense and I'm not sure how well it would take up stain, and second it would likely need to be clear coated after to keep the stain from transferring to your fingers later. Rosewood also typically is not clear coated either. It can be, but it's not convention.

Staining rosewood black(er) can be done up to a point... with care. This post is the start of series of posts throughout the thread that shows the process I went through. Basically: prep the board, tape up the edge, series of stain coats wiping off excess etc, seal edge with tru-oil before finishing the maple, and finished up by sealing the board with wax.

It's held the colour well ever since, but it is risky and no guarantees it won't go pear-shaped during the process.

Thanks guys,

Not gonna complicate my first build by trying. However may give it a go on a later build.