First Build- Hofner Beatle Style Bass with Spalted Maple top

Just received my kit for a Hofner style Beatle bass with a Spalted Maple top. Can't help but notice that there is a slight scratch on the bottom right side. The first thing the manual says is to "not" sand the veneer? I get that the veneer is very thin but this will only be accentuated if left unsanded I would think. Any suggestions are appreciated. Please and thanks in advance! I must say I was quite pleased that even though I am literally on the other side of the planet in Canada it only took 7 days to get delivery on this beautiful bass guitar kit. After hunting from all over America and Canada for similar quality I took a chance and ordered this and other than this minor scratch I am very pleased with the build quality! If this goes well my next project will be a 12 string ES335!

Hmm, a bit of really gentle, really really gentle sanding might work. But you could try a cabinet scraper instead perhaps.

Hi and welcome.

I'd have a go at steaming the scratches out. A soldering iron on a piece of damp cotton over the scratches keeps the steam local. It may not completely fix it, but it should lessen the severity so that any sanding needed is much less. Just keep the cotton damp, not wet. You may need to do it a few times, so apply some steam, then stop and have a look. Repeat three or four times if necessary.

Let the veneer dry overnight before attempting to sand.

Don't forget to check for glue spots.

Best of luck!

Thanks, Simon I tried your steaming method and it worked like a charmAttachment 41371

Good news about the dents.

It's looking very good.

That looks great!

Looking great Chris.