Toshi's first build: PBA-4

Thank you for your advice, Dedman. well noted. will try to find water based or oil based stain otherwise.

Gavin, thank you for the link and advice! will contact them. hope they will help.

I used a naptha-based grain filler on my ES-3, and it did take the water-based stain I used. But I did try it out on some scrap wood first. But not all grain fillers are the same, so I do strongly suggest testing whatever filler you decide to use on another piece of wood first and then staining that to see if it takes. If you can get hold of some Timbermate, then I'd use that in preference to anything else.

Thank you for help and advice, Simon! Yes, I absolutely test whether it works or not before applying it on the bass to avoid messing it up. :)

Day 4&5,

Start Sanding body out by #120 sanding paper with wood block and hard sponge.
Attachment 16139

after sanding on front,side, cutaway, back, neck pocket and cavity.
Attachment 16140

Attachment 16141

came to know it really required a patience and time. got muscle pain after this... but it is really fun!! :) will continue down to #240, #400 before start filling grain work.

Nice work Toshi, that Ash grain on the body is cool:cool:

Thank you, Andy! Yeah, I love this beautiful grain and am wishing not spoil it out at the end. cross my fingers... :)

Hi Toshi, suggest stopping at 240 grit and then applying the grain filler as if you go too much further the grain will close up and not take in as much of the filler. Very important if you are using a contrasting colour to pop the grain. Here is a shot of my Ash J Bass to illustrate what I mean.
Attachment 16145

Thanks, Wazkelly!! i was not aware of it and totally agree with you. I would have gone farther... Yup, I am happy to stop at 240 grit.

By the way, that Beautiful red JB is exactly what I am aiming to. Color would be green or blue though, i would like to have that strong contrast on grain. did you apply a grain filler mixed with black stain or something to make the line pop up vividly? actually i was thinking to post this question soon.

Hi Toshi, I used ebony timber mate.

Attachment 16157Attachment 16158
Now after sanded back....
Attachment 16159Attachment 16160
Then 1st stain of 2 stain coats...
Attachment 16161

This method should work with any colour so long as it is not too dark a shade otherwise it blends too much and you lose the contrasting effect.