The poly finish is going to get worn over time, but it's simply a case of sanding it down occasionally and adding a few more coats.
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The poly finish is going to get worn over time, but it's simply a case of sanding it down occasionally and adding a few more coats.
I made it! Completed the final assembly 2 days before graduation.
Bottom line, I just LOVED the project, and can't wait to start another! This was particularly difficult since I had to work on it without my son knowing about it! If he was home, then I couldn't touch it and on many days it was really difficult to DO nothing. I installed a locking keyed door knob on my office door, so I could do the final assembly, soldering, testing, and polishing as needed. He was really BLOWN AWAY when I presented it to him in front of 25 family and friends. The next day he took it to his best friends house, who plays and has built a bass and a guitar and who I contemplated calling several times for help/advice.
I am sure I made EVERY mistake possible including a very small sand thru with 1500 grit paper finishing up the body. I figured I was done for at that point, but thanks to the nitrocellulose paint, I was able to recover....not without lots of, OMG what have I done now thinking. But in the end it's AWESOME. I know about every single imperfection, but no one else seems to notice.
A SUPER learning experience for sure! I discovered that working with an instrument like a bass guitar is about the perfect size of item to handle in a small garage. Wood is amazingly forgiving! I'm sure my finish is NOT up to REAL luthiers standards in ANY way, but I think Gibson, Fender, Martin, et all, could NEVER pour the amount of LOVE that I put into this project! So, my son got what I believe is possibly the ONLY Pelham Blue(known as a Gibson color, taken from the 1960 Cadillac), Fender Jazz bass shape, 5 string FRETLESS bass that I could find on the internet. A one of a kind bass for a one of a kind kid. Could not be prouder of him!
Now for the BIG question......what do build next?
Thanks for ALL your help and advice.....really appreciated!
I will post a couple pics if I can figure out how......
Congrats Bob make sure you post some pics of the completed project we are all wanting to see your hard work..
Attachment 19889
Attachment 19890
Here is a pic of the entire bass and one of just the body. Not much of a photographer!
super nice! I bet he still has the grin on his face.
Awesome, that's a great story and a fantastic result Bob!
He's gotta be happy with that Bob, a wonderful JB!
Wonderful gift... Great job done Bob!
Smooth paint job.. great work.. I bet he was thrilled.. I'm sure you will be starting another build soon...
wow, great job Bob, it turned out great