2nd Build SHB-4

[Simon Barden]

You could always consider routing or chiselling out the other end, to inset the bridge into the body by 5mm, or would that cause problems with string height over pickups?

[blinddrew]

I think that might take me into that kind of territory - the pick ups are about as low as they can go so I'd rather have the flexibility upwards.
Also if I was to do that I'd have no excuse not to get the finishing right!

[Simon Barden]

The you just make the pickup cavities deeper, or hand-wind your own thinline bass pickups. All these amazing possibilities to keep you occupied on a cold winters evening.

[blinddrew]

Or, you know, maybe playing some of them...

[Simon Barden]

You weirdo!

[blinddrew]

So, veneer finally turned up. My fault, ordered in mid-September and misread the delivery date as 23rd September but it was actually 23rd October. So I guess it was early technically...
Anyway, cut a flat sheet to size then filed / sanded it to a suitably shallow angle:


Spot of black paint and it blends in nicely:


Which brings the strings right down to the fretboard with the bridge at its lowest:


So after setting up I've still got the action a little higher than I'd like (got a high fret at the 10th I think), but I'm not really sure what a good bass set up should be like:


The bridge now reflects the fretboard radius a bit:


So now it plays nicely and sounds ok, the finish is still a mess though. As soon as it goes warm (e.g. from sitting in your lap) it goes all tacky.

[blinddrew]

Just thought I'd pop back and say hello to folks, and let you know that as soon as the warm weather has reached us I can confirm that, seven months later, the finish is STILL tacky!

[Simon Barden]

Time to get out the sandpaper, rub off the finish and start again then! Hours more fun for minimal extra cost!


That is a bit disappointing for you though.

[McCreed]

Good to hear from you, bummer about the finish...

I agree with Simon, the only way to fix it is a do-over.
If you're still keen on a natural finish, maybe try something tried and true like Tru Oil. It's reasonably low-odour if you're still only able to work in the house.
Another option is an oil based DIY wipe-on poly with a known/popular brand (don't know if they sell Cabot's in the UK). It can be mixed with a low-odour turps which can make it somewhat more house-friendly.

Sorry to hear of your dilemma. I know the pain of the "guitar finish blues".

[blinddrew]

The front is fine, even in the warm weather, it's the satin finish on the rear and sides that just doesn't want to play. I have another project waiting so when I get round to that one I'll be biting the bullet and making it all gloss. Probably go back to tru-oil as well.