Number 36 is happening.

[ThatCluelessGerman]

I would pick a stain that lets the grain show through on the back and sides, so not too dark. Maybe a color that picks up the dark grain color from the front. That could look pretty.

[ozzbike]

Black back & sides, pale yellow or amber or clear on the front, call it Tigga.

Tigga now that lines up with my No. 35 Tele bass build. Black body with golden teak neck.

[ozzbike]

They do look like quite nice bits of wood on the back, feels like it would be a shame to hide them completely.

That has been my feeling...the front is its own thing. But the back has a nice grain too....maybe just try to get a tone close to the front. Hmmmm.

[ozzbike]

I would pick a stain that lets the grain show through on the back and sides, so not too dark. Maybe a color that picks up the dark grain color from the front. That could look pretty.

Thank you....and this seems to be a common thought. Maybe I should get the colours I have and do a test.

Thank you.

[jonwhitear]

Thank you....and this seems to be a common thought. Maybe I should get the colours I have and do a test.

Thank you.

I just learnt the hard way that the stain goes on much more evenly if you use sanding sealer first. i.e. timbermate, sand, sanding sealer, sand, stain.

[ozzbike]

I just learnt the hard way that the stain goes on much more evenly if you use sanding sealer first. i.e. timbermate, sand, sanding sealer, sand, stain.

Yes it does....I use my own mix of Shellac as a sanding sealer. Usually two coats separated by an hour....then hang overnight and then stain.

It also does help stop the soaking up of stain on end grain at a different rate to the front or back of wood. Really helps with blotchy absorption on the faces as well.

I find I get an even stain coat.

[ozzbike]

I decided to take myself at my idea this morning.

I have sanded a piece of pine from 80, 120, to 180 and then applied timbermate and then sanded after it dried to 240. I then applied just one coat of my shellac....and left for only one hour.

The NATURAL section is all the above treatment but no stain. Then it is Golden Teak, Maple, Jarrah, Brown Japan and finally Mahogany.

I am leaning towards the Maple.

[ozzbike]

I have had a good look at the body in daylight this morning....and I think this stuff, which is all over the veneer, is glue that has squirted through the pores of the veneer.

I am wondering if I am just going to spray POLY over the top if this even matters. Or, am I going to have to use some Goof Off or wax and grease remover and a sand to try and get it to go away?

Bugger.

[McCreed]

Just going by the photos, I'd be concerned it may show up just the same through a clear poly coat.
Hard to say, having no experience with that veneer.

[ozzbike]

Just going by the photos, I'd be concerned it may show up just the same through a clear poly coat.
Hard to say, having no experience with that veneer.

The veneer appears seriously thin. I may just try some goof off on a rag tomorrow and see how it looks.

Then some alcohol to see how it should look under the finish.

Fingers will be crossed.