RC-4 (sprouting up like weeds)

[moody]

I have lost patience.

I had gotten this kit several months ago. I fully intended to leave it entirely until I refinished my old p-bass with the opinion that I really need practice before I do anything to permanent.

The p-bass ended up having a lot of problems, a body that wouldn't take a stain well for example. I had ended up with the idea of a solid colour black to white Antigua type finish. I don't have spray equipment or an airbrush so I have almost given up on that.

Anyway, I picked up the RC-4 body at 8.30 this evening. This is the basswood version.

Gave it a once over with 240 grit (surprisingly easy) then pulled out the British paints oil based walnut stain. Results as follows:





I will say I was quite chuffed with how it turned out. Compared to the horrible results with much much more prep and the same materials on the p-bass body.

Glue marks - none on the front or rear that I can see. Plenty around the edges - but that will end up being black.

Talking of black, mixed one part black with 3 parts stain and went around the edges and put in the essentials of the burst. Results again as follows:





Now, opinions of my next step? I would like the centre to be ever so slightly lighter, is it worth sanding a touch or am I going to ruin what I have if I do? I will darken the edges further. The upper horn is essentially black to disguise a tiny flaw in the wood.

Should I then sand very lightly with high grit sandpaper or 0000 steel wool before varnish, or will that just take away all my colour?

The original intention after this was a layer or two of varnish mixed with candy pearl blue then a couple more layers of straight varnish. I will do trials on scrap before committing to it. Opinions? I know blue stain would have come out green.

Total time spent so far, one and a half hours. I'm impressed with myself on that speed.

I am so glad this auto-saved. Finished typing and lost power for 2 hours....

[moody]

Ps sprouting up like weeds was in reference to the number of Rc-4 builds, not fret sprout.

[keloooe]

I quite like the plan for this build moody, should look pretty cool! For the lighter centre, is there a lighter stain you can get your hands on? Also the burst will darken as you apply more stain to it, allows you to further build up on that blend. I wouldn't go for the blue, won't match the body stain unless you are looking for that specific finish? I'd definitely try it on scrap wood. Possibly get some wood and apply your burst to it, then prepare some of your mixed varnish and apply to one half only, then the other half with straight varnish, I've done that myself in my woodworking classes to see how certain finishes turn out and gives you a straight side-by-side comparison!

[wokkaboy]

hey Moody looking good so far ! I'd stick with your colour scheme now don't think blue will mix with the colours you have. To lighten the centre find a lighter colour stain and sand it back a little.
Keep going with the darker edges and this will look really cool.
You going for the same colours on the headstock ?

[Nickosaurus]

As opposed to sanding and light stain you could also layer the same stain to darken the next layer of burst and not have to sand back

[andrewdosborne]

Ps sprouting up like weeds was in reference to the number of Rc-4 builds, not fret sprout.

Yes there have been a few recently. I'll be next...

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