I have just started my first build of a fretless bass and would like to have input on what attention needs to be paid to sanding and finishing the fretboard. Is it necessary to do much more to the fretboard other than finish sanding?
I have just started my first build of a fretless bass and would like to have input on what attention needs to be paid to sanding and finishing the fretboard. Is it necessary to do much more to the fretboard other than finish sanding?
G'day Red Dirt Bassist (love the username) welcome to the forum. After you have sanded the fingerboard you need to apply 1 or 2 coats of thin super glue to protect it from the string abuse. Mask the sides of the fingerboard so glue doesn't touch the sides. Let each coat cure overnight and then a light sand with 800/1200 grit wet and dry should level the glue nicely. Also order a set of flatwound strings for a fretless bass. Round wounds will chew your fretboard up
Current Builds and status
scratch end grain pine tele - first clear coat on !
JBA-4 - assembled - final tweaks
Telemonster double scale tele - finish tobacco burst on body and sand neck
Completed builds
scratch oak.rose gum Jazzmaster - assembled needs setup
MK-2 Mosrite - assembled - play in
Ash tele with Baritone neck - neck pup wiring tweaks and play in
Thanks for the info wokkaboy. Just the sort of tip I am looking for. I have several sets of flat wounds amongst my collection of spares for my existing flock of "weapons of choice" and will be experimenting to find the sound I want hopefully in about two weeks from now.
no worries RDB, don't rush the build just for the sake of playing it. Have you got any progress pics ? We all love pictures in build diaries !
Current Builds and status
scratch end grain pine tele - first clear coat on !
JBA-4 - assembled - final tweaks
Telemonster double scale tele - finish tobacco burst on body and sand neck
Completed builds
scratch oak.rose gum Jazzmaster - assembled needs setup
MK-2 Mosrite - assembled - play in
Ash tele with Baritone neck - neck pup wiring tweaks and play in