Gee that's a big guitar

[matthew]

I'll tell ya my secrets when i work it out for myself!

Its wierd stuff this hard shellac but seems to polish OK. I tried burushing it on, then wiping it on, then gave up and rubbed it on. The tinting in the mix does mean that it goes on a bit blotchy. I can rub it out but I kinda like the look. It builds slowly but nice effect. I want it darker.

I'm wondering whether to really "relic" the thing with rubbed-on dirt as well like the original.



I'm using the same tuners as on the other bass. Not quite crusty enough I supposed but i like 'em anyway.

[Allen]

It's amazing work there Matthew. Are you using that big lump of pitch you showed us a long while ago in the finish mixture?

[matthew]

It wasn't pitch. It was the resin/sap from stringybark tree. Yes it's in there as a colourant.

[sebastiaan56]

That is way cool Mathew! A question about the ptufling, does it have a structural / mechanical function?

[kiwigeo]

Dont artifically age that beast....it'll end up looking like a piece of stressed baltic pine furniture. Let the girl age naturally.

[matthew]

Purfling helps define the outline aesthetically, but more importantly it protects the edge of the plates from splits and breaks. Like a rip-stop thread in a parachute. Also, if/when the top needs to be removed for adjustment or repairs, it will hopefully strengthen that thinnest part.

[matthew]

Getting closer. For a while i had my doubts about the antiquing but now i'm pretty pleased the way this is turning out.











(last pic for comparison with three days ago)

[sebastiaan56]

sweeeeet!

[Allen]

So, how are you getting the antique look to it? I think it's looking great. Much more character to it now.

[Lillian]

Its wonderful. Just put some strings on her and let her sing.

[matthew]

This is its sister:



The finish is french polished, rubbed by hand using different tints to get the patina I am looking for. 8 hours rubbing so far. And I won't be hitting it with chains and gravel.

[Kim]

Great work Matthew, she looks just beautiful.

Cheers

Kim

[kiwigeo]

Glad you didnt follow the Jimi Hendrix method of antiquing a musical instrument (requires lighter fluid and a box of matches).

[matthew]

No Martin, I am not going to attack this bass with chains or anything like that. I am not trying to fool anyone that it is anything but a new copy of Stefano's old bass. The varnishing has been a process of "dressing" with a classy look.

No-one has mentioned the box she is sitting on. Over on the bass website they noticed it straight away ...

[josh_cain]

it says DICK on it?? or because its balanced well?

[Paul B]

That's because we're all far too tasteful and highbrow here Matthew.

It's looking awesome, even if you are trying to pack it into a dick box.

[matthew]

This is an advantage of a bolt-on neck. Much easier to handle fingerboard dressing!



I've adapted an old black'n'decker workmate for benchtop use. It is really useful for holding tapered things like necks and fingerboards. A bag of lead shot in the box holds it nice and steady.

I fitted the bridge feet and strung it up with a rough string height and quickly done nut.





How does it sound? Well, new bass, new strings, its going to be bright for a while.

But ... louder than Sirente, despite the shallow ribs ... easy to play, the notes seem to just come out of their own accord. This bass works. And even though i just used some Corellis i had bought for the other bass but hated, surprisingly mean and growly down low.

Arco? No idea really as I'm a shocking arco player. Sorry. And now I've pulled it all down again to do the neck and bridge properly, adjust the machines a bit, and a few more touches to the finish.

However I have played it enough to be able to say with confidence that this bass as way better than the first one - which wasn't bad. And I can't wait to get it back together again!

[Allen]

Thanks so much for sharing this with us Matthew. It's just a beautiful looking instrument, And I've no doubt that your attention to all the details will make this an heirloom piece that is going to be cherished for years to come.

Bravo Mate.

[Stu]

Well done, Matthew

You must be rapt with how she's turning out.
It's a credit to all the R & D you put into her .

Keep posting these babies, 'cos I really like
seeing what considerations are required compared to other
types of instruments.

cheers, Stu

[Kim]

Thanks Matthew and congratulations mate.

Please keep posting your builds here at the ANZLF for us to enjoy, watching progress has been a real an eye opener for more than just myself I am sure.

Cheers

Kim

[matthew]

You lot will I'm sure like my new machine heads:

[Craig]

It's a wonderful instrument Matthew . Your work stunns us all , and yes the tuners are awesome , ,,,as is your carving !!!

Way WAY cool !


Cheers Craig

[Allen]

Those really finish off the antique look to it Matthew. Did you buy them like that, or find a way to age them yourself?

[matthew]

I antiqued them myself. The new machines were so shiny they looked way too heavy and they completely overpowered the scroll and the carving on the back. I may have overdone the patina but it will shine up again as I use it and polish it. I used a combination of artists patina solution and other chemicals/metal filings/oxides to get the look. And finished with black & brown bootpolish, rubbed back and polished

[ap404]

May I be the first well oiled punter to say ...

'Where'd you get that old bass ?'

When I got my Hofner bass, the tuners had been painted with estapol with a brush, just like the rest of the instrument ( including the bridge ) after many years, the brass ( and bronze ? ) has turned all different shades of green and brown and ancient evil underneath the finish. It's nice to have some ancient looking machinery right beside yr head to study while someone's taking a solo or to focus on whilst trying to remember what key the next tune is in ...


AP