Author Topic: Help with Finish Repair & Type (Read 222 times)

ajish4 · « **on:** January 11, 2014, 10:28:35 AM »

http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/23775.html?1311051202

Happy New Year everyone!

I used the search feature and couldn't find the information I was looking for so I hope you guys/gals don't mind my asking.

I am the proud owner of the bass pictured above. I've had it now for about a year, give or take...

Short & Sweet, I LOVE the bass and it gets constant use. The only drawback is I HATE THE FREAKING THUMB REST!

Been playing it without it installed and two problems have arisen. #1 The clear coat is starting to crack where the screw holes were. #2 The sweat from my hand is starting to discolor the exposed wood. It looks like the wood screws were just cranked in by a screw gun! The FULL imprint of the rest is in the clear coat.

My question (actually my luthier's question is) ANY idea what kind of finish/clear coat was used in 1990? Was there a standard finish like Conversion Varnish, a lacquer, enamel, etc???

My luthier has already warned me that after he installs the small dowels, and does his air brush work, the repair STILL may be visible close up. I'm not too concerned as I'm looking to prevent any more damage to the finish and wood.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the grain and burst on this bass so a total refinish it out of the question.

What do you guys/gals advise? Its a players bass and not a show piece so I really hate even laying it up but I know it needs to be done. SHOULD I have the ENTIRE thumb rest area fixed or just the screw holes?? Type or kind of clear coat? And anything else you might be able to think of?

I've had finish repair work done in the past, so I trust him completely. He just needs to know what type of finish so we can proceed. .

THANK YOU ALL in advance!

Tony

(Message edited by ajish4 on January 11, 2014)

lidon2001 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2014, 12:15:43 PM »

This post might possibly answer some of your questions:

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/28791.html

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2014, 01:14:18 AM »

Dear me..more Alembic abuse(see post 'Excel love')
Is this an unwanted trend??

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2014, 06:51:55 PM »

The clear coat is likely to be polyester, but I will ask my uncle in the morning to confirm.

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2014, 11:44:31 AM »

Yep. Polyester top coat, color is acrylic.

serialnumber12 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2014, 05:10:10 AM »

I like that thumbrest I got the same one on old#12

ajish4 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2014, 06:01:02 PM »

Thanks Mica!!

I really appreciate it!

I wouldn't have minded it as much if it was done professionally. Looks like someone just used a screw gun and just cranked it down tight.

I'm not sure what kind of repair I am going to opt for yet, but those holes will be filled at the very least and the clear coat touched up.

Serialnumber12, when the work is all done, you are welcome to the one on mine!!! I will be glad to be rid of it!