T-40 refinish

I've been working on this project for a long time. I figured I'd post pics of where I'm at. I had a natural body that was really beat up. I decided to try my first refinish ever. It's been a very interesting process. I'm not sure I like the color too much but I wasn't about to sand all over again. So, here are some before/after pics.

Right now it has 2 coats of Tung Oil. I plan on putting 3 more on. The finish gloss isn't even yet. I'm using 0000 steel wool between coats. It's coming out pretty good for my first time.

There's a pretty cool "flame" that I didn't notice until I applied the stain. It's subtle, but there. The tung oil brings it out a bit more.

Original finish.

Back sanded.

The pics look like crap, and the finish is actually a lot redder than it shows. I'm having fun with it.

That looks real nice, Scott! I can't wait to see the finished product! What color pickguard are you planning to use?

Thanks. I haven't thought much past getting it finished. Suggestions?? I'll post better pics when completely finished.

Hmmm, what about maple neck and this pickguard http://www.wdmusic.com/peavey_reg_t_40_bass_29457_prd1.htm?

I love the grain pattern on the gut cut on the back. How 'bout a creme pickguard?

Thanks for the opinions guys. I like the idea of the cream color, I just wonder if the pearl would be over-powering. Keep 'em coming!!!

She's coming along nicely. Do you have a finish coat on yet? I think the guy's are right Cream with the red would probably look best. Not sure about the pearl though. Are you using a maple or rosewood neck? I still have the blue body. It must have 1000 coats of blue on it and I'm thinking of striping it all off and starting over (God help me). I guess it's going from my summer project to my rest of the year freaking pain in my ass project. Well keep up the good work. Talk to you soon... Lorenzo

Hey Lorenzo, I have one more coat to put on. Then it's suggested to let it cure 2 weeks before assembling. I have a rosewood neck that Chip has been working on, that will go on this bass. I will need pickups, 2 bridge saddles, new pickguard (I have a black one but not going to use it on this), tuners, knobs and electronics.

The color of this looks a LOT better in person...doesn't photograph well, I guess. I'd do it again. It has been fun. Good luck with the blue. Sorry it didn't work out for ya.

I'll have a pair of toasters by the end of the week, Scott.

Final coat of Tung Oil is on the body. It's looking great. I decided to go with the cream 3 ply (cream/black/cream) pickguard. I hope it looks good.

http://www.wdmusic.com/peavey_reg_t_40_bass_29434_prd1.htm

I need to let this cure for 2 weeks, then use 0000 steel wool to buff it out before I load up the electronics, etc...I'll keep you all posted. It looks a lot better than the pics posted here.

Hopefully Chip will be done with the neck pretty soon. It will be a rosewood fingerboard.

Well, the final coat of Tung oil went on and I've given it a few days, it seems dry and I'm impatient so I started assembling her. Just a couple of quick shots with the bridge and string ferrules back on the body.








This is a very difficult color to photograph. As you can see, in the light you can see the redwood color that I love. Also, there is a really cool flame that I never really saw that dramatically when it was a natural finish. It's not perfect but it's coming along.

I talked to Chip today, he said the neck will be completed in a couple of days. It has a rosewood fingerboard and I can't wait to get it. I ordered some shielding paint from StewMac. I will be brushing on at least 2 coats in both the electronics and pickup cavities. I will be getting my cream pickguard this week as well. I can't wait to see what she looks like put together. More to come.....

She's a beaut, Scott. Very nice!

Holy crapparoni... this looks great!

fuck man. that looks hardcore.

Wow!, great work Scott. That looks awesome!

Thanks guys. Looks like the pickguard will be delivered Monday according to tracking.

Scott she looks great. Sooo much better than the first pics. I know all the about the impatience but take your time. You know it's worth it.

Great job Scott !!!
I'd like to have a Red Burst T-40 body, but it's very hard to make a clean burst. Maybe I'll try to oil the body when I'll have a T-40 project bass.

Reviving this old thread.....I've been soooooo busy that I haven't had time for any bass related activities. I've been trying to finish up this project for quite some time, here's where I'm at. I only need to get it rewired and set up. The neck is a T-20 that has been modded to fit the T-40 body. Since the 20 is a 21 fret neck and the 40 is 20 frets, Chip got cut off the extra fret and rounded it to fit. He also sanded and refinished the neck and put a T-40 peghead outline/logo on the headstock. Great work.

me likey!

Wow really nice brother, good job

Absolutely stunning! Great work.

really stunning!!!

i was thinking of doing something like this to my one! where did you get the shiny new knobs,bridge and the pickup chromes from?