How to convert a SUB bass into a Stingray bass with natural finish

[OldManMusic]

Sure you can refinish at home depending on your skills. There are a ton of 'how to' videos out there.

 

[sanderhermans]

ive decided I do want to paint it, and do it myself. but one more question, is it necessary to completely sand everything down? I was thinking of just sanding a bit down so I don't need primer and such... but is this ok?

 

[Chris C]

ive decided I do want to paint it, and do it myself. but one more question, is it necessary to completely sand everything down? I was thinking of just sanding a bit down so I don't need primer and such... but is this ok?

You can use the old finish as "primer" as long as you smooth it out properly AND make sure you don't have compatibility problems with the type of paint you are topcoating it with. Certain paints won't adhere or could "boil." (nitro over poly, water-base over oil-base, etc)

 

[4play]

Any SUB but the white one! Love the way the white body looks with the black neck.

That said, good job! Here's my fugly teal SUB makeover, complete with body contours:

 

[sanderhermans]

Nice! Im goin for mint green with matching headstock ans white pearl pg

 

[steevo]

You'll all regret modding your subs in years to come. I'm not touching mine.

 

[tbonesullivan]

what kind of wood is that? poplar? alder? it doesn't look like the ash they use now.

Does look nice, though personally I would have had it redone into something sparkly.

 

[georgestrings]

You'll all regret modding your subs in years to come. I'm not touching mine.

Yeah, I'm leaving mine alone, too - after all, they were only made from '03-'06...


- georgestrings

 

[georgestrings]

what kind of wood is that? poplar? alder? it doesn't look like the ash they use now.

Does look nice, though personally I would have had it redone into something sparkly.

IIRC, all MIA SUB bodies were poplar...


- georgestrings

 

[sanderhermans]

This is the progress on my bass. I went by the following steps:
1- remove neck and sand it down with 80-120-220-800 grit paper
2- remove hardware and sand body with the same sorts of sanding paper
3- cover up and tape off the fret board and cavities that shouldn't be painted
4- apply a few layers of base paint then finish, then lacquer
5- apply the decals and paint over with lacquer
6- new pick guard and hardware back on. + attach neck
7- done: paint and supplies 50€, decals 10€ pick guard 20€
total cost: 80€ so that's 110$

 

[bassJonas]

Found this thread eight years later Time to post some updated pictures of the project. I just upgraded the bass with new pick-guard from e-bay. Just love this bass and it keeps playing superb! the wood has become slightly darker and a little worn, and it looks better for every year!

 

[bassJonas]

Found this thread again. Let's post another update, this time with some video Red Hot Chili Peppers - Sir Psycho Sexy bass "playalong" - YouTube