Basswood Strat - I might go for a Transparent Finish

[Schneidas]

This Body probably won't win any popularity contest, because it being Basswood and having the Swimming Pool Route, but some of the best Strats I played in the past were Basswood - and I really love how it looks!
It's been more than 20 years since I last had a Basswood Strat (back then it was a 2001 Fender Japan Iron Maiden Signature Strat).

Anyway, saw this body back in early December and really liked it. Was also nice and lightweight. Felt the itch...
A few weeks later I come across it again. I said, ok, I'll pass for now and see if it is still around by January.
So, yesterday it was three times a charm and I pulled the trigger.
Apparently, it was waiting for me!

I love the Alder-like looking grain and the discoloration. Thinking of going transparent light Blue with this one.
I'm having it shipped to my finisher in the US for a Nitro finish.

Not decided on a neck yet, nor the pickup config. Probably HSS or H-H.
I have like three dozen different pickups lying around in drawers waiting for builds...

 

[supertruper1988]

I have a basswood jazzmaster finished by warmoth in transparent turquoise. Basswood looks great with a transparent finish if you have a nice white piece without green streaks. Which it appears you have!

 

[Strat Avenger]

I say "why not?". There are no knots in it, or any green discoloration.

 

[Hodgo]

Heck yeah basswood makes for a nice light guitar and that’s a nice looking chunk of it for a transparent finish.

 

[Schneidas]

I have a basswood jazzmaster finished by warmoth in transparent turquoise. Basswood looks great with a transparent finish if you have a nice white piece without green streaks. Which it appears you have!

Transparent Turquoise, now that's another one I'd love to do.
Do you have a picture of it? Would love to see it...

 

[supertruper1988]

Transparent Turquoise, now that's another one I'd love to do.
Do you have a picture of it? Would love to see it...

Its on the back only but looks great

https://imgur.com/mMPJnlu

https://imgur.com/2piLeBm

 

[Schneidas]

Looks awesome indeed! I'm considering it for this body

 

[Rick]

Nice piece of wood to start with!

I've dyed alder with turqoise and over time the green shows up more than the blue if that makes any sense ... I think somehow the wood shows thru overtime, or if like me, you use a poly based top coat it gets more yellow, thus moving the blue more towards green. At least it did for me, and it's just something to consider.

Another color to consider is a deep red dye, I haven't tried that yet, though that's off from where you want to go. Amber or brown is also a good possibility, I don't think there'd be a color change. Maybe your finisher has some ideas?

Of course, wood is a living thing, or was. For example both purple heart and blood wood change colors over time, so maybe that's something to celebrate.

For me, when I see how the turquoise has changed it makes me smile ...