Kuro's 5-string Bass for a friend

[Kuro Uma]

So I have this buddy of mine who's played bass for me in many bands throughout my life. His current bass is pretty much falling apart. I'm always doing repairs on it for him. So I decided to surprise him with a new bass. (I know I know, more excuses to build another guitar) Over the last few months I've gotten details of what he would like in a bass.

I started with a one piece mahogany/flamed top body and a plain maple 4+1 jazz bass neck with black blocks. 

And some Bartolini's and a preamp

Now my buddy has some tattoo's he always talked about incorporating into a bass,
one of his children's names.

and one that him and his wife both have

So I got busy.
drew up the tat on the maple

dyed it with wood dyes

sealed the tat and the natural binding

Masked it off for the burst and laid down a slightly darker honey burst.

Dyed the other tattoo into the back. Also made a flamed mahogany control plate.

All put together and finished

I refrained from posting this up on the forums until I was done. Only due to the slight chance my friend may see this in progress if he happens across this forum. I know he'll be "internet-impaired" until I show up and surprise him with it this coming weekend.
I think it's a good gift to my lifelong friend and partner in mayhem. Hell our kids even play together.

hope you guys like it.

 

[JaySwear]

That thing looks AWESOME! I was a little skeptical when I saw the tattoo picture, but damn if it didn't come out perfect.

 

[Cagey]

That is one fine piece of work! Just gorgeous! Good choices all around. Like Jay, I started to worry when I saw the tattoo art inclusion, but that was very well done as well. Helluva thing to do for a friend. I don't even treat my brothers that well <grin>

 

[line6man]

This is truly exceptional! :icon_thumright:

I am not normally a fan of graphics on instruments, but this works so well, with the curl of the Maple showing through. It really looks like the graphics are tattooed on! Outstanding work!

 

[Tipperman]

Is there anything you can't do? Holy SHART that looks amazing!  :headbang1:

 

[tubby.twins]

Wow.

 

[whitebison66]

That is incredible work. I agree with everything said above; it's just astounding, the workmanship AND the intention.

Wow.

 

[natthu]

Wow!.... Great job, it looks really pro.

 

[Updown]

WOW  :blob7:  that is very nice indeed, Great work :icon_thumright:

Can I be your Buddy too ?  :icon_biggrin:

 

[m4rk0]

I agree with everyone!!!  great job,
and I love the burst!!! "narrow" bursts like that are the best!! great work!! let us know about your friend's reaction..
or better, film the whole thing, ocguy style!

 

[TBurst Std]

Awesome job!

 

[bagman67]

So this is the answer to the unasked question, "What could Kuro Uma possibly do to top that carved-top soloist with the black dye and the tribal design?"


Very cool, and a tremendous gesture to your friend.

 

[stubhead]

I am your new best friend forever. Let me know when you need my shipping address... :cool01:

 

[NonsenseTele]

This is really awesome!! Everything looks great!

 

[ramonet]

Really nice!!! Well done Kuro

 

[Corey P.]

That's an incredible gesture and gorgeous result - the maddest of props to you, sir.

 

[stubhead]

When you masked off the dyed, sealed (names) tattoo to put the burst down around it - what's that red stuff? Some kind of sheet frisket, I guess? is there some procedure or choice of materials that led you to feel safe that mask wasn't going to peel up the name tattoo... these are not idle Q's, BTW... these processes of multiple layerings have a bright future, I'd say.

 

[AndyG]

To say that bass looks incredible would be a collossal understatement.  :cool01:

I cannot imagine the patience it must have taken to complete! 

Beautiful work!

 

[Kuro Uma]

I delivered the bass to my friend this weekend. He loved it. Loves the tone. Thanks to all you guys helping me decide pickups, etc.

When you masked off the dyed, sealed (names) tattoo to put the burst down around it - what's that red stuff? Some kind of sheet frisket, I guess? is there some procedure or choice of materials that led you to feel safe that mask wasn't going to peel up the name tattoo... these are not idle Q's, BTW... these processes of multiple layerings have a bright future, I'd say.

The red stuff is just vinyl cut to mask the design. I didn't feel the vinyl would peel up the tattoo because I had already sealed the tattoo with a sealer using another mask that was the reverse of the red one. I tried this method all on scraps before I even began the last guitar. When I got to this bass I already had a proven method. This time I just dyed the name tattoo by hand with a very small paintbrush and using wood dyes before sealing. I know it may not be the proper method but I feel it works. It comes out smooth like glass and feel great after I shoot the clear and polish.

 

[Unrepresented]

That's inspiring on multiple levels.

I'm really impressed both in your workmanship and in your friendship.

Apologies if I missed it, but do you have a background in graphic art or similar? You're clearly very skilled.