Basswood

[LelandCrooks]

Anybody here tried to stain basswood? I'd like to make a sunburst finish on a piece of basswood.

[DaveK]

Never tried it myself, but I can pass on what I've read online. Basswood is supposed to have ugly streaks in the wood and staining only makes them worse. The general rule of thumb is that basswood should only be used with a paint finish. There are some good luthier sites out there where you might find a lot more. You can also read about woods at warmoth.com and other luthier suppliers.

[LelandCrooks]

Thanks Dave. I read some of that in a few places, read some in others where they got it to work. I didn't see those luthier sites though. Thanks.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

Anybody here tried to stain basswood? I'd like to make a sunburst finish on a piece of basswood.

Basswood is really nasty stuff, it doesn't even burn well. If this is a guitar or bass body I recommend something else, anything else. It's light, yes, but so lacking in density that it literally soaks up string vibrations like a sponge, giving an instrument with absolutely no sustain.

[LelandCrooks]

Too late already got the kit. I hesitate to say what it is, due to it's a christmas present. Let's just say sustain is not a big prerequisite for this instrument.

Not finding much info, I think I'll give it a go. If it's horrid, I'll just paint it.