This white bass was built by Mr. Xue Chang Sun in China, according to my
specifications.
To achieve a good result you must start with the best possible high-end
white instrument.
Final "tuning "must be done with a full setup before the varnish can be
applied.
Pictures (WB1-WB11) shows how to glue the fingerboard, install the endpin,
and tuning machines.
After making the instrument playable, you will arrive at the most
important function - fine-tuning of the plates - front and back.
One person must play a note loudly, while another person lightly touches
the vibrating plate looking for spots which are vibrating considerably
less. (WB 14).
Very good results are achieved by playing in the upper part of the E
string.
With a small plane, a minimal amount of wood can be taken off in the
places that are vibrating a little less and places you are sure are part
of some vibrating pattern (WB13).
This process is quite slow and require between 5-10 hours. Using common
sense is necessary.
After you are satisfied with the sound, and most of notes are of the same
strength, you can dismantle the setup and tuning machines and prepare for
varnishing.
The neck should be stained with a special neck stain available in a
luthier supply store (WB15)
Smooth out the surface, prepare the watercolor to be similar to the color
of coffee and milk (WB16) and apply to the bass (WB17-18).
Next - apply 2 coats of ground varnish.
To make your bass look older, corners and other places can be darkened
with a brown - black watercolor by using a cloth and small brush (WB19)
Airbrush a coat of alcohol based varnish of your choice.
After a few days, the varnish should be sanded with light oil and 600
grade sandpaper, followed by good coat of "French polish".
I have successfully made a few very good instruments this way but I am not
responsible for any damages or losses associated with the content of this text.
The price of a finished bass like this is around $ 12.000.00 (
