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Hello. I'm a novice woodworker with no experience with laquers/varnish/poly. I've built an upright bass and a guitar using "rock" maple. One of the last steps is to apply a finish, but there are so many products on the market and i have no experience with any of them. What type of finish is good for a rock hard maple instrument? Also, i intend to put a water-slick decal logo on the instruments if that makes any difference.

Thanks for any advice you can offer,
-Jack

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Hand crafted instruments made from your old crap.. Jugtones.com

Jack, if you like an oiled look, a popular (and easy easy easy) finish for a bass is Rustin's Danish Oil. Apply generous coat with synthetic steel wool, wipe off immediately. Dry for 24 hours, repeat four times. Buff with a t-shirt, then by hand.

Another easy to apply finish is Tru-oil. However, the traditional finish for bowed instruments is a brush applied oil varnish. Suppliers have violin varnish in clear and tints that allow you to achieve a traditional color.

Thanks guys. So you think the oils are the way to go? I should have mentioned this, but i'm talking about finishing the neck/headstock (not the body). When i apply the water-slick decal logo to the headstock i will need to apply my finishing agent until it's built up enough that they decal's edges are smooth and flush with the rest of the surface. Will the danish oil or the Tru-oil work for that?

Thanks again,
-Jack

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Hand crafted instruments made from your old crap.. Jugtones.com

True oil would be the better bet for building the finish enough for a water decal. How are you finishing the body?

err.. well, the body is actually a galvanized tub made for keeping your beer cold. The soundboard will need to be finished, but i'm sure whatever i use for the maple will work on that as well. Would i apply the true oil in the same manor as you described for the danish oil?

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Hand crafted instruments made from your old crap.. Jugtones.com