I have always wanted a custom done instrument but always thought the cost was prohibitive. I did a little bit of research into guitar skins, but that turned out to be a dumpster fire. That branched off into hydro dipping, then hydro film dipping and I thought these would be something I could actually do. I had never taken apart an instrument before so I didn’t know what to expect. I decided I would experiment on a lower cost bass so if I screwed things up, I wouldn’t be out too much money and I would have a very valuable learning experience in the process. It was just that, I learned ALOT! Having never removed electronics or taken off a guitar neck, it was a lot of trial-and-error. Also getting into soldering and what-nots turned out to be very enlightening. Anyway, my 1st attempt turned out to be pretty darn good. I have actually gigged with this bass a time or two and I get compliments from everyone. Because let’s face it, when you look good, you feel good and that does make you play better. Since doing this, I have also done the same for my rack mount cover, gun holster, light switch covers and have since bought another bass that I intend to do with a different print and color. I’m actually thinking I might be able to do this for other musicians, for a fee of course since I will have time invested in their instrument as well. So tell me what you think?
Welcome @PrideOfTheWicked, Glad you are here.
This looks amazing, and, a great way to get a matching headstock that might not be already.
Now I need to go have a think about what I might want done.
I’ve been thinking of doing something similar, except with a vinyl wrap, which my spouse Sara can make for me (using my own graphic design). She makes things like this a side business on tumblers, mugs, wine glasses, etc. I’ve already discussed the possibility with her, and she’s game. I just have to find where I can get one of those DIY bass kits.
Your idea of hydro dipping is stellar! I may have to give that some thought and research.
Welcome to the forum!
Thanks a lot! I appreciate it!
To me, doing a guitar scan did not allow for a lot of error. I screwed up my 1st attempt and I was out $40. That failure however caused me to continue to look for different methods, thus discovering hydro dipping. I made mistakes in the dipping process, but at least it’s a little more forgiving when you do. You can purchase all of the base spray paints and sealer at any local Walmart store cheaply. Films and other material I purchased online. I probably spent about 10 total hours over a week on the guitar pictured, but having done this once, I feel fairly certain that I could probably get that time to about 3 hours
Sara uses a sealing process similar to what you described, although I don’t have a lot of details about it. All I know is, she wears a gas mask when she does that part of the project.
She stays out of my music room, and I stay out of her craft room.
After describing what I had in mind, she said she could do it, so that’s all I need to know for now.
I look forward to seeing your finished product.
@PrideOfTheWicked Welcome to the BassBuzz forum.
When you have time, join us on the Introduce Yourself! thread.
Nice job on that bass. Pretty cool you did a matched headstock.
Looks like it was done by a professional. Very nice work. Yup, looks like side business for sure. very impressive .
Thx! Always loved custom art!
Thx! I appreciate the compliment
She’ll be able to do it. It’s a very forgiving process and you’ll love the results!
I’m sure with her artistic talent she could do it. I looked into it and the cost of entry is pretty steep. I showed her the equipment we would need to get, along with the prices, and she just shook her head and walked away.
I’ve invested more in her business equipment than I have in my entire bass and amp collection.
She’s going to stick with vinyl and whatever process she uses to seal it.
??? I spent under $75 bucks. The entire kit was ~$60 and I bought a cheap soldering iron off ebay. Are we comparing the same thing?
The starter kit I looked at was over $2k with the tub and all the accessories plus some starter materials. I assume its the same thing since it was referred to as “hydro dipping starter kit” which is the same term you used.
Did you do it, or have it done?
One of my mates does it for a living so he offered to do it, and i accepted
He said it was a pain in the arse because of the shapes and bends etc.
He did it in 2 halves and it has a black pinstripe right the way around to cover the join, but it looks cool.
I was originally going to get it spray painted in automotive paint, 2 pack and baked in the oven but that was cost prohibitive, around 1K aud.
Cost nothing for the vinyl wrap
I will post a couple pics
Cheers Brian
Yes. Hydro film dipped. I dipped it in my bathtub. I even shot video every step of the way. So easy a caveman could do it. Less than 10 hours total work (sanding, soldering, reassembling, etc) and under $100 USD