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.
That’s very impressive work @PrideOfTheWicked !
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.
Hey Pam, @PamPurrs ,
The Yamaha rbx200 i pimped is vinyl wrapped, way cool,
Cheers Brian
Welcome aboard @PrideOfTheWicked ,
enjoy the ride,
the bass looks awesome,
Cheers Brian
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