How to darken an acoustics top???

Kristo

I've been using a Brandoni acoustic bass with my band recently and am really pleased with it. However, I'd quit like the wood on top to be darker than it currently is. Does anyone know of a simple way to darken the top? I'm guessing some kind of wood stain might be easiest. Thanks.

https://i.imgur.com/1HO3W6Y.jpg

octatonic

Just wait...

Clashman

Just put a pair of sunglasses on.

Gagaryn

That already looks qute dark. Other than spraying with tinted lacquer can't think of any other way of making it darker. It's already lacquered so you can't stain it. It will darken as it ages anyway - I'd leave it - it looks good. 

fendergibson

Buy a few cigars, light them all and stick ‘em in a small room with the guitar....for a few days 

WezV

depending on the shade, you can just leave it in the sun for a bit to darken the wood and lacquer.   If you want it properly dark you will need to spray some lacquer.   A nice tobacco tint would look great on that

Wood stain won't work without stripping the top first

stickyfiddle

Move to the middle east and leave it near a window for a year...

Kristo

Thanks guys, sounds like tinted lacquer might be the best option. I'll have a look around.

Andyjr1515

I'm also in the 'just wait' camp.  

This is my OM home built next to the dreadnought I built for our band's vocalist.  Same wood bought at the same time from the same plank and finished in exactly the same way.  Only difference is that the OM on the left was two years old and the dreadnought had just been finished when I took this photo:


Of course, it does depend on how old the Brandoni is to  start off with....

Funkfingers

fendergibson said:

Buy a few cigars, light them all and stick ‘em in a small room with the guitar....for a few days 

Lend the bass to a chain smoker. The tars from tobacco will add a dark brown transparent patina. 

poopot

Amber shellac!...