Is this base stain too yellow?

[HogTime]

I decided to use a "rag applied" sunburst on my almost finished F5 project. I experimented on some test wood and came up with something I liked using TransTint dyes. I used a base color of Honey Amber and then an overcoat of Reddish Brown. The picture of the small piece of wood gives you the basic idea. Note: The entire piece was covered with amber first.

I mixed a new batch of Honey Amber and shakily applied it to my mandolin. I think I must have mixed it stronger than what I used on my test piece (was doing it by drops in 3 oz of water). On my test pieces, I used 4 "coats" of amber, applied with a rag. However, I stopped at 2 coats on the real thing and it's a much more intense yellow.

I think I can reduce the intensity by either a weak wash of light brown (not the reddish brown) or maybe sand it down a bit before the reddish brown. Or, maybe after there is much less of the amber left after applying the reddish brown, it won't look so "wow"?

Whatcha think?

Thanks,

[llg]

My opinion won't matter since I am only a player but I personally like the middle to be more yellow (instead of Orange) then progress to red or brown/black toward the edge. I guess I am partial to Les Pauls in that respect.
It seems to me that the only way to accomplish that would be to start with a yellowish base.
I could be wrong and look forward to hearing from others that know what the heck they are talking about.

[sunburst]

It's fine. I start out with either amber of even with lemon yellow and then amber. The sunburst process, as I do it, needs a pretty intense yellow at the start.

[HogTime]

Glad to get your input, John. Now I can proceed with less worry.

Thanks,

[Keith Newell]

Trust me that will not be too yellow. once you get some other color on you may wish it was brighter.
Keith

[fscotte]

I think it looks good as is. Looks like a Gibson Goldrush.

[Jacob]

I really like the color. I would also suggest keeping it as is.

[Steve Sorensen]

Forge ahead with your 'burst!

The golden glow underneath it all is a critical (although initially scary) part of what makes the overall effect so beautiful.

Make sure to watch the hand-rubbed sunburst video clip posted by John Hamlett and James Condino's Fine Woodworking sunbursting video right before you start adding colors. They both have a pace and natural rhythm that will help you remain cool as you begin to rub on the darker elements.

Steve

[HogTime]

Thanks for the additional input.

I found pics of a Gibson Goldrush. Looks pretty nice! I could save myself some work going that route. Probably won't, though. However, I'll be really upset if the 'burst doesn't look good and I could of had a nice "Old Yeller".

[fscotte]

Your next one can can be a burst. That color now looks superb. Wait till you get the finish on there and that amber grain just pops out.