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Thought I would post this . On a current baritone uke build I wanted it to look like an old martin, So I stained the instrument aged cherry /brown water gel based stains.In order to get a dark amber aged look I steeped the bone nut in a carafe with a teabag. the nut turned a nice golden dark amber colour which matches the look of the uke . The longer you keep the teabag in, the longer the tannic acid in the teabag will react to give a darker colour , Sorry no pics . Use hot water 5-10min will give a vy light amber/yellowing, longer times 2-3 hrs will turn it much darker.

I've also just dipped the bone in coffee but might not be as good of a color - I just happened to be drinking a cup of coffee at the time

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I've used both at various times, and have always found that tea is much more effective than coffee, as far a beverage based stains go.

I was just wondering last night if that would work! I have antique (unbleached) bone nut and saddle blanks, but only white pins...

Used to bury them in used coffee grounds for a day or two.
Tea should work as well.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Thanks Ernie!

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