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Question. Gibson has offered 335’s in a custom color they call “Watermellon”. While they apparently have never released the formula, ChatGPT says it’s approximately:
70% red
20-25 % magenta
And 5-10% amber

Where in the hell do you buy magenta dye???
I’d appreciate any advice.
Bo

Couldn’t find any premixed magenta. ChatGPT suggests mixing:
5 parts red and 1part blue.

I asked a different AI model to come up with a mixture using standard transtint dye colors. It said

Required TransTint Dyes
TransTint Orange (#6025): This will serve as your primary base color to capture the bright, clean amber-orange warmth of the body.

TransTint Bright Red (#6021) or Perfect Red: You will need a small amount of this to lean the orange into that distinct, pinkish-coral "watermelon" territory.

Recommended Mixing and Application Strategy
Achieving a clean, translucent look on maple requires careful testing. Here is the standard approach used by luthiers:

Establish a Base: Mix your TransTint dyes into a carrier liquid. For an even, non-grain-raising (NGR) application that flashes off quickly, denatured alcohol is preferred. Alternatively, you can mix the dyes directly into your clear coat (like nitrocellulose lacquer or a water-based finish) to spray it on as a toner.

Ratios: Start with a dominant mix of Orange, adding Bright Red drop by drop. The "watermelon" look relies on a subtle red undertone; adding too much red too quickly will turn the finish into a standard cherry red or a muddy brick color.

Test on Scrap Wood: Maple can absorb dye intensely. Always test your dye mix on a scrap piece of maple (ideally matching the type of maple on your project) and shoot a layer of clear coat over it to accurately judge the final, wet color depth.

Thanks so much Randall. This is certainly worth trying first. It is more simple than the ChatGPT formula. Which AI did you use?
I’m a month or so away from needing this and will report back.
Thanks again.
Bo

I used Claude.ai
I also use gemini.google.com