Quick Question About Finishes

[KShimkowitz]

I've had the same bass for quite a while now and want to take my playing to a professional level by joining a major orchestra. The only problem I have is the finish of my bass. My bass has a Sunburst color; it's not that bright, it's more of a mellow/jazz scene finish. What I want to know is will the finish of my bass keep me from getting a good orchestra position? I've been looking into darker finishes meant for orchestra and there is always the option of renting one, but I'm so used to the pressure of my bass's strings that it would be a hassle to adjust to a new bass. I'm guessing a professional orchestra wouldn't even look at me with my finish. I just want a professional opinion.

Thanks.

[PNeher]

Hi!
Most USA orchestral auditions are behind a screen for the preliminary round. I doubt that the finish on your bass would be an issue during the prelims. There MAY be a question or two from the committee about it if you succeed through the final round. I doubt it would be a problem playing in the final round, but it is possible. More important is not how your bass looks but how it sounds. I was asked at a major audition, after I won the two rounds, to return with another bass, since they knew that I had two basses. When I came back a month later with my large orchestral bass, they had no compunctions about hiring me. This was due to the sound not the look of the basses. If you get a lot of negative comments about the look of your bass from orchestral bassists, then I would suggest that you have your bass refinished. It is generally not too expensive and may at least remove that fear that you have in an audition. To be secure and confident is really important in an audition!
Best!
Patrick