Why do people buy "road worn" style insturments?

[C.Linton]

Again, it's a matter of preference. If I pay for a new bass, I expect it to look like a new bass. And I do believe the allure is indeed superficial. I can't see how the RW's sound and play so much better that what's available without the faux wear.

[gidbass]

Originally Posted by DannyNFLD

I'm not talking about an old classic, I'm talking about brand new guitars/basses that are made to look like they have been through the wringer.

It's like hipsters who buy jeans with holes already in the knees.

*** is the appeal? I don't get it

Assuming NFLD means Newfoundland & Labrador in your name, I won't bash you....too much.... I have lots of friends from the rock...

Fact is, the market exists and folks will buy them. It's okay if you feel differently. A lot of folks feel differently and thats okay too. Different strokes for different folks. I'll freely admit, a roadworn P is pretty damn nice and if i could justify it, i would probably buy one.

Good Luck!

[millsbass5]

Originally Posted by DannyNFLD

I'm not talking about an old classic, I'm talking about brand new guitars/basses that are made to look like they have been through the wringer.

It's like hipsters who buy jeans with holes already in the knees.

*** is the appeal? I don't get it

Just curious. Have you tried one?

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Originally Posted by 999Brent

Because they play well and sound good...

That is the main reason. I don't think most people are buying them to "fool people into thinking that you have some vintage piece of gear that you wish you had".

A relic finish is just a finish and some people like it. No better or worse than black and maple fingerboard. Some people like it. Others don't. It's just a look.

There may be a certain amount of relief in knowing you don't have to be too careful with a relic'd instrument as an extra ding here or there doesn't really make too much of a difference.

And, I can understand someone that has a real vintage bass not wanting to take it out do to its value. A relic may be a suitable alternative.

[fredguy]

I can't believe why anyone would buy ANY bass in this day and age. It's over folks. Everything can be done on a computer. Sell those basses now while there's still some fool's willing to buy them.

[Lesfunk]

I have a Bill Nash JB-63 that I use almost all the time. I'm not trying to fool anybody although people have been fooled. When asked about it I'm honest.
You see, I can't afford a 60's jazz bass. If I could I probably wouldn't be carting it around to gigs where it might get stolen or damaged.
the nash gives me a vintage feel and sound that I can afford as well as gig without risking a prized collectable .
Trust me doubters, Nash makes a nice feeling and sounding bass.

[lfmn16]

Originally Posted by DannyNFLD

I'm not talking about an old classic, I'm talking about brand new guitars/basses that are made to look like they have been through the wringer.

It's like hipsters who buy jeans with holes already in the knees.

*** is the appeal? I don't get it

Why do some people think that anyone cares what they think? Why do these same people think that others owe them an explanation?

Kind of like some stupid hipster that thinks it's cool to go against the grain.

Also, try reading the rules for posting:

"Since artificially aging an instrument (i.e. relicing) is, at least visually, no different than artificially coloring an instrument (i.e. painting) any posts or threads insulting such procedures are hereby banned under the "no insulting ugly instruments" rule that has been the long-standing policy here at talkbass. You're welcome to give your own personal reasons why you don't like the look of worn instruments, however they ended up in that condition, but slagging the instruments or the players who play them is going to jeopardize your posting abilities here.

Make a note of this. If you don't approve of someone else's finish choice, keep it to yourself, or if you absolutely -must- vent your opinion, tell them privately."

[bluesblaster]

The simple answer is that their bass has never actually been "on the road" and came by the wear honestly. Hence the name "roadworn" hope that clears it up for everybody, you can get store bought hair, fingernails and certain female antomy enhancment, why not a bass? see where I'm going with this ?

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by lfmn16

Also, try reading the rules for posting:

"Since artificially aging an instrument (i.e. relicing) is, at least visually, no different than artificially coloring an instrument (i.e. painting) any posts or threads insulting such procedures are hereby banned under the "no insulting ugly instruments" rule that has been the long-standing policy here at talkbass. You're welcome to give your own personal reasons why you don't like the look of worn instruments, however they ended up in that condition, but slagging the instruments or the players who play them is going to jeopardize your posting abilities here.

Make a note of this. If you don't approve of someone else's finish choice, keep it to yourself, or if you absolutely -must- vent your opinion, tell them privately."

^^^ This

This thread needs to be closed and the op needs a talking to.

[Marty Forrer]

We have a saying in traditional hot-rodding.... if ya dont get it, it's no use me trying to explain it to ya. Same goes here.

[Johnny Crab]

Originally Posted by fredguy

I can't believe why anyone would buy ANY bass in this day and age. It's over folks. Everything can be done on a computer. Sell those basses now while there's still some fool's willing to buy them.

We're not quite there yet and it ain't because of computers.
Give it time.

OP: If they like 'em and have loot, why worrry be happy.
I just buy old basses(20~30 years old) I like that don't have the SUPER FAMOUS BRAND NAME glaring from the headstock. A few have had that "easy to play" "already worn in" feeling described. If you have ever owned an old, played-a-lot bass then you will recognize it immediately.

[PWRL]

I almost bought a Road Worn Fender Jazz, simply because of the way it played and sounded. I didn't care what it looked like. The only reason I didn't was because I settled on my Jaguar Bass instead.

[pacojas]

i lurned uh nu wurd tuday,...

INSTURMENTS!!!

[73jbass]

A lot of folks can't afford a well played vintage bass these days,and don't want to wait 40 years to break a bass in. I have vintage worn basses,and newer stuff that I keep in as good condition as possible. Sorry you don't understand why some folks like something that you don't. Don't worry about it.

[Bert Slide]

When I was kid jeans came in pretty much one flavor, dark blue and stiff. We used to take sandpaper to new jeans and wash before wearing which would soften them up and jumpstart the fading process. We did it for increased comfort right away as well as looks. Hence the appeal of relics for many I imagine.

Personally the least attractive basses to me are shiny new ones with the almost white maple necks and that thick shiny clearcoat of laquer or urethane or whatever that bulletproof stuff they use to coat so many basses with is.

[spade2you]

Originally Posted by pacojas

i lurned uh nu wurd tuday,...

INSTURMENTS!!!

Usually it's used by bands who also require you to also have your own transprotation.

[fdeck]

What actually gets broken in on a bass?

[bolophonic]

Originally Posted by fdeck

What actually gets broken in on a bass?

The strings.

[marcray]

Maybe there's some appeal in having a "worn in" bass? 20 Years ago when I got my first real pay check from playing music I went and got an old Fender first week. I could have bought a new modern bass but I wanted a bass that had the back side of the neck smoothed down, that had some sweat in it, that felt right.

Gotta say, new or old, a bass just has to feel right in your hands. Let's imagine for a second that you have $5000 in your pocket and you go out and spend that amount because you can, even though the neck doesn't feel as good as the Epiphone, or the Skyline, or the MIM Fender... should I still buy the $5000 bass? Nicest bass in the store for me right now, Made In China Modern Player Telecaster. Don't know why, but my hands wrapped around that neck like it was made for me. That's all that matters.

[vin*tone]

Originally Posted by mazdah

Because they like it. EOT.

Correct.

I don't get black pointy basses either but why should that bother anyone else.