Leaving a Bass in the car

[bassindaface]

Hey I have to leave my bass in the car for a long time, I know its bad and could ruin my instrument, but I have no choice. Is there anything I can do to keep it from getting too hot and melting the finish or cracking?

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by bassindaface

Hey I have to leave my bass in the car for a long time, I know its bad and could ruin my instrument, but I have no choice. Is there anything I can do to keep it from getting too hot and melting the finish or cracking?

Build a special always-on air conditioner container?

[DC Bass]

You really should reconsider leaving your instrument in a car- really.

Don't do it.

Just don't.

The best scenario I can think of is: Someone steals the bass (or the car and the bass) minutes after you leave them unattended and take them to where they will be safe from you!

Seriously- I don't wish that on you- but PLEASE don't leave your bass unattended in a vehicle for any length of time. It's what they call "the kids and/or dogs rule"- don't leave your bass anywhere you wouldn't leave a kid or a dog unattended.

Perhaps if you explain your circumstances you can get some advice on viable options that you might not have thought of...

Stuff like:
-Leave it with a friend near by.
-Leave it at home and pick it up later.
-Arrange to borrow a bass.
-Have someone bring the bass to you.

Seriously, you say that you have "no choice"- you may just as well have NO BASS if you endanger it.

There has to be another way. Let us help you figure out what it might be- even if by PM if you don't feel comfortable spilling your guts on the forum.

PLEASE! For the sake of your bass...

Cause DIG IT: You can't play the bass if you aint got NO BASS!

Just sayin...

Joe

[lowfreq33]

Friend of mine just had his band trailer stolen from a secure lot. With $20,000 worth of gear inside. It only takes about ten seconds to smash a window and grab a bass. Don't leave it in the car.

[bass10bfb]

I totally agree with DC Bass on this one; this is a no win situation. I vowed to myself never to leave an instrument like this a long time ago.
Years ago (probably around 22-23 yrs.) I did not have a clue about instruments. I had not been playing music long at all and had just upgraded to a BC Rich Warlock (insert laughs here). Remember, this is a long time ago; I was probably 16 or 17 at the time. Long story short, I was talked in to leaving my bass where we practiced for a couple of days (we practiced in a barn). It got super hot over those few days and needless to say when I came back, the bass was ruined (warped the neck BAD). The drastic change of cool at night, hot in the day, ruined my bass. Please do your best to keep your instrument in a temp. controlled environemnet.
Not to mention, it would take no time for a thief to take your bass and your car, if that is what they wanted. I sure would not give them any extra incentive!!

[chuck norriss]

I ruined a beautiful Guild 12 string guitar by leaving it in a trunk thinking it wouldn't get as hot as the rest of the car. wrong wrong wrong.
Anything of value doesn't stay in the car for fear of being jacked or sun-punished. people steal. The sun is hot.

[MrDOS]

+1 on all the previous "no" answers -- but where do you live?

There are some spots in the US right now that are downright comfy for a bass right now...

[Liam Wald]

Originally Posted by chuck norriss

I ruined a beautiful Guild 12 string guitar by leaving it in a trunk thinking it wouldn't get as hot as the rest of the car. wrong wrong wrong.
Anything of value doesn't stay in the car for fear of being jacked or sun-punished. people steal. The sun is hot.

Absolutely correct. A guitar case in a car is an invitation for a smash and grab crime of opportunity and the kind of people who do smash and grabs have no problem doing it in a busy place. It takes about 5 seconds to smash the window grab the case and be halfway down the block and most citizens are not going to try and stop a guy who looks like a junkie and just jacked a car.
If I can't see the car the instrument is with me.

[Edward G.]

No better solution? Really?

[mam1862]

Don't do it. If you don't have time to pick it up then where ever you are prior take it in with you. I have brought mine to work many times to go to a gig right after work. These instruments cost too much money to take any chances with.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by bassindaface

Hey I have to leave my bass in the car for a long time, I know its bad and could ruin my instrument, but I have no choice. Is there anything I can do to keep it from getting too hot and melting the finish or cracking?

The finish will be fine, the joints and seams will not. Park in the underground parking?

[Dimmik]

You cannot leave any stringed instrument in a hot car unless you don't care what happens to it because it won't be anything good.

[Reku]

put it in a hard case and put a wig and goggly eyes on it and say its your cousin...I'm serious... don't leave it in the car for any reason.