Are burst finishes out?

[GIBrat51]

I've noticed that some TB members have been condemning burst finishes in threads over the past year or so. It got me wondering, "are burst finishes not as popular as they once were? If they are much less popular, then what are the colors/finishes that everyone is into right now?"
So, what say you?

Well, burst finishes are definitely out in my house. I have 3 basses with burst finishes out on stands in my living room right now. My '17 Warmoth Mini-P (classic nitro 3TB); my '17 Hofner 500/2 Club Bass (Sunburst); and my '20 EBMM 4HH Stingray Special (Burnt Umber - a sort of 2TB). I have a few others as well, waiting for their time to replace these in the LR. It's not that I'm a fanatic about burst finishes, or anything; out of 24 basses - most of them considerably older than these - it's just a pretty common finish. I have basses - and guitars - in red, white, blue, black, gold, silver metalflake, and natural. I like them all. I can't think of a single instrument I've given a pass on, because of the finish; that's way, way down on my list of priorities. Can't say that it will never happen, but - it hasn't happened yet...

 

[WI Short Scaler]

First, to each his own, if you like the classic brown and black burst more power to ya.

Bursts in other colors I like. That "classic" look has just been so overdone. And I haven't noticed that the people in TB have been any more critical of that look.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

TB members do not represent the majority.

 

[pbass2]

I don't think a FSO in a nice 3TSB will ever go out of style.

 

[Relsom]

I just bought a 2015 Fender American Standard Precision a couple of weeks ago. 3TSB, Rosewood, Tort, & TI Flats.
It's fantastic and will never go out of style as far as I'm concerned.

 

[metron]

I hate sunburst and its red-orangey-yellowey variants like honey, cherry, sienna, autumn, amber, tobacco, vintage, clown, etc. Might as well mention I hate tort and flats too.

Bursts can be cool though. I like green, blue, red, silver, metallics, sparkles etc.

 

[Nakoatron]

Yes. Which is why I only do reverse burst finishes because it cancels out another persons burst finish.

 

[krfoss]

I pretty much only buy and gravitate toward bursts. But, no one has ever thought my tastes were popular.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

I despise brown bursts (3TS, tobacco, et cetera) and refuse to own them, having passed on otherwise awesome instruments due to the finish. My main player is a metallic aquamarine flake finish, so obviously my tastes vary in this regard.

 

[BadSanta1281]

It wouldn't be so common if people didn't like it.

 

[Mr Matt]

Not a fan of sunburst finishes, do appreciate a well executed tobacco burst, but my favorite color is blue, so I had my Lakland done this way...

 

[TrevorG]

Never admitted it before but regular burst is a deal breaker for me. Most of the crap knock-offs when I was a kid were that colour and now I have a deep distrust of them.

 

[fhm555]

I used to really like fancy finishes, but after having a few I’ve decided it’s like a red bow on a hammer handle, looks cute but does nothing to improve it’s nail driving capability.

 

[truand85]

Yes. Which is why I only do reverse burst finishes because it cancels out another persons burst finish.

View attachment 4650897

Hahaha, this one made me laugh out loud good job

 

[LeFunk Machine]

I love sunburst finishes, especially ones that are finished in nitrocellulose. They look beautiful to me.

 

[Jeremy Crockett]

I sure hope they are.

 

[tbz]

Depends.

In the eyes of TB members. No.

But I also can’t recall seeing any younger high profile players that I’ve noticed favoring bursts.

 

[GretschWretch]

View attachment 4650757

The rattle-can refinish club thanks you.

 

[mrjim123]

Just my take, in order, from most to least favorite:

natural clear finish
painted (one color, just about anything but green )
sunburst
sparkle (ugh)

 

[Kevan Campbell]

I love sunburst finishes, especially ones that are finished in nitrocellulose. They look beautiful to me.

View attachment 4650951

Same!! I have a somewhat obsessive love over ‘bursts, particularly the tobacco/two-tone/three-tone varieties:

The Sadowsky on the left with the rosewood board and chrome hardware was just sold and I’ve added a Fender ‘57 RoadWorn that hasn’t made it into the photos yet, but yeah…I’m clearly a fan of ‘bursts.