Are burst finishes out?

[Peter Hess]

I’ll take a vintage Pbass with a burst finish and a rosewood board over any other finish.

 

[wysiwyg248]

Burst finish is overrated.

 

[GreyBeard]

 

[Geogio]

People don't like burst & tort FSO's? That's almost inconceivable!

 

[Basically Bob]

Wub it

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Deep down we all know you have a sunburst P with tort and flats. You play it with one finger when noone's looking.

That one finger crack was way beyond below the belt… and I’m going to use it!

 

[non]

love my warmoth black to clear burst!

 

[tpaul]

Traditional bursts, faded/yellowed whites, black and most reds are ok with me. Coffee table basses, blue and green bursts, translucent black and purple are not.

Then again, there's no particular reason anyone should care what I think.

 

[BrotherRay]

"Give me sunburst or give me death!"

Thomas Paine

 

[Texican]

Here is my 2-tone sunburst with anodized gold pickguard. Fender American Original 50’s P bass. I don’t care if it’s out of style. It’s the punchiest bass I’ve ever played. Currently wearing DR Legend flats.

 

[sdjfoh]

I think there’s just much more variety available in finishes these days so one might think bursts are out. I personally never cared for bursts unless they are crusted with mojo.

I used to be into natural finish ash wood grain but I started doing my own metal flake and sparkle and am firmly entrenched in that rabbit hole now.

 

[jd56hawk]

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?

Just looking at what Fender has to offer, I'd have to say no: vintage burst, tobacco burst, antique burst, violin burst, sienna burst, amber burst, brown burst, mystic burst, bourbon burst, cognac burst, black lager burst, 2-color sunburst, 3-color sunburst, chocolate 2-color burst, chocolate 3-color burst, teriyaki burst, mocha burst, anniversary burst, retro burst, autumn burst, burnt umber burst, raw umber burst, chestnut burst, mahogany burst, caramel burst, cafe noir burst, western saddle burst, cat's eye burst, agate burst, root beer burst, birch beer burst, wurst burst, tar-bubble burst, English breakfast-tea burst, blood-pudding burst, Baked-Alaska burst, Boston-baked-bean burst.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

My theory, which is mine, which I wrote, is that you pick burst and tort because you can't decide on anything else.

Now, the more important question: Do you think it makes me look more serious? More, um, respectable?

 

[J-Bassomatic]

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?

Burst is traditional, Black is the alternative. Flat black is another alternative. In reality there are so many colors you can choose, from monochrome to metal flake.

No. It will always be an option. The minute you don't like it, you see a bass that it looks great on. I'm sticking with it. But that's just my opinion.


This bass rocks.

 

[socialleper]

Not bursts in general, but I feel tobacco burst and sunburst finishes are too old school. That why some people like them. I despise everything about the look of the 70s.

 

[Pings Bass]

Not at my house or at the major retailers (who tend to stock what sells). YMMV

 

[Wannabass]

They chose me, nothing I could do..

 

[ElBecko59]

Come to think of it , Why do I even own these hideous looking bursts ?

 

[Stewie]

I’ve been meaning to throw this one away.

 

[burgerdj]

Never been my thing, but then no one has ever forced me to play one. Any my band mates really couldn’t care less. I’d still buy one if the tone and playability was inspiring.