Bass in car during work day in winter?

[bassman10096]

Ummmm.......considering that every bass shipped during the winter has spent days or weeks in a frozen container and/or semi-trailer before it gets to a nice warm store I'd not worry at all as long as you keep it out of sight in the car and let it warm up to room temperature BEFORE you open the case.

I've had the finish destroyed on a beautiful nitro bass through ordinary Fedex shipping during cold weather. I sometimes wonder how manufacturers manage to ship nitro finished instruments during the winter but I'd never subject another nitro finish to more tha a ride in a heated vehicle, snug in its case.

 

[Ewo]

Back in the 80's I had a headless bass that came in an actual shotgun case. Took it into my bank several times, never a problem.

Maybe there was something about the '80s, LOL.

Late '80s I was playing a Washburn knock-off of the Steinberger stick. Carried it around in a cute little gig bag--which did look something like a soft rifle case.* One hot summer day I was on the way to a wedding gig and needed to stop off at a shopping mall to buy something. I never leave my bass in the car. So I'm dressed in a tuxedo, with this odd little soft case slung over my shoulder. Made my purchase, and the clerk was looking at me weird, but whatever... Started heading back to the parking lot and I got intercepted by mall security. They approached me cautiously and asked what was in the bag. I unzipped it and we all had a good laugh about it.

* I used to tote my miscellaneous gear (cables, spare strings, stuff) in one of those old Anvil briefcases. On another occasion the drummer joked that with the bass on my shoulder and the metal-edged briefcase in my hand I looked like a hit man going to work.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

@glocke1 an idea, not one I've tested however; what about putting a hand warmer or two in the case accessory compartment? Might keep the case warm enough throughout the work day. A rather costly method in the long run though. An unassuming well padded gig bag and take it in to work would be the safest bet. I've personally left my bass (and other guitars) in a cargo trailer driving from Alaska to Oregon in late December experiencing -30F nights and it was fine. If it needs to happen, maybe get a cheap "semi-disposable" bass like an affinity Squier. No big loss if things go south.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Again, being in an extreme climate is usually not a problem. Moving BETWEEN two extremes QUICKLY can treat you to visual you'll likely never forget. I haven't.

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

My 69' P turned from sunburst to white after being left in the car on a hot summers day for a couple hours.
It went back to normal after a few minutes but I haven't left it in the car since.

That being said, my biggest concern about leaving it in the car would be if someone broke into your car and stole it.

Like others have suggested, just bring it in to work and put it somewhere safe and out of the way.

 

[rohi]

I've had to do this a few times. My bass is fine, but I'm pretty regular with maintenance. If you're comfortable with the area the car is parked in and also the possibility that you may have to do a little resetting the next day, go for it.

 

[greenduke]

Dear lord, be nice to your bass and bring it inside with you. Use it for a footstool if necessary but geez, I wouldn't subject it such possible climactic changes.
Remember, it's no longer called global warming but climate change and in your situation it's definitely man made!

 

[JZQuantum]

Only reason I hesitate with that is because it's a corporate open office environment. It would draw too much attention to myself is the main thing I'm worried about.

I get what you are saying. If in your shoes and I had to bring it to work, my first trip would be to the security desk and have a conversation with them about the situation.

Weird things happen in offices these days and you can't be too safe. If they say it is ok, then talk to your boss for permission.

Or just see if you can store it at the security desk.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

Ummmm.......considering that every bass shipped during the winter has spent days or weeks in a frozen container and/or semi-trailer before it gets to a nice warm store I'd not worry at all as long as you keep it out of sight in the car and let it warm up to room temperature BEFORE you open the case.

You do understand with your example there is a return policy..........

 

[AboutSweetSue]

I had a similar situation not long ago. I just brought the sucker in. I definitely wouldn't want to leave it in a cold car.

Although, I had a bass once that I didn't treat well. I dragged that thing in the heat and cold, dragged it to many gigs, and it was fine in the end. The neck was maxed out, but it was fine, otherwise.

 

[hardtop]

Well, when we're on tour, it gets pretty cold in the trailer. Especially with wind whipping across the highway in middle of winter driving across Canada. I have had multiple basses survive extreme cold, none of which were nitro finish though. I wouldn't worry about it at all, personally. unless you are going to warm it up rapidly, it should be fine, in my experience.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Put the bass in a gig bag and bring it inside. Unless you're worried about someone taking your red Swingline stapler, being in a band is a cool thing to talk about. Maybe you'll a few more butts in seats. The only person I've ever worked with that being a musician was a negative was a guy we called "Fancy Pants" due to his sparkly pants that he wore one day. We also knew that he practiced on Wednesday nights and every Thursday he would call out with an ever ridiculous excuse. Every single Thursday. So, he was axed. Don't be a Fancy Pants.

 

[BEADG63]

Bring it inside. I left my beloved Spector NS5CR in the car overnight after a gig because it was just too damn cold to unload my gear. Well, several large finish cracks later, front and back, my basses always come in the house with me after a show, no matter how tired I am or what the weather is. Lesson learned...

 

[electracoyote]

I agree, it's a gamble, bring it in. The only way to not worry about a stringed musical instrument is to keep it at room temperature as often as possible.

Yeah, I've heard the stories about people leaving basses in temperature extremes and having "no ill effects." Well, I'm not ashamed to admit I'm not that lucky, and I have the finish cracks to prove it.

The temperature ying-yang in-and-out has a good chance of eventually stressing out some part of the instrument. You can take your guesses as to what will give, it could be one of several areas of the instrument.

Beater bass? No problem, if you have the coin to fix or replace it. Something nicer and pricier? Not on my dime.

 

[two fingers]

Get some sort of rolling hard case for it. Suits are always dragging around ridiculous hard cases. It will blend in. A flight case with wheels on one end and they'll think it's just one more "really important officy type thing" that "requires" a hard case.

If anyone asks you what it is, simply say something really officy. "It's a prototype for the Mcloughlin account. It's pretty amazing because it has the new X2 board in it. R&D killed it on this one. Bob is losing his mind and Jeff is freaking out. If I land this one I'll be looking at a corner office. I'm snapping necks and cashing checks!"

(Doesn't matter who Bob and Jeff are. Just act like YOU know who they are.)

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Absolutely no disrespect to any member here at all, but if the question pops up, tell work you're in a worship band.
A) That's kinda respectable
B) Not very rock and/or roll - work won't think you're a junkie

That makes no sense whatsoever. Most people in the world love music no matter what it is.

 

[two fingers]

That makes no sense whatsoever. Most people in the world love music no matter what it is.

They do NOT, however, respect musicians... because so many of us are flakes and weirdos.

 

[xnewyorka]

Again, being in an extreme climate is usually not a problem. Moving BETWEEN two extremes QUICKLY can treat you to visual you'll likely never forget. I haven't.

Yeah, this is the visual for a Nitro finish that was 100% beautiful and perfectly smooth when it left the store and shipped to me during a January cold spell. Here it is after arrival and before shipment.

 

[JoeWPgh]

If you're a fan of relic'd basses, leave it in your car all year round

 

[diegom]

Steinberger L2, FTW