• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Condensation

Hey All,
I live in NYC and I have not played in a couple of months due to work and schedule. Last night I pulled out my Ric 4003 MG. I noticed small patched of moisture on the body. it all wiped away easily enough but I was concerned. I checked my other 4003 and my other basses and none of them had any condensation. I checked for a leak in the storage area I keep them in. The room is not cold or hot. and in all my time I have never seen this before.
You guys have any idea what could have caused this or what can I do to prevent it. Should I take my basses out more often to let them "breathe"? Thank for any help.
 
My best guess is that it was hot and humid the last time you opened the case, so there was moisture-laden air trapped in the case. The temp was lower in your storage area, and hence moisture condensed on the bass. Wouldn't be surprised if there was some moisture that landed on the interior walls of the case, too. Not visible, but in the nap of the cloth. Feel a little damp, maybe?

Just guessing, that's all.
 
I can't see how it is condensation. When you are in a 68F room and walk outside in the muggy 80F weather, your shoes don't get condensation on it. Your glasses do, your keys do, your metal tools do. Also it has to be this really low temperature which would be below the dew point to get the condensation. Even if you stored the bass with this spot of moisture on it, the case lining should have eventually absorbed it. I think the drop got there after you opened the case and not out of thin air.
 
Thank you all for the advice. I cant explain what it was. I opened the case and it was there. Again since it had been a while since I opened it, before Summer began, Maybe it did just get humid in there. What was strange was that on the fretboard the only moisture that seemed to have formed was under the strings.