Disinfecting shared instrument

[JES]

So..you’re not supposed to use alcohol on a bass because it will be bad for the wood and finish. But you are supposed to disinfect surfaces other people touch. What should I use?

 

[Yango]

Don’t share your bass.

 

[Bad_tattoo]

What should I use?

common sense? everyone else is taking baths in isopropyl alcohol and staying 10 feet away of eachother, why would you go around sharing your stringed virulence dispenser?

 

[JES]

Did someone swap out TalkBass for Gearslutz and not tell me?

 

[gln1955]

Everyone needs to stay six feet away from your bass. Whether or not there's a pandemic going on.

 

[bass12]

I was wondering the same thing the other day. I was supposed to have a session where I know the person hiring me prefers a Fender. My Fender is not in proper working order at the moment so borrowing was going to be a possibility. Looks as if that session is cancelled though...

 

[Playbyear]

Submerse the bass in boiling water for five minutes. Good to go after that!

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Just think of all the sound booths, mics, wind screens, pop filters, etc....
We are lucky it's only a bass, and have the ability not to let others near it.

 

[jd56hawk]

So..you’re not supposed to use alcohol on a bass because it will be bad for the wood and finish. But you are supposed to disinfect surfaces other people touch. What should I use?

School basses?
Other than that, sharing basses is right up there with sharing girlfriends.
Sure, some people do it, but...

 

[GIBrat51]

After a little research, it seems that Alcohol is, indeed, considered bad for a finish, and will seriously dry the fret board out, too. After wading through all the "boil it" (it's a toss up between water or oil); arguments about the best whiskey to dump on it (the more expensive the better, it seems) nonsense; and jokes about paranoia and "cootyitis", the two most sensible options seem to be;
1. A UV lamp (preferably UVA and UVB); or
2. Naptha (popularly known as Ronsonol or lighter fluid). Jury seems to be out on this one, but it's hard to imagine that it wouldn't work.
Personally, I don't lend my instruments out to anybody, anyway. Due mainly to the fact that, aside from mild paranoia, I don't have that many friends - much less ones who play bass; and I have almost none who are left handed. But, I'd agree that in a school setting, it might - no make that would - be a concern. Assuming that schools are open; which, as of today, most are not. So, the problem may not come up for the forseeable future...
Again, personally? I think the best solution would be not to worry too much about the instrument; just make sure you clean your hands afterward...

 

[mcnach]

So..you’re not supposed to use alcohol on a bass because it will be bad for the wood and finish. But you are supposed to disinfect surfaces other people touch. What should I use?

alternatively... just wash your hands afterwards. Be mindful where they are and don't touch your face/mouth etc until they're clean.

 

[beatdatthang]

Step 1. Don’t share a bass during a pandemic. If that fails see Step 2.
Step 2. Wash your hands before and after playing and don’t touch your face.
Step 3. Don’t do your best Rudy Sarzo impression and lick the bass.
Step 4. Don’t try your luck and a Jimi Hendrix impression and pluck with your teeth.

Follow those steps and you’ll probably be okay. I can’t imagine Lysol spray would be too harsh on a finish especially if you wipe it down immediately and don’t leave it wet.

 

[mmon77]

I use Quaternary ammonium as a disinfectant at home, after having used it when I worked in the food and beverage industry. It's mostly water, so I would imagine it can't be that bad for the finish on a bass. I guess the usual "try in an inconspicuous location" rule probably applies. I get mine from Amazon in the form of tablets that mix with water.

I see you're from Canada, so assuming you'll trust us, Quaternary ammonium listed by the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and EPA (the CDC links to this EPA page) as effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.

 

[Energy]

Basses are like underpants. You just don't share them.

 

[Ghook]

Where are you going to be where you could even share a bass? Live is going to be a "remember when" for awhile I'm afraid

 

[mongo2]

I guess the best advice has already been given...don't share.

 

[Panek]

So..you’re not supposed to use alcohol on a bass because it will be bad for the wood and finish. But you are supposed to disinfect surfaces other people touch. What should I use?

If you absolutely have to use a shared instrument, I'd give it a quick go-over with some antibacterial wipes before using it, then I'd make sure not to touch my face between songs and I'd thoroughly wash my hands afterwards as soon as possible using some alcohol-based soap.

 

[lfmn16]

I agree you shouldn't share it, but wiping the strings and fingerboard with alcohol one time is not going to ruin the bass. Common sense please.

 

[fretno]

Fire

 

[alembicguy]

Another case for don’t touch my sh-t!