I asked "you know who" about the use of sunburst finish:
The sunburst finish is a classic and iconic design that has been associated with Fender guitars, including basses, for many years. It is believed that the sunburst finish was first introduced by Fender in the 1950s, and it quickly became a popular choice among musicians.
One reason for its popularity may be that the sunburst finish is visually striking and eye-catching, while still being understated and elegant. It consists of a gradient of colors, usually starting with a darker color at the edges of the guitar and gradually transitioning to a lighter color in the center. This creates a sense of depth and dimensionality that is visually appealing.
Another reason for the sunburst finish's popularity is that it has been associated with many famous musicians who have played Fender basses over the years. This has helped to establish the sunburst finish as an iconic symbol of rock and roll, and has helped to cement its place as the default color for Fender bass guitars.
Overall, the sunburst finish is a classic design that has stood the test of time, and it remains a popular choice among musicians to this day.
You Know Who's response about the use of automotive paint was more interesting:
The use of automotive paint on bass guitar bodies is a relatively recent development in the history of bass guitar manufacturing. While some guitar manufacturers may have experimented with automotive paint in the past, it did not become a common practice until the latter part of the 20th century.
One reason for this is that automotive paint technology improved significantly in the 1960s and 1970s, making it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. This made it an attractive option for guitar manufacturers who were looking to create instruments that could withstand the rigors of live performance and heavy use.
Another factor that contributed to the use of automotive paint on bass guitar bodies was the increasing popularity of custom paint jobs among musicians. As more and more bass players began to seek out unique and personalized instrument designs, guitar manufacturers responded by offering a wider range of custom finishes and colors, many of which were created using automotive paint.
Today, many bass guitar manufacturers use automotive paint on their instruments, both as a way to create unique and eye-catching designs, and as a way to ensure that the finish is durable and long-lasting. In fact, some manufacturers even offer custom paint options that allow customers to choose from a range of automotive paint colors and finishes to create their own unique bass guitar design.
It just speaks of a different time.
Maybe it's because I'm an old Boomer - a really old Boomer; or maybe it's just because, as a lefty, too? Lots of times, my color choices were limited to Black - or 3-tone Burst. That's all the choice Fender offered me - for a lotta years...
