Indentations from Bridge Covers

[UpwardGroove]

Until recently, I had never noticed this issue. I've now seen both new AVRI and new Custom Shop basses with visible indentations in the body from the bridge covers.

Is this considered normal or a defect that would warrant a reduction in price? I think this might be more common in basses with nitro finishes, but I'm not sure.

Do vintage Fenders typically have indentations like this?

I'm wondering about this because while I look the look of the covers, I prefer to play without them.

 

[Dave W]

I think this might be more common in basses with nitro finishes, but I'm not sure.

That's what I have noticed. Nitro is softer than poly so it makes sense. My AVRI has the indentations.

 

[smcd]

It's more noticeable depending on how long the cover has been on, but impressions left by the bridge cover are very common.

 

[Iridescentone]

Is this considered normal or a defect that would warrant a reduction in price?

Good luck with that, let us know how it works out for ya. It's not a "defect".

Besides, it's just a bass guitar, not a billiard table.

 

[bassman10096]

Besides, it's just a bass guitar, not a billiard table.

LOL

Nitro is quite soft (a fingernail pressed firmly for a couple of minutes will dent it). When a piece presses on it for an extended length of time, it will dent and tend to cure that way. I always thought the dents made by parts I was too cool to use anymore (ashtrays, covers) were part of the mojo.

 

[bh2]

Yep... mojo.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Those indentations are found on vintage basses, yes. And the Road Worn Fenders come with free ashtray indentations at the bridge!

 

[Matt R.]

Happens to heavy poly finishes too. Got 'em on my 74 and 78 Jazzes.

 

[bigmoosepi]

it's just going to happen if the finish is nitro, nitro never cures.

If you put paint thinner on a nitro bass it will literally just wipe the entire finish off. Not the case for poly because it actually cures.

 

[UpwardGroove]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the info.