My belt killed my ric :( Help needed!

[TimBosby]

The first scratches are always the hardest to deal with, but once you get over it, future ones won't be so bad.
Are we talking just scratches in the clear coat? Or to the paint? Or to the wood?

Depending on how bad these are you could:
1) Leave it alone and don't wear spiky belts or tucked-in shirts in the future.
2) Try using some Nano-wax or similar product to buff out the finer clear coat scratches.
3) Send it to Pat Wilkins for professional repair/partial refinish. This would cost several hundred $ and is probably not worth it for a few scratches. But, his work IS amazing.

 

[RobertPaulson]

Don't worry about it, basses are meant to be played. I'm always relieved after the first incident with a new bass, then I can stop worrying about it

 

[Thunderitter]

I these on my basses:

They work very well, are put on and taken-off easily without leaving any marks and they can be trimmed down to fit as required, although they fit a Fender shape without need for trimming.

 

[LanEvo]

My dad suggested some car wax and wiped it down. Now the scratches are invisible, i cant even see where they were.

I don't think you meant wax. All wax does is make an already smooth panel shiny. It doesn't do anything for scratches.

What you need is something with a mild abrasive to buff out the superficial scratches. Look for something that was designed to remove swirls. An automotive "polish" or even "glaze" is what you need.

I would try Meguiar's Scratch-X or 3M Imperial Hand Glaze.

 

[Thunderitter]

I don't think you meant wax. All wax does is make an already smooth panel shiny. It doesn't do anything for scratches.

What you need is something with a mild abrasive to buff out the superficial scratches. Look for something that was designed to remove swirls. An automotive "polish" or even "glaze" is what you need.

I would try Meguiar's Scratch-X or 3M Imperial Hand Glaze.

Depending on the polish, some will 'fill' in shallow cracks and swirls and render them invisible.

 

[mccartneyman]

I'd say, just accept the scratches and stop wearing studded belts when you play. But I also like the idea of a back guard: Link Removed

 

[J. Crawford]

We get all of these threads about people making basses into relics, and then when one comes around where its a natural relic, we try to fix it!

What has the world come to!?

 

[NKBassman]

I say keep wearing the studded belt and scratch the **** out of your bass. It looks cooler that way.

 

[D.A.R.K.]

make the gf buy you a new bass, dump her, and nail her sister.
that'll teach her.

 

[john_g]

IMHO, what is most recommended: Scratch X and Xymol. I have an older Ric and even though its in mint condition, there are some minor surface scratches here and there. I used Scratch X to buff them out and then the Xymol (even on the fretboard!) to shine it up. Looked brand new when I was done.

 

[jmattis]

I've found the best solution to minimizing belt scratches is to cop the masters style-

 

[RickenBoogie]

IMHO, what is most recommended: Scratch X and Xymol. I have an older Ric and even though its in mint condition, there are some minor surface scratches here and there. I used Scratch X to buff them out and then the Xymol (even on the fretboard!) to shine it up. Looked brand new when I was done.

This is the correct answer. At least, that's what John Hall says, and he should know, right?

 

[J. Crawford]

make the gf buy you a new bass, dump her, and nail her sister.
that'll teach her.

/thread

 

[Jeff K]

Unless you have to dress up when you play, here's a simple preventive measure:

Just take one of those red or blue bandanna handkerchiefs (like the Crips and Bloods used to wear!). Fold it like you would if you were gonna' put it in your pocket. Then stick part of it inside your jeans behind the belt buckle, and let the other half hang out over the belt buckle. It provides very good protection, and is virtually invisible to the audience because it's behind your bass.

 

[stflbn]

If the bass is still playable? Then it's not 'ruined'.

It's scratched...

-1 for the over-reaction to a scratch caused by a belt you chose to wear.

 

[badstonebass]

1. If you are worried about a few scratches you should have never played that bass.

2. If you are worried about an instrument you should never take it onstage.

3. Guitars are TOOLS to be USED and with that comes wear and tear.

4. If you guitars AREN'T getting banged up onstage you have no business being onstage

5. Buckle rash is a BADGE of HONOR

A guitar is like a new pickup. You worry about it until you scratch or dent the bed once. After that it's time to get a load of limestone.

 

[I<34080]

You could put the polishing cloth that came with it in your pants and let it hang out. People shouldn't be able to see it.

 

[El Raro]

I'd personally leave it. As you said...its made to rock out with rather than be kept in its case. Wear and tear like that adds a bit of character to the bass...makes it look well loved in a sense.

 

[taygunov]

It's called "buckle rash". I have tons of it on the back of my bass, doesn't really affect me. I think you should just leave it.

 

[Krügmeister]

make the gf buy you a new bass, dump her, and nail her sister.
that'll teach her.

Best. Answer. Ever.