Playing outside in the cold: Can it do any harm?

[Xren]

I've got a gig next week, which takes place outside, next to a (artificial) skating track, which is, obviously, being cooled.

Temperature will probably be around 2-10 degrees.

Can this do any harm to my bass? I assume I'll be okay when I keep it in the case for a while to let it get used to the low temperature.

But if not, I'll get my old bass out

Anyone got experiences with playing in cold weather?

 

[GRISSLEHEAD]

I've got a gig next week, which takes place outside, next to a (artificial) skating track, which is, obviously, being cooled.

Temperature will probably be around 2-10 degrees.

Can this do any harm to my bass? I assume I'll be okay when I keep it in the case for a while to let it get used to the low temperature.

But if not, I'll get my old bass out

Anyone got experiences with playing in cold weather?

That kind of cold could checkerboard your finish....believe me I know from experience on my '71 Jazz , also it's going to be difficult to move your fingers. Keeping it in tune might be a problem.Use your old bass !!!

 

[fourstringburn]

Good question. Well basses are made from wood (mostly)...wood comes from trees...trees endure the elements...Hmm.
Changes in humidy has more of an impact on wood than tempratures.

I think I would rent a bass anyway!

 

[gregwatts2008]

Definitely use the old bass! It will be a bitch to stay tuned properly. Wood shrinks and the strings will tighten up.

 

[fender_funk_man]

Yes.... use the crappiest bass you have... or rent one.

 

[Flatty Banks]

Hmm... It's not fun, though!

 

[bass_snake]

Yes.... use the crappiest bass you have... or rent one.

That' s what you should do. Good luck!

Fred

 

[elgecko]

...or get a graphite-necked bass. Problem solved!

 

[bass12]

Two to ten degrees what? If it's celsius then no problem. Fahrenheit is a different story. I've played in the cold on several occasions and never had a problem. Then again, I'm more inclined to use my least "valuable" bass in such circumstances (just for piece of mind). Is the stage not going to have any heaters on it?

 

[bass12]

...or get a graphite-necked bass. Problem solved!

Not necessarily. Some graphite necks - especially those with truss rods - are just as susceptible to changes in humidity as some wooden necks.

 

[Revvv]

I would make sure to have a covered stage with partial sides. Then a good high output heater blowing across and through the stage. Possibly multiple heaters. That will keep most things in check.

If I couldn't have that, then they can find another band.

As for your equipment; as the wood shrinks the paint will shrink at a slower rate. The paint will crack, chip, and spiderweb. However, you may not see that happen at all. You just have to remember that the heat in your vehicle will cause the wood to expand just as it contracted, and possibly so at a great enough rate to destroy the paint.

Acclimate the bass in the case for as long as possible, then open the case for another 20 or 30 min to allow it to further adjust to the weather and humidity. This will reduce the damage, or possibility of damage.

 

[elgecko]

Not necessarily. Some graphite necks - especially those with truss rods - are just as susceptible to changes in humidity as some wooden necks.

I SERIOUSLY doubt that humidity was the culprit in any of the warped graphite-neck cases that have been experienced. The problem is more likely structural deficiencies resulting from manufacturing defects.

 

[Johnny Crab]

Use the old bass and some fingerless gloves(not leather-backed).
Works for me in the cold.

 

[dwm74]

And it might be a good idea to loosen the tension on the strings when you're done playing. As the wood returns to normal room temperature, then re-tune it back to normal.

 

[Xren]

Two to ten degrees what? If it's celsius then no problem. Fahrenheit is a different story. I've played in the cold on several occasions and never had a problem. Then again, I'm more inclined to use my least "valuable" bass in such circumstances (just for piece of mind). Is the stage not going to have any heaters on it?

Oh I'm sorry, that would be Celcius. Still, if it wouldn't be a problem, seeing the replies here doesn't make me want to even risk it.

The stage isn't going to be heated I think.

Thanks for the replies I'll definately be using my old bass.

 

[t0t0m]

Oh I'm sorry, that would be Celcius. Still, if it wouldn't be a problem, seeing the replies here doesn't make me want to even risk it.

The stage isn't going to be heated I think.

Thanks for the replies I'll definately be using my old bass.

Good....keep on

 

[BassBob185]

Who in their right mind would schedule an outside event in that temperature? Must be an ice carving or snowman building event Any instrument, not just the bass, will have problems.

 

[danomite64]

Who in their right mind would schedule an outside event in that temperature?

I'm always amazed at the choices people make without asking the bands if it's even possible. I've done several outdoor gigs on a flatbed trailer in the middle of the summer; the last time our singer passed out on stage. I've done the freezing cold gigs where my bass developed a backbow that I just didn't have the time to fix so I had to use a fretless. I've had to argue with people to get events moved indoors when it was obvious to everybody else that the rain wasn't going to let up and even if it did the stage was soaking wet and therefore unsafe. And then there was that soundguy who thought the subwoofers should be the only thing heard.......ahh, memories.

 

[bronzdragon]

I was going to say, if you're playing outside in 2 degree F, you're much more hardcore then I am, lol. Just being outside in that temp is a chore, let alone trying to play for awhile.


~r~

 

[bass12]

I SERIOUSLY doubt that humidity was the culprit in any of the warped graphite-neck cases that have been experienced. The problem is more likely structural deficiencies resulting from manufacturing defects.

I'm not talking about warping - just your average neck movement due to variations in humidity. It's not as uncommon as you might think (with graphite).