Protecting the finish?

[Cygnus X-1]

Hey guys,

I noticed that a lot of folks like the old worn-in distressed look on their basses. For some, the worn finish from where your forearm rests can be seen as a sign of character (or actual usage). Nicks and scratches are considered battle scars. I actually think that's great and can look pretty cool.

For me personally, I'd like to keep the finish intact as much as possible. I understand that time will eventually take it's toll (on all of us ), but I'd like to be able to keep the finish on for as long as I can.

Does anyone else share this sentiment? and what can be done to help?
Yeah, I know wear long sleeves

 

[Matt_W]

I think you will be fighting a loosing battle, you would be better just taking care of your basses, but not worrying too much when the inevitable does happen. In the end, I think you'll have a lot more fun playing if you don't worry too much.

My Corvette $$ is only a year old, and despite having a hard case, and a good quality stand it still has a dent from where a strap lock hit it, a scratch on the back from my belt and the part of the body where my arm rubs is getting highly polished, and I reckon it won't be all that long before the colour begins to fade in that area.

The only advice I can offer is be very careful and wash your hands before you play.

 

[RickenBoogie]

I like to keep my basses as shiny as possible, wipe them down with a polish cloth after every session, but what will be will be. You could always keep trading for new basses every couple of years.

 

[ibanezcollector]

I agree with Matt W..

If you want it to be perfect your going to spend more time worrying then enjoying..

Like Rickenboogie said as well "What Will Be, Will Be"


I understand wanting to keep it clean and pretty, but what I dont understand is babying a instrument thats sole purpose in life is to be played..

We all get scars, no one on earth even the most protected person is scar free..



If you really want it perfect 30 years from now buy 2 keep on in a case its whole life. hahah had to put a smart remark in there somewhere

 

[lowbass68]

Hey guys,

I noticed that a lot of folks like the old worn-in distressed look on their basses. For some, the worn finish from where your forearm rests can be seen as a sign of character (or actual usage). Nicks and scratches are considered battle scars. I actually think that's great and can look pretty cool.

For me personally, I'd like to keep the finish intact as much as possible. I understand that time will eventually take it's toll (on all of us ), but I'd like to be able to keep the finish on for as long as I can.

Does anyone else share this sentiment? and what can be done to help?
Yeah, I know wear long sleeves

With reasonable care you can keep a bass looking good and the wear that occurs will happen over time and look natural. The look of those old 60's Fenders wore down to the wood from years of playing looks sweet to me. But I don't care much for the deliberate relic'ing of new instruments, but that is just my opinion..