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Should I open my new bass immediately?

#61
Open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it open it
 
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#63
I’ve never waited to open any shipped basses in all sorts of weather conditions.
Never seemed to bother anything.
Though one time I opened the case to one in the dead of winter which was followed by a large cracking sound.
It wigged me out as you can imagine but was the case itself not the bass.
Even then, no visual issues with the case
 
#64
spencejm said:
I'm having a new bass delivered this afternoon. It should be in a hard case inside the shipping container. I've heard I should not open it right away to allow the temp and humidity to stabilize. I understand the reasoning for this but is it really necessary? I REALLY want to at least look at it!

Thank you for your advice.

Joe
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Is this a solid body electric bass? If it’s an upright, disregard the following. It’s going to be ok if you open the case. That said, when you open the case touch the instrument, if it is cold or hot to the touch close the case. 3 to 4 seconds is not going to hurt anything unless it was sent packed in dried ice or in a lit oven. Congrats on the bass arrival!!
 
#66
philthygeezer said:
I would unpack it very slowly.

First I check for dents, and then slowly unpack the delivery slip, read it in a whispered tone.

Then I would run my fingers along every seam, looking for the places where I could separate the tape without being rough on the package.

Then I would very slowly unzip the flaps where I know there is another layer of protective material, keeping the precious object out of sight and reach a little longer.

Then I would slip it out of the box, slowly and carefully removing the remaining packaging.

Then I would attentively undo the zipper/unfasten the clasps.

Finally, I would examine every surface and curve very closely, and then plug it in and take it for a drive at slowly increasing volumes, playing with each knob and button until I am fully satisfied.
Click to expand...

Dear Penthouse Forum: I never thought this would happen to me, but on an extremely hot day I was sitting around in my underwear waiting for the UPS lady to deliver my new bass, and...
 
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#67
Ostie said:
Unless it came from Antarctica, it’s fine.
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70DD0471-C8F5-4F35-A8BA-76882CB69FF3.png
 
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#70
We humans quickly forget the temperature and humidity extremes that we experience year to year. Mid-June in Colorado, it seems like my semi-hollowbody is resilient af, but I feel differently around the new year. That goes for many organic materials. Say you’re standing outside for 30 minutes when it’s 1 degree F. You’re bald with a freshly shaved head. Now you walk inside your warm house. Your ears must feel just great. Taking circulation out of the picture, your tissues, whether you’re alive or mummified, will still react to the environment.

With wooden instruments, the construction and finish will play a big role in how it reacts to these changes. You probably wouldn’t take your 1940 Martin out to a jam session in the dead of winter, but your Squier p bass, why not. Adjust accordingly.

I often have found that the excitement that comes from waiting to open a bass may be one of the best material-based things you’ll experience. As with many things in life, moderation is key here. Just because you haven’t dealt with a cracked finish doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t happen to you…but it doesn’t mean that it will either.
 
#74
Every new bass bought by members here should immediately be sent to me for preparation and evaluation of the humidifying conditions. Depending on the instrument, it can take many months to fully establish a stable humidity within the pores of the instrument. The most expensive and generally best instruments can take a year or more in my personal care.

But I assure you I will take the best care of your instruments, and any photos you see of your instrument being played by people who claim to be renting it for the night are entirely fraudulent.
 
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#76
The only time I have followed the “let it acclimate” advice was when I had a vintage bass shipped from Chicago to San Francisco in the dead of winter. I waited 24 hours before opening it and, while I can’t prove a negative, the bass seemed quite comfy and well adjusted upon unboxing.

At best I prevented damage to a fine axe and at worst I opened the box with peace of mind.
 
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