Using the Right Tape on a Bass?

[whoatherechunk]

Alright guys...I searched and didn't get much. I just wanted to know what tape would be good to stick stuff on basses and not destroy the finish or leave much adhesive (only enough I could scrape off easily afterwards). I'm thinking about gaffers tape! Any input on this? What I want to put exactly are two photos I love of my family and some hospital wristbands I wore when I was going through some health issues a year ago. I would be putting these on the back of my bass. Anyways......thanks for the input guys.

 

[knumbskull]

when i saw the thread title i expected a total bunfight and stream of disapproval

...but actually that's a pretty good reason.

i always found vinyl electrical/insulating tape leaves no residue on my basses. actual gaffa tape does tend to leave gunk, i wouldn't use that.

 

[Ryan L.]

I used regular old clear Scotch tape to put pictures of my daughters on my Modulus Q5 a few years ago. It left no residue at all when I took them off when I sold the bass.

 

[kai_ski]

I just wanted to know what tape would be good to stick stuff on basses and not destroy the finish or leave much adhesive (only enough I could scrape off easily afterwards).

I would use masking tape. That's what it's designed to do.

 

[Angus]

You mean painter's tape, not masking tape. Masking tape leaves a lot of residue.

 

[whoatherechunk]

soo umm electrical tape> painters tape > scotch tape. anyone wanna prove it wrong? thanks guys.

 

[knumbskull]

come to think of it, the photos are more likely to sustain damage than the bass! have you tried double sided sticky tape??

otherwise Scotch might be the way to go... as with so much else in life

 

[whoatherechunk]

i'm making copies of the photos . so rather the photos get damaged.......then the bass.....as i will always have the originals. just want something durable so the photos wont come off and something that wont leave residue or **** up the finish

 

[Angus]

Electrical tape will also leave a residue over time. Pretty gnarly residue actually- I'd stay away from it.

 

[Showdown]

About ten years ago I bought a used bass that had a picture stuck on the back with a clear adhesive film, like this stuff:

http://www.misterart.com/g1715/Con-Tact-Brand-Clear-Self-Adhesive-Laminate.htm

It is a clear plastic sheet with adhesive on one side that goes over the picture, with enough left around the edges to stick it too any surface. It came off easily without leaving any residue.

 

[whoatherechunk]

nice! i think that may be the best option then!

 

[Chunk-O-Funk]

The 100% no residue option!
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[JTE]

That clear film showdown mentions looks like the answer. If not that, I'd use gaffers tape because it's whole function is to stick things pretty firmly without leaving residue.

jte

 

[mccartneyman]

Duct or gaffers tape will leave anasty, gummy residue if left on too long or used in a situation where it becomes war. I think the blue painters tape is the best option. or you might try the gummy 3M stuff that they sell to put posters on walls without leaving spots.

 

[ByF]

Naptha will remove just about any kind of tape residue--sold in stores as "Ronsonol Lighter Fuel." Or of course you can buy naptha at a hardware store.

Just don't smoke while you're using it--it's highly flammable.

Ed

 

[JTE]

If your gaffers tape is leaving residue, I think someone sold you duct tape and called it Gaff tape. The adhesive is very different.

jte

 

[sonic assassin]

+1 to painters tape. i use it on everything. never any clean up

 

[whoatherechunk]

does painters tape come in different colors? i normally see it as just blue. thanks guys.....i'm liking the gaffer, photo adhesive thing, and painters tape so far. sweeeeet!!!!

 

[xaxxat]

Painters tape also comes in green.

 

[hover]

If your gaffers tape is leaving residue, I think someone sold you duct tape and called it Gaff tape. The adhesive is very different.

jte

Yup. I've played many a sun-lit warm-to-scorching hot stage and have yet to have gaffer's tape fail me by leaving gunk on my cables.