Classic White Question....

[PocketGroove82]

Maybe this has been answered already...
But I'll ask anyway!

So, I'd like to know, why do the classic white basses turn such beautiful "butterscotch" colors?

It seems like all the old sunburst models just get beat up!

 

[Colin]

I'd say it has something to do with the nitrocellulose used on those guitars. Modern guitars probably won't age the same

 

[Musicman Nut]

Maybe this has been answered already...
But I'll ask anyway!

So, I'd like to know, why do the classic white basses turn such beautiful "butterscotch" colors?

It seems like all the old sunburst models just get beat up!

Every instrument has a clear coat including white Instruments, No Mater what the finish maybe UV rays will darken any clear coat over time and it's much more noticeable on a White bass persay. Take a Natural bass and after a few years just look at the chips and you'll see how much darker the Clear got just in a few years.

 

[plato]

Whay kind of lacquer was used back in 1988?
I have a white 88 SR that turned yellow and the finish is not very hard when given the fingernail test so I figure it's not poly finish like on the new SR's.

 

[Musicman Nut]

Whay kind of lacquer was used back in 1988?
I have a white 88 SR that turned yellow and the finish is not very hard when given the fingernail test so I figure it's not poly finish like on the new SR's.

That was not a good year for finishes, not 100% sure what was going on but i also Have a few of those, But it was only for a while this was going on which is why they have the great finishes they use now.

 

[plato]

So was it a "bad" mixture of a two component poly material, was it nitro, or was it a reaction to the HSC interrior material/glue?

 

[Musicman Nut]

So was it a "bad" mixture of a two component poly material, was it nitro, or was it a reaction to the HSC interrior material/glue?

NO was not nitro, somewhat like a Varnish kind of stuff, and it just never did get real hard. Thank God it was only a few years if that, it was not an Ernie Ball issue, they we're under the understanding it would get very hard as time passed, when they realized that was not happening they stop and changed methods.

 

[plato]

Well... hard or not... those were very good bass years.
I love that period even though I can't explain what was it exactly...
Hey Maybe it's the crappy finish ?!!!?

 

[PocketGroove82]

thanks for the info guys. i love how fine instruments age. I especially like the neck on my 1997 SR4...looks so dark compaired to my brand new SR5's neck. maybe it's just cause it needs a cleaning, but it's turned a nice shade...not to mention the grain is totally straight all the way up the neck! HOTNESS

 

[Musicman Nut]

Well... hard or not... those were very good bass years.
I love that period even though I can't explain what was it exactly...
Hey Maybe it's the crappy finish ?!!!?

you don't have to convince me I have over 50 of that era, Probably my favorite of all time, Those are just incredible basses.

 

[mrpackerguy]

Add in exposure to smoky clubs for a period of time.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Exhibit A, my '76 with pickguard removed .....

 

[DKWilkins]

Zoinks!!

Is that nicotine I smell?

 

[PocketGroove82]

wow mark..if that's from cigarettes, then that would make a good anti-smoking add!
She's a real purdy bass mate!