Test of time...

[iou68]

hey guys
Recently I've been having some discussions with a friend of mine
about how guitars age and wear out over the years.
These discussions made me wonder how my bass would age?
I know there are lots of variables to how gtrs age and i guess i could
assume how a poly finish could end up but why wonder and
see whats out there ...

I've had my black cherry Stingray for about 5 yrs now.
my first probably my last (only child syndrome).

so I guess this goes out to all you who have older gtrs/basses
player's quality or even closet classics
How has your instruments taken the test of time?
I would love to see pics if you got any...

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Welcome to the forum.

Instruments should last for a very long time if looked after and maintained correctly.

This is my 1979 'Ray (78 body and 79 neck) which I bought new:

 

[Holdsg]

many of you weren't born yet in 1979. I was in High School. Man, that's one sweet bass Gav.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Polyester bodies are very durable. They might discolour a bit over the years (my '93 transparent white has yellowed somewhat) and it just depends on how much you play it and if you smack it against things if it has and chips or dents.

Frets and nuts will wear, but can be replaced. Likewise, the neck may wear in areas that are played the most but the bottom line is a well maintained instrument will last a long long time.

 

[OldManMusic]

My '78 Ray still rocks the house. The mutes faded but I didn't use them often, so I haven't replaced them. But other than that, it's solid.

 

[iou68]

Thanks guys for the responses and pics

In the end i kinda want mine to fade and naturally relic
brings out "the character" of the bass
or the relationship between owner and bass

I dont want to force the process and let it all unfold over time

i guess more sweat and gigging sunlight and " Love "is what its gonna take =P

btw since small mouth brought it up
the back of the neck isnt poly
any wearing or discoloration of the necks out there? pics?

 

[five7]

I have a violin from the 1600s, it has held up very well.

 

[JayDawg]

With the exception of a few situations where a bad one slips through the cracks, a guitar or bass should last a very long time. The key is how well you take care of it. For example, I have 2 basses that are almost 20 years old. Both were bought brand new by me and both have been taken care of very well. If you were to look at them, they would still be a 9 out 10 simply due to the fact that I take care of my stuff. Now with my Music Man basses, 3 of the 4 I have are only a year or less old so they are all still 10 out of 10 and with them, I really baby them because of their value, the rarity of 3 of those basses and the fact that I really do love them and have already bonded with them as far as sentimental value goes.

 

[syciprider]

I use all mine in Church gigs and they stay cherry. Not that a Church gig is rough on an instrument still I am always aware of where my headstock is and I never set my basses down on anything but a proper stand. I also use only top of the line gig bags to transport them in my car.

 

[keko]

How has your instruments taken the test of time?

...mine two EBMMs are sounding better after every gig or practice, ...it's kinda mojo in sweat and dirt, ...I don't know... (talkin' 'bout sound and tone)

Talkin' 'bout exterior, ...so far so good, ...no problemos!

 

[jlepre]

Sorry but I couldn't resist.

 

[drTStingray]

Those 70s Rays are awesome guys.

Unfinished necks do darken nicely over time, and the back goes shiny - no pics I'm afraid but this is just my experience of them.