Question White and the ageing process. I'm curious!

[Movielife]

This has probably been covered before, but I couldn't find a definite answer.

I have two white Rays. One is about a year or so older.

Today, I took the younger bass out to tune it, check it over, etc. It's been stored in its case, in the original shipping box, since I moved.

I noticed almost all of the bass has turned a slightly creamy colour. There are some edges where it looks like it is slowly catching up, but basically, it's not pure white like it used to be.

I checked and my Ray 5 (slightly older) seems the same, except its changed all over I think.

I presume and hope this is just the normal ageing if the bass?

They are both still a lovely colour!

 

[stingray96191]

It is fairly normal. I wouldn't worry about it. Everything changes with time.


Erin

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Yes, my trans white has yellowed somewhat. But it's still nice and creamy.

 

[JayDawg]

I have also noticed it on the shell pink color too. When I first got the breast cancer awareness bass, the shell pink was not as dark but in the almost 3 years that I have had it, the shell pink has darkened up just a slight bit. The bass still looks great though.

 

[keko]

My reflex is now 2 Years old and white is not a pure white any more (like in my signature), ...it's a little bit creamy white, or should I say "vintage white", or it's to early for that?

Bass is properly cased and maintained, ...but already got a huge "mileage", ...so, ...You got the picture guys, right?

However, ...I really like that cream color tone!

 

[Movielife]

Keko - I think your bass might be the same age as mine. My Ray 4 HH has been cased and virtually unsused but well cared for due to moving house, career, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I assume its just natural for white to do this, I was just checking

I only noticed as I can see 2-3 areas where it looks like it is still pure white, (very small areas on the contours) as in they might be the last areas where it is changing...I'm guessing if I left it again for another 6 months the whole bass will be this creamier white.

It might explain why when I see Ray's with white plates, the body seems creamier! Even on the latest models.

My Ray 5 has been used more than my Ray 4 HH, and it seems the whole body has changed colour now without me noticing.

Apparently, all guitar colours change over time, even if virtually unused, but white is a lot more noticable.

Is there anything I should do?

 

[drTStingray]

Try taking off the pickguard and see if there's a difference under there - there usually is.

They age quite nicely but the good thing is they still look quite white under lights.

 

[Tollywood]

I like it when the color changes a little with age.

 

[Movielife]

CS were great and informed me its normal, and that it will yellow over time.

The barcode sticker is still on the back. When I took it off, the underneath is the same slightly creamier colour. It must just be a process the paint goes through.

The Ray 5 looks damn nice as its mellowed all over, and it looks great with the Tort/Rosewood!

 

[metalarch]

I really like instruments with white finish...and I love them when they age, the "vintage white" it's a great color...

 

[Aussie Mark]

Try taking off the pickguard and see if there's a difference under there - there usually is.

eg.

 

[DrKev]

A buddy of mine has a '91 StingRay 5 that has thousands of gigs under it's belt, most of which were in smoky environments. It has yellowed with age, very similar to buttercream actually. The interesting is the belt buckle rash on the back - pure white! It's the top coats (or the top layers) that aged. (I can' tell you what it's like under the pickguard though).

 

[jlepre]

BP made the LE Buttercream. Maybe he was on to something huh?

 

[OldManMusic]

Here's my '88 SR5 with the pickguard lifted. I love the cream color it's evolved into.

 

[kylierider]

eg.

Wish I would have had more money when you flipped that fretless Mark..Indeed lovely.

 

[tunaman4u2]

Look at vintage white Fenders... almost all have a good amount of yellow. I wish they would stay pure white myself but its funny how its so drastic & rather quick actually. My 2011 Jazz was yellowing in 1 year. My Sterling beat its ass though & was sold! ha ha

 

[keko]

Look at vintage white Fenders... almost all have a good amount of yellow. I wish they would stay pure white myself but its funny how its so drastic & rather quick actually. My 2011 Jazz was yellowing in 1 year. My Sterling beat its ass though & was sold! ha ha

I posted already this pic in another Thread, ...but I'm gonna post it here again, ...white reflex 5 HH after +2 years of pretty hard usage (check the DOB in my signature), ...it looks like "vintage white" now and I just love it like this: