three

Love Chris' work and the colour on this is wonderful!

Thanks both for your help - I don't think the problem is connected with the original re-fin as it didn't arise until recently - the bass was fine for about 30 years. There could be a connection with the re-foam - maybe the new foam is having a reaction? I'm not sure about this as the bloom occurs with the bass in a different case, Also, there doesn't appeR to be damage to the finish - the bass still has a vibrant shine when the bloom is washed away (though I'm not keen on using hot soapy water to clean a bass!) I think I'll clean it this week then leave it out of a case to check if the bloom appears. If it's some form of component gassing, the air circulation should prevent or reduce blooming. It's a bit of an odd issue - a shame too, the finish is really lovely! Thanks again, much appreciated and further ideas welcome!

Hi all, I'm hoping that somebody with technical expertise (or serious creative talent) can help here. I have a Gibson Ripper, massively customised and re-finished 35 years ago by the inestimable Ted Lee (the man responsible for Phil Manzanera's red Firebird amongst many other magical finishes). In recent years, I've noticed that the finish develops quite a heavy, dull, powdery and slightly sticky bloom or film over almost all of the instrument when stored it's case. The latter is a heavy, aluminium flight case and was re-foamed around 5 years ago. I've tried the bass in other cases and the same issue occurs. The only way to remove the bloom/film is with hot soapy water - not ideal. It is impervious to standard polish and guitar cleaners. I've read of bass electronics (pickups, active circuits) and even ageing metal parts 'gassing' (I.e., emitting fumes) and causing problems with finishes, imparting a dull film. The tuning pegs are a little tarnished but are the originals. The finish itself does not appear to be damaged in any way - it remains beautifully rich, vibrant and clear under the film. This bloom is a real shame - it makes the finish look matte rather than gloss - the bass is beautiful (please see images) and the finishing work is amongst the best I've ever seen. Any ideas as to cause and remedy gratefully received - it may be that the bass needs to live outside it's case, or that some components need change, or just a feature of an ageing paint job. Thanks in advance - I know we have many experts in the community

HI, I can probably get you some images later in the week - I can also measure and possibly trace, depending upon what you need.

Excellent taste in basses, more questionable with respect to lager. Both of these basses sounded immense at the Etihad (at least from where I was), though clearly with some processing. I'd concur - I'd say pretty clean and unmolested Fenders from around '73 to mid '76.