Just keep both nice bass, even you can't afford today, but no body guarantee you able find either one has similar excellent condition in future.
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New and shiny or aged relic? Classic 50s vs Road Worn P Bass Poll
- Thread starter Thom Fioriglio
- Start date
They are both keepers but since I owned a Roadworn I would keep it, the look and feel and solid tone is unbelievable, it is one bass I regret selling. Should you keep the new shiny looking one and like the Roadworn look it will take you decades to achieve that look and you may never get there since it's a poly finish, and if you decide to relic it yourself it would be a disaster and look obvious, either way they are both great basses and whichever you keep is a win win!!!
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I can’t tell any difference between them. Sounds like a p bass with flats. (Note-in the photos the RW has roundwounds but I just put those on to compare flats and wounds. I had always played it with flats)
Really cool to see them side by side. Keep the shiny one.
Personally, I like my basses with some wear on them, it's history on a small scale. That said, most RW instruments have a pattern that can look "off", but an easy solution is to play it a lot and make the wear yours. Play it hard, it'll look "authentic" soon enough.
Another concern for me is, with a N&S instrument I feel a responsibility to keep it that way, to some extent, while with an instrument that's already got some wear, what's a little more? A beat up instrument can offer a level of carefree use that can inspire new playing behaviors...
This.
3rd grade rhetoric.
My approach is always to buy a bass in the absolute best cosmetic condition possible. If it ever shows wear, I want it to be wear that I caused by using it myself. Then I do my best to minimize wear and treat every instrument with care.
I've heard that the roadworn basses are good ones, but I won't ever find out, because based on the above criterion I'm not interested in them.
I've heard that the roadworn basses are good ones, but I won't ever find out, because based on the above criterion I'm not interested in them.
Gee whiz... It's funny how snobbish some people get about fake relics. 
I like the relic look and I don't have 50 years left on earth to produce one naturally.
I like the relic look and I don't have 50 years left on earth to produce one naturally.
Over time, you can add your own wear and tear to the relic. You don't have to keep it mint if you don't want to.
The perfect analogy in my mind for RW basses is ripped jeans 
. It seems like there are two types of people: those who wholeheartedly scorn ripped jeans, call it a marketing ploy, impractical, bad-looking, etc. And there are those who actually like them. I wouldn't at all be surprised if those factions directly lined up with RW basses! That being said, it seem you are clearly happier with new and shiny, but no matter: someone on TB here will happily lap up whatever you let go!! I say don't overthink it, and go with what you feel (the new and shiny!)
P.S.
. It seems like there are two types of people: those who wholeheartedly scorn ripped jeans, call it a marketing ploy, impractical, bad-looking, etc. And there are those who actually like them. I wouldn't at all be surprised if those factions directly lined up with RW basses! That being said, it seem you are clearly happier with new and shiny, but no matter: someone on TB here will happily lap up whatever you let go!! I say don't overthink it, and go with what you feel (the new and shiny!)P.S.
I would LOVE to see this bass, @shoot-r!Come on guys.....another "It's not my wear mark's so I can't like the instrument thread!"
Keep the one that sounds best "to your ears" and feels the best "to your hands."
As a high school graduation present in 1972 my folks got me a used and VERY abused, 8 year old Jazz, ( fast forward to today, ) I still gig with that bass and to date "No one" has ever commented on the finish of the bass.
Anyway they both look cool.
My opinion, the gold guards really pop on the burst and highlight the neck. What’s not to like.
My opinion, the gold guards really pop on the burst and highlight the neck. What’s not to like.
Like the distressed leather bomber jackets complete with old military unit patches that were offered for sale a few years ago, I just can’t get on board with fake relics. That privileged glory was earned by someone else and we have no right to claim what is not ours;IMO
I own a Classic Series Lacquer 50s P and a RW 50s P.
Both are excellent. The RW is my #1.
Both are excellent. The RW is my #1.
I'm usually a relic fan (I own a Nash), but this one isn't working for me. I voted shiny.
I think that if they weren't side by side, either would be good. However, in the same pic, the shine stands out as nicer. IMHO.
I think that if they weren't side by side, either would be good. However, in the same pic, the shine stands out as nicer. IMHO.
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This... ^
But, I think the relic v new looking is much ado about nothing. Of course we live in a world where authentic life has become increasingly replaced by appearance. The whole hipster movement seems to be based on the appearance of authenticity. However, authenticity is something that comes from one's being, and presence in the moment... not whether your guitar has factory produced dings or not. I recently purchased a pre-dinged Sandberg and love how it looks. Does that make me inauthentic, and merely stylish, or can I play authentic notes, with my authentic fingers, guided by my very authentic brain?
keep the shiny, bond with it and add your own "mojo" from playing it for years......just my 2cents
And yet we live in a world where people people restore old cars, and people reclaim wood to make "new" looking furniture, and those things are praised. So, age modification only has value going in one direction.
...Well, then there's plastic surgery to make old people look young, which gets mixed judgement.
If I had both in my possession no way would I sell either. That’s a great pair -arguably the two best p basses available-not just for the money-period. I have a 2006 black classic and its as good a p bass in my collection or that I’ve played -period .
If I had to cut back on my adult beverages, Starbucks or eating out -whatever-keep them both. To my knowledge both are out of production so replacing either with one in the same condition or price is uncertain.
IMO.: Every instrument I’ve traded away I’ve regretted later. I don’t buy any with the notion of reselling. I realize a lot if TBers do this but in this case these are two of the best players to ever leave Mexico. Play the Classic @ home, take the relic to the gig. (Flats on both but that’s another discussion)
If I had to cut back on my adult beverages, Starbucks or eating out -whatever-keep them both. To my knowledge both are out of production so replacing either with one in the same condition or price is uncertain.
IMO.: Every instrument I’ve traded away I’ve regretted later. I don’t buy any with the notion of reselling. I realize a lot if TBers do this but in this case these are two of the best players to ever leave Mexico. Play the Classic @ home, take the relic to the gig. (Flats on both but that’s another discussion)
Everything I have read about them agree with your statement. Both are great basses. Hmm, keep both, I"ll have to think about that.
That's because most people are not rude. IMO, starting out with or purchasing a good player is absolutely fine, perhaps even preferred for gigging musicians'. Paying a premium for a new bass with that finish is not gonna work for me.
I'd keep the shiny one, even dull the fingerboard and back of the neck with some scotchbrite in a non destructive manner, for feel, not cosmetics.