Author Topic: Bass in car all day? yes or no? (Read 638 times)

glocke · « **on:** June 16, 2007, 09:41:04 AM »

Hey guys, Im going to start going to some rehearsels right after work, and will not be able to go home first, which means I will need to start leaving my bass in my car all day (series I). How bad is this ? I know that for an acoustic gutiar its not a good idea, but not sure how bad it is for a solid wood instrument....

olieoliver · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2007, 09:54:32 AM »

Two major points come to mind, is it a safe place that your car is parked and how is the weather?
Extreme temperatures can really screw up a finish. I have a 78 Musicman with cracks all in the finish due to these temperature changes. (It gets hot in Texas).
It will also play havoc with your set-up. Neck bow, intonation, strings going dead.....

Humidity is another factor. If it gets hot and humid then the bass sweats, imagine what that could do to your electronics.

If you work in a place that would let you bring it inside thats the way I'd go.

Good luck either way you decide but I personally vote against the car.

Been there, done it, regretted it,
Olie

FC Bass · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2007, 09:55:41 AM »

Sorry double post...

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on June 16, 2007)

FC Bass · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2007, 09:56:07 AM »

Never leave such an instrument in a car! ;-)
There must be a place @ your work where you can keep it safe I guess.
Many guitars/basses have been stolen from cars...

811952 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2007, 10:03:25 AM »

I've done it many times, but always when the high temps were still somewhat chilly, and I've parked in a shady area if at all possible.

Putting those things up on your windows to keep the interior cool are definitely a good idea, both for temp control as well as to hide the instrument.

If I'm parked in a relatively secure or high visibility area at work, then I'll leave the windows open just a bit.

I think alot more of us do this than would dare admit in this forum, as sometimes it is an absolutely neccessary evil.

When I travelled on the road with The Neo Types, we packed out instruments low in the truck so they wouldn't bake, but driving 8 hours through Mississippi and Alabama in July and August, things *are* going to bake regardless of where they're stashed and whatever ventilation may be available.

I believe the biggest thing you can do to avoid damage is to make the temperature changes as slow as possible.

A space blanket isn't a bad idea either.

If you really must park in the open and it's going to be hot, windows open or not, I would definitely man-up and carry the beast to your office, then have your secretary call your chiropractor.

Common sense rules, my friend!

John

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2007, 10:32:47 AM »

I grew up in New York. NEVER leave ANYTHING in your car that you wouldn't want to lose.

Bill, tgo

kimberly · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2007, 10:47:23 AM »

Hey Everyone.

I'm sure the temp/humidity aspect is a valid concern, but for me the primary issue would be security, or rather the lack of. The mere thought of some punk kid making off with my boy makes me think very bad things. For myself, I never leave my instrument in a car.

Regards,

Kimberly

chuck · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2007, 11:14:16 AM »

Very bad, don't do it.
CHUCK

glocke · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2007, 11:16:59 AM »

security isnt an issue, as I work on a restricted site....I am more worried about temps/humidity.

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2007, 12:56:40 PM »

Mica has stated in no uncertain terms that Alembics are not to be left in cars. I think it is the case that if she hears that you've left your Alembic in a car, she will call the local authorities and have your car towed to a police impound lot where the instrument will be removed and shipped back to Santa Rosa. To get the instrument back, you will have to write a letter demonstrating that you have come to see the error of your ways and that you now realize Alembics are indeed not to be left in cars. (It's been reported, by less than reliable sources, that it's a good idea if you mention in your letter that you've recently been taking prescription drugs that leave your judgement impaired; examples of other silly things the drugs made you do are supposedly helpful in ensuring a decision in your favor.) You will also have to pay all shipping costs (and impound fees), and do 30 days of community service (40 days if your community has a particularly bad roadside trash problem). So if you are going to leave your Alembic in a car, don't let Mica find out.

ndr_bass · « **Reply #10 on:** June 16, 2007, 10:15:04 PM »

Dave,
I think that's the best post I've read here. Thanks for the warning!

keavin · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2007, 04:27:48 AM »

Bass in Car all day?........ only if i got a clear shot with a glocke form across the street!

hankster · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2007, 04:40:23 AM »

I lost my Hofner Verithin (which I bought for fifty bucks) to a thief when I left it in the car many, many years ago. If I still had it, I could probably sell it and buy a Series Alembic. I haven't left a bass in my vehicle since. Between the risk from the temp changes, and the risk of theft...don't do it. I know I attract a bit of attention - sometimes unwanted - when I carry my instruments into my office on days I have no time to go home before a gig or rehearsal, but I can deal with it. Better that than lose or ruin the bass.

Rick

keurosix · « **Reply #13 on:** June 17, 2007, 06:19:54 PM »

Hey Greg,
I heard of a child dying in a car in less than 45 minutes on a hot day. Interior temps can get dangerously high in a few hours, even if a window is left open a crack - which invites theft. Ever notice the cracks in dashboards of old cars? The sun is a mighty powerful ball of molten burning gas! You shouldn't leave your precious Alembic in the car unless it's absolutely necessary. As a last resort, get one of those whole car covers so you can leave the window open a bit, and everything will be out of sight and direct sunlight. My jaguar has a cover, and on a hot 90+ degree day, it's still cool inside. The sun can cause cracks in the finish of your bass. Best not to do it.
Kris

jazzyvee · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2007, 12:20:12 AM »

I have the same scenario where I this week I have two rehearsals straight after work. Fortunately the rehearsal rooms are close to work and I have pout my guitar in a lightweight but firm case and will carry it to the office and leave it under my dest for the day.

I appreciate not everyone will have the ability to bring their instrument to work and put it in a safe place.

Fortunately I have not had to leave the instrument unattended in a car previously. Even when I've been on tour I remove the guitar from the gear truck and keep it in my room.

I remember when I first got my SC I had a gig in an open air festival. We had to wait all day before we played and the weather was roasting hot.

I had my bass in it's case and took it with me all day and when I went back to sit in the car, I put it in the boot,but still when I opened the case just before we went on-stage, the bass was sweating like a pig. I was really surprised at the temperature the boot( trunk) had reached.

Fortunately no damage occured and best of all the neck didn;'t move.

My simple advice would be that is if there is any safe way you can avoid leaving the bass in the car, take it. Watch out there are thieves about too.

JAzzyvee