How exactly do you do this . . .

[Prowl]

. . . kind of paint damage?
My 4003 is an 83 and I've had it since I was 13. I'm 27 now and it's still in the same condition of which I bought it. This isn't the first Ric I've seen with this sort of paint damage but seriously, how do you wear the paint off the neck?
http://cgi.ebay.com/1978-Rickenbacker-4 ... 500wt_1182

[jps]

Lots of use.

[cjj]

Sandpaper gloves...

[Prowl]

lol sandpaper gloves!

Seriously though what really causes that? I mean will a Vulcan death grip do that sort of damage. This isn't the first 4001 I've seen like this. I saw one not long ago that had the neck finish worn to the wood down the center of the neck but the sides were normal. Then I've seen some where its totally worn on the sides and not the back. I don't get it.

[s4001]

I don't get it either. My bass is over 40 years old and I know I've played it like a monster for at least 17 of those years and it's *pretty much* the same as when I got it.

[Prowl]

its funny how certain stores and ebay sellers will ask for big money for these things and get it regardless of the condition. When I worked for GC years ago we took in a natural 4001. it was an 80 I think. It was a complete rat. It pains me to say that but it was. It had nice wood grains but it was totally trashed. The neck pickup wasn't working, it was buzzing and it had wear all over it. It sold for retarded USD. I couldn't believe it.

[badeggs]

Some people's hands sweat more than others, or they have a heavier grip, or a combination of those and other factors...

...and that's nothing, someone wore divots into my '73:

Scooped a few millimeters, just with their thumb.

[ram]

Some people's hands sweat more than others, or they have a heavier grip, or a combination of those and other factors...

Not to mention caustic sweat... my guitarist used to have that in his younger days.

[beatlefreak]

Seriously though what really causes that?

Much more play than care.

[Prowl]

Jesus1 Jeff I would be so ****** every time I looked at that. Checkered binding and all. My eyes went wide like the person in your little image there!

[VRICKY63]

I bought my 64 P bass in 69. The day I bought it it already looked 50 years old. The frets were worn, chrome covers rusted, pots replaced and candy apple red paint had no gloss left. The back of the neck had very little finish that was not worn through. I thought it was the coolest bass I had ever seen ($175). I could only assume the previous owner had very caustic/acidic sweat.

[jimk]

Note to self: be sure to wipe yer Rick down when yer done playin'.
JimK

[Prowl]

that's the kind of note that needs to be taped on the inside of every case lid and gig bag!

[jps]

Jesus1 Jeff I would be so ****** every time I looked at that. Checkered binding and all. My eyes went wide like the person in your little image there!

Fortunately, mine is much better shape.

This is how I got the bass, since that time, I put proper pickguard screws and vintage knobs on it.

[s4001]

Note to self: be sure to wipe yer Rick down when yer done playin'.
JimK

Nah. Several layers of sludge give it that endearing appeal.