Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Might (MIGHT!) have a gig next month outdoors. Could be as cold as 10 degrees F (-12 C). Just how much cold will a Rick bass put up with?

I'd plan on using a Fender.

With ANY instrument the real concern is how quickly you change temperature, going cold or hot.

I have had finish on a nice Yamaha crack in a few places when I took it from being in my car all day (below 20F) and bringing it in the house and taking it right out of the case.

I wasn't as wise back then. I should have left it in the case and let it slowly warm up....all would have been fine.

So, I would think of using a different bass....and letting it slowly get used to the temperature. Only hope of it staying in tune is to let it change slowly.

I don't know how you can play in such cold temps! My hands wouldn't work and I couldn't wear gloves and play...

Jim

opticnerve wrote:I'd plan on using a Fender.

That was awesome!

Well... if you mess up the finish, you could always sand it down and have a McCartney bass!

buy a cheap bass especially for the gig, then smash it up at the end

Use a modern Rickenbacker.

rickaddict wrote:

opticnerve wrote:I'd plan on using a Fender.

That was awesome!

+1! There is some truth there.

Fender all the way!

Yeah....You can drive a truck over a Fender and it will stay in tune. Plus, it would have that nice relic look

Thanks gang!

it would have that nice relic look

That would cost you extra!

I played my '65 JB for 20 years and wasn't exactly easy on it. Not once did I ever have a problem with it or have to adjust the truss rod.

I gigged my 4003FL at a couple of outdoor gigs that were in the mid-20s Fahrenheit with no noticeable effects other than the strings felt miserably cold at first. The tuning was pretty stable if I remember right.