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Avoid Exposing Your Bass To Climatic Extremes:
Extremes in
temperature and humidity may damage the instrument. If exposure is
unavoidable, as during shipping, reduce string tension slightly to minimize
potential damage. Allow a cold instrument to warm gradually before
opening its case to avoid finish checking. Never leave your bass for any
length of time, in an environment that you wouldn't feel comfortable in
yourself.
Lacquer Finishes:
Many Fender basses are finished with lacquer, a thin
natural type of wood finish that has been used on fine handcrafted furniture
and elite musical instruments for many years. Lacquer was the finish of
choice for the most collectable and desirable vintage Fender instruments
made in the '50s and '60s. Lacquer is a relatively thin and somewhat
porous finish that allows the tone-woods to resonate much more freely,
resulting in a more vibrant, and to many seasoned players, beautiful
sounding instrument. While lacquer allows the instrument to vibrate
generously, by its very nature, it is much more subject to the effects of
wear, the aging of the underlying wood, chemical interactions and climatic
conditions, than urethane or polyester finishes.
If your bass is finished with lacquer, please make sure that you read the
"Lacquer Finishes: Precautions and Care"
card that accompanies your
instrument. Avoid exposure of lacquer finishes to dyed fabrics or leathers,
plastics, synthetics and surgical rubber tubing, (used on many guitar
stands, hangers and straps), these materials will react adversely with the
lacquer and mar the finish of the instrument. If you are unsure of what type
of finish is used on your bass, please check the detailed specifications
of your instrument at
www.fender.com
or call our
Consumer Relations
department at: 480-596-7195. Note: Checking, shrinkage, sinking,
discoloration and rapid wear are all a natural part of the aging process
of lacquer finishes, and as such, will not be covered under the
Fender®
warranty.
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