P Bass Rear Rout

[Nicoli]

Does anyone have any experience with rear routed P Basses? I just ordered one, and am not completely sure Il be happy with the appearance, so any opinions and pictures would be greatly appreciated.

 

[line6man]

If you don't like it, then put a pickguard on it.

 

[Cagey]

I'll wager you'll be happy with the appearance, but it may not last as long as you'd like. Usually, rear routes are used when you have a fancy wood that you don't want to cover up with a pickguard. But, pickguards exist for a reason: your fingernails or pick(s) will tear up a finish over time. So, when that happens, if that bothers you, you either re-finish or add a pickguard. Although, since it's a bass, perhaps there's less risk of tearing up the finish. I don't know; I'm not a bass player.

 

[line6man]

I'll wager you'll be happy with the appearance, but it may not last as long as you'd like. Usually, rear routes are used when you have a fancy wood that you don't want to cover up with a pickguard. But, pickguards exist for a reason: your fingernails or pick(s) will tear up a finish over time. So, when that happens, if that bothers you, you either re-finish or add a pickguard. Although, since it's a bass, perhaps there's less risk of tearing up the finish. I don't know; I'm not a bass player.

Nonsense. Pickguards were once very useful, because finishes were delicate. Modern polyurethane finishes are very durable, so often, a pickguard-less instrument will hold up just fine. If guitars still needed pickguards, then we would see a lot more trashed finishes. Of course, some people are very aggressive pickers, but in general, bass players usually don't even use picks.