For you guys who've been playing your Fenders for decades, I'm wondering if you remember when the arm wear started to show up. I have an '01 MIM Jazz that I have played a ton in its eight years, as it was my only bass up til a couple months ago, and is still the only one I play since the "new" one was a gift that I am completely rebuilding (not in the best of shape). Anyway, the reason I ask is because even through all the use, the place my arm touches the guitar is yet to show any sign of wear at all. It hasn't even started to get that satin look. And the oils in my hands are particularly acidic too (plays havoc on my French horn, I have to wear gloves with it). I don't always have time to give the bass a good wipe down either.



EDIT: fixed some typos

Hi delta66: not a hint of arm wear on any of my guitars. I'm not an especially physical player so perhaps that's not surprising.

But someone who is is Pete Townshend. Now he doesn't smash 'em much his guitars last for years. I've seen pictures of his instruments, the backs in particular, and there's all kinds of heavy wear on them - but not that paint-worn-off-the-forearm-contour thing.

I have my suspicions about that look, but perhaps it's occasionally real. Maybe some guys just have sandpaper for skin.

Cheers - C

Mine would dull after a long time but a good polishing would bring the gloss right back.

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You dig?

If it has a poly finish, it may take a few decades to wear out, thats why relics and road worns are popular...

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RAMA LAMA FA FA FA

My guitars are all still new to be showing any wear, of course, but my guitar teacher's Tele has pretty much no paint at all left in that spot. Not only that, but he showed me a patch on the inside of his arm that started growing hair on it, also I guess from all the wear. Next evolutionary stage of the guitar player?

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2008 MIM Strat w 3-tone sunburst
2002 LP Special Ebony Faded
2008 G-Dec
'59 Reissue Bassman 4x10 combo
TS 808
DS 1
Gretsch 6120DS (on loan)

Haha! That's rather interesting. As far as the finish being poly or not, I really have no idea. Anyone know what they sprayed the '01s with? Ceri, I'm a bit suspicious of it myself, but I would venture to guess that once it starts (if it does), it probably accelerates relatively rapidly. I would also bet that regular cleaning and polishing of the finish would keep it from happening.

Thanks all, I was just really curious about it.

Take a look at the videos of The Ventures induction into the Rock'n'Roll hall of fame. Don Wilson's Jazzmaster looks like the finish is all but gone on the body south of the pick-guard. He is a heavy handed rythm player, and his guitar looks it.

John.E

'Riding with Marrtian and Jeffo on this one. A couple are really "old" and show veritably no wear.

Just played church group Mass / service #160 with old Ibanez T-Bird IV lawsuit copy bought used in '82 and was wiping it afterward, amazed-lite at how it still looks really good.

are you talking the clear coat? it does look really dull. or did i miss something else?

yea arm wear is definitely not something i am wanting to happen. just not too sure that my midnight blue (purple if you ask me) finish is gonna look good if part of it fades to bare wood. and old axes that show no wear are a testament to the owners' upkeep of said instruments.