Need advice fixing a bass body

[Rich G.]

To say my bass player is hard on his bass is un understatement. It's not that he doesn't care about it... he just beats on it! His right hand thumb is digging a hole though his bass! It's right where he rests his thumb on the pickup. The attached picture doesn't really do it justice. If he continues on this path he's going to "Willie Nelson" right through his bass.

I'm looking for some advice on what to do with this divot. I know it gives his bass a boatload of mojo, but I'm trying to save it. I've tried layers of Tung Oil, but that doesn't last very long. I'm actually thinking of making a custom pick guard... more like a custom thumb guard... to prevent him from chipping away at his Tobias Killer B.

 

[DNW]

Cut off his thumb.

 

[luke]

Pickguard is the only thing that would prevent future wear. I'd attach it with silicone to avoid screw holes.

 

[jimfist]

trim that thumb nail short short short. install a thumb rest.

 

[Rook]

Sand back, oil, restain and revarnish as appropriate, then... clear pick guard to save the finish.