nenor
04-06-2008, 05:57 AM
Up for sale is my 5 string fretless International Exotic Curbow Petit bass.
Built in 1994 by the late master Luthier Greg Curbow in Georgia USA. Unfortunately, as of today the company is out of business and there is no active web site.
Construction:
Body wood: purple heart back, highly figured quilt maple top, a thin dark (ebony?) layer between top and back.
Finish: high gloss purple burst color.
Hardware: Sperzel locking tuners, brass ABM bridge 20mm spacing, locking Schaller strap pins.
Pickups: Special Bartolini T-Rail staggered coil design soupbars.
Preamp: Bartolini Low impendence 3-band EQ active (9V) with Mid frequency switch (effects when Mid is boosted - not when cut)
Neck: Bolt-on with 5 industrial-level inserts, dual action double truss rod, graphite bars under the fretboard, fretless marked with maple lines. 24-26 frets.
Neck and fingerboard are made out of "Rockwood" - "A composite consistent of layers of sustainable yield finish Birch that have been saturated with Phenolic based resins. The layers are then placed in a press and subjected to pressures of 2000 lbs. per square inch and temperature of 450 degrees F." (taken from Curbow's catalog)
The result is hard and dense material which is stable like graphite with fast response and tonal qualities of wood. No finish is applied, just satin buffed.
Design:
Body is relatively small and thin, upper side of the body is very thin. Neck is wide with flat profile, fingerboard radius is changing from 18 at the nut to 16 at the 24 fret (or the opposite.. can't remember). This is the most stable neck I've ever seen, period. Straight as an arrow, ridicules low action. In 14 years I needed to tweak the truss rod maybe 4 times!
This bass has lovely body woods and great other features but is really all about the neck. It is truly remarkable.
The great stability and sound translates into weight as Rockwood is heavier than regular wood. The small body and higher placement of the back strap holder makes balance great when standing up. Seated however, the neck has a dive.
Condition:
The bass is in excellent shape. No dents dings or scratches. Couple of very minor surface marks on the body keep it from being mint, cannot really catch those on camera. Neck is perfect with some light string marks on the board.
All is original except the input jack was replaced a few years ago. I also upgraded the strap pins to Schaller locking system (original pins are included). Hard shell case is original signed by Greg Curbow, in great condition with one insignificant cosmetic surface scratch - see photo. Truss rod and saddles tools, 1994 colored prospect and electronics control layout also included.
The bass has Half Rounds ENR71-5 D'Addario set installed in great condition. A new identical set is also included.
Why:
I'm the first and only owner. I used this bass in several projects over the years, mostly in the studio. The last three years it didn't see any activity. I use mostly 4 strings fretted basses and an EUB 4 for my fretless needs, I don't need a 5 string fretless. This Curbow deserve to be played and I sure could use the money for other projects.
It's an amazing bass. It feels and sounds like no other, looks killer too. I assume these will go up in value over time as they are out of production and probably will never return. They are becoming pretty rare lately.
Price is 2650 Euro + shipping. I'm not looking for any trades, please do not offer.
I will accept PayPal or Bank wire transfer. Bass will ship after money is cleared in my account.
I'll have to check the exact shipping fees and delivery time to your country, please be patient. I can use FedEx or UPS or if you want to take over the shipping from my doorstep you're welcome. I cannot be responsible for any duties and customs on your country side. I will ensure the bass for the total unless you want to take a risk and ask for it in writing. The bass will be very well packed with the strings loose.
Local pickup is very welcome. If you find yourself in Israel I'll make extra efforts to meet with you wherever you stay.
Please ask any questions. I can provide more photos if needed.
Thanks for looking.
http://www.myg.co.il/uploads/php4xg12Z.jpghttp://www.myg.co.il/uploads/php03sl6X.jpg
http://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpltwy3U.jpghttp://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpQD4f0T.jpghttp://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpG4U6WH.jpg
http://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpPrVWEh.jpg
Built in 1994 by the late master Luthier Greg Curbow in Georgia USA. Unfortunately, as of today the company is out of business and there is no active web site.
Construction:
Body wood: purple heart back, highly figured quilt maple top, a thin dark (ebony?) layer between top and back.
Finish: high gloss purple burst color.
Hardware: Sperzel locking tuners, brass ABM bridge 20mm spacing, locking Schaller strap pins.
Pickups: Special Bartolini T-Rail staggered coil design soupbars.
Preamp: Bartolini Low impendence 3-band EQ active (9V) with Mid frequency switch (effects when Mid is boosted - not when cut)
Neck: Bolt-on with 5 industrial-level inserts, dual action double truss rod, graphite bars under the fretboard, fretless marked with maple lines. 24-26 frets.
Neck and fingerboard are made out of "Rockwood" - "A composite consistent of layers of sustainable yield finish Birch that have been saturated with Phenolic based resins. The layers are then placed in a press and subjected to pressures of 2000 lbs. per square inch and temperature of 450 degrees F." (taken from Curbow's catalog)
The result is hard and dense material which is stable like graphite with fast response and tonal qualities of wood. No finish is applied, just satin buffed.
Design:
Body is relatively small and thin, upper side of the body is very thin. Neck is wide with flat profile, fingerboard radius is changing from 18 at the nut to 16 at the 24 fret (or the opposite.. can't remember). This is the most stable neck I've ever seen, period. Straight as an arrow, ridicules low action. In 14 years I needed to tweak the truss rod maybe 4 times!
This bass has lovely body woods and great other features but is really all about the neck. It is truly remarkable.
The great stability and sound translates into weight as Rockwood is heavier than regular wood. The small body and higher placement of the back strap holder makes balance great when standing up. Seated however, the neck has a dive.
Condition:
The bass is in excellent shape. No dents dings or scratches. Couple of very minor surface marks on the body keep it from being mint, cannot really catch those on camera. Neck is perfect with some light string marks on the board.
All is original except the input jack was replaced a few years ago. I also upgraded the strap pins to Schaller locking system (original pins are included). Hard shell case is original signed by Greg Curbow, in great condition with one insignificant cosmetic surface scratch - see photo. Truss rod and saddles tools, 1994 colored prospect and electronics control layout also included.
The bass has Half Rounds ENR71-5 D'Addario set installed in great condition. A new identical set is also included.
Why:
I'm the first and only owner. I used this bass in several projects over the years, mostly in the studio. The last three years it didn't see any activity. I use mostly 4 strings fretted basses and an EUB 4 for my fretless needs, I don't need a 5 string fretless. This Curbow deserve to be played and I sure could use the money for other projects.
It's an amazing bass. It feels and sounds like no other, looks killer too. I assume these will go up in value over time as they are out of production and probably will never return. They are becoming pretty rare lately.
Price is 2650 Euro + shipping. I'm not looking for any trades, please do not offer.
I will accept PayPal or Bank wire transfer. Bass will ship after money is cleared in my account.
I'll have to check the exact shipping fees and delivery time to your country, please be patient. I can use FedEx or UPS or if you want to take over the shipping from my doorstep you're welcome. I cannot be responsible for any duties and customs on your country side. I will ensure the bass for the total unless you want to take a risk and ask for it in writing. The bass will be very well packed with the strings loose.
Local pickup is very welcome. If you find yourself in Israel I'll make extra efforts to meet with you wherever you stay.
Please ask any questions. I can provide more photos if needed.
Thanks for looking.
http://www.myg.co.il/uploads/php4xg12Z.jpghttp://www.myg.co.il/uploads/php03sl6X.jpg
http://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpltwy3U.jpghttp://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpQD4f0T.jpghttp://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpG4U6WH.jpg
http://www.myg.co.il/uploads/phpPrVWEh.jpg