What is a Barker bass?
1) See the picture of this one.
2) See more pictures of other Barker basses at
Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass
3) See the FAQ at
Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass
4) Hear and see mp3's and video at
Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass (note: listen with a sub-woofer)
Why buy a Barker base?
1) Amazing tone.
2) Amazing sustain. The large Barker B1 chambered body has everything to do with the remarkable tone and sustain.
3) Easy transition from standard electric bass. Familiar fretted Jazz 34" scale neck.
4) Easy on the back and shoulder. Because it's on the stand, not the back.
5) Easy on the wrists. Because it's vertical.
This Barker B1 is serial number 03 0033; the 33rd B1 built.
This is a 2+2 headstock 4-string model. Fretted Jazz bass neck, Seymour Duncan passive pickups in a jazz configuration, standard 34" scale.
Comes with all the hardware, the stand, padded gig-bag for the bass, and the other smaller bag for the stand.
Why buy this Barker?
1) No shipping charges or shipping risks if you are within driving distance of Seattle WA. To be fair, the same applies to a new B1 if you are within driving distance of the Redmond OR factory.
2) Price. From the factory a 4-string fretted B1 lists for $3795. To be fair, at that price a new B1 has a premium cherry-wood front and this one does not.
3) Like-it-left-the-factory condition. I am the original owner; I bought it factory-direct straight from Lee Barker. This bass has never been outside my house. It has no bumps, knocks, scrapes or scratches. It has never fallen over or been dropped. Barker B1 #33 is in the same condition I received it in.
To be fair, a new B1 will have one less finish mark than this one. This bass has one hard-to-notice finish mark on the left shoulder. Two inches long, never wider than 1/16-inch, and less than 1/16 for most of the 2-inches.
Lee Barker is a discriminating, particular luthier of high standards. He gave me a discount on this instrument solely because of this one mark. Lee told me he would never let a bass out of his shop if it did not play and sound 100% a Barker. And this bass is indeed 100% Barker sound and playability. With my glasses on I'm corrected to 20-20, and I can't see this mark unless I'm 32 inches from it or closer.
This B1 is like a new one, with just the one mark nobody sees unless they are closer than a yardstick, and no premium cherry-wood front. Lee Barker has his standards, well, so do I. Now you know the whole story.
This is an incredible deal at $1095. All reasonable offers will be considered. Don't blame me if a bidding war ensues. Blame Lee Barker for building utterly amazing instruments.
A new B1 is $3795. This is in near-new condition at 71% off list.
Sorry, no trades. Again, a thousand apologies, but trades just aren't where I'm at this time.
Current price list for new Barker basses:
Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass
Owner's manual and FAQ for Barker basses:
Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass
Audio mp3/wav's and YouTube's from both BarkerBass.com and from owners:
Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass
(note: have a sub-woofer to listen to the samples or you will have to reserve judgment)
Lots of Barker info there ....
