FS: Mike Browne Fretless Bass - Maple and Pink Ivory - Rare!

lesclaypoolsob · #1 01-15-2013, 12:55 PM

I have owned this bass for about three years now and I, unfortunately, do not play it enough to justify keeping such an expensive and rare instrument. My passion has changed to the culinary arts and I would love to be able to fund some new equipment/toys.

While Mike has retired from building, I think that his instruments speak for themselves. He was trained under Carl Thompson and I would put this bass up against any CT or Pete Hilton instrument. Coupled with the fact that you're not likely to see another instrument like this, if you are interested in this instrument, you should probably act now.

The bass is MINT and has rarely left the gig bag. The following pictures were taken with an iPhone 4S (apologies in advance).

Northern ash body
Birdseye maple top
AAAAA Quilted maple back
Walnut accents all over the bass
Pink Ivory (incredibly expensive, rare, hard to get) fingerboard
Flamed maple binding
Pearl dots
Even the lines are flamed maple in the fingerboard!
Birdseye maple on headstock
Pink Ivory headstock veneer on back of headstock
Pink Ivory truss rod cover
Pink Ivory pickup covers
Custom Pink Ivory-topped knobs
Nordstrand custom-spaced SEs
Audere Z-mode preamp

The bass is priced at a FIRM $3,000 shipped and insured within the CONUS. No trades, please. At this time, only accepting money order/check as payment. Shoot me a PM if you have any questions at all!

Thanks for your time!

There are better quality pictures over at The Low End but these are prior to my ownership: http://www.thelowend.net/gallery/viewtopic.php?t=4213

mojojim · #2 01-15-2013, 01:02 PM

The neck on this bass is great! Mike made it so it looks like the pink ivory is set into the neck. Wow. Somebody is going to be very happy.

RedMoses · #3 01-15-2013, 02:31 PM

That is incredible!

GLWS

Zentner · #4 01-15-2013, 03:01 PM

One of the nicest basses I've seen for sale on these forums ever. GORGEOUS. Wish I had the scratch!

jacochops · #5 01-15-2013, 03:40 PM

Hey everyone,
I was the original owner and commissioned that bass from Mike...it all came out of my head!
I had it built with a 33 1/2" scale...like an F Bass...the 1/2" makes a difference, but this one is a 1/2" shorter. VERY fast and punchy bass! It sounds like a bowed cello, if that makes any sense. The pink ivory board is something that Rob Elrick does SO beautifully...I figured it would sound as amazing on Mike's bass. It does!

The board is bound with figured maple, and even the fretlines are figured maple! The pickups being close together make you think that it is a 1-sound bass. It is NOT. The is tremendous variation between the two pickups. This is, quite frankly, the finest fretless available on TB right now, IMHO. I have owned hundreds (no exaggeration) of custom, high end basses. I was a WHORE for a long time. You simply will not find a better fretless. If I had the coin, this would be MINE again. Simply sublime. GLWTS. If you ever want to trade for a fretted 4 suer high end fretted plus cash, let me know!
BTW, I am also a budding chef....my fave new muse! Just made an amazing chicken, button mushroom, and sweet pepper risotto with garlic and chili dry-fried green beans and a baked fruit crumble dessert with fresh mint. KILLING!

Someone grab this....QUICK!

Ezmar · #6 01-15-2013, 04:26 PM

Man, if I weren't hoping to study abroad next year, AND if it was still available at the end of the summer, I'd really consider getting this. I'm in the market for a good 4 string fretless, and that REALLY looks nice.

lesclaypoolsob · #7 01-16-2013, 06:40 AM

Thanks everyone!

Jaco, thanks for chiming in about the bass. It is indeed a wonderful instrument. I don't know how you ended up in China but I need to come visit for some hotpot!

Hot Pocket · #8 01-16-2013, 06:54 AM

jacochops · #9 01-16-2013, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesclaypoolsob

Thanks everyone!

Jaco, thanks for chiming in about the bass. It is indeed a wonderful instrument. I don't know how you ended up in China but I need to come visit for some hotpot!

Hey man...welcome anytime!

You gotta try the street food here! Amazing fresh veggies, noodles and spices wok'd up right in front of you! The cost? less than 1 USD! INCREDIBLE! The hotpot isn't too shabby, either!

I miss that bass....just a stunning looker, player, and the sound is off the chain! GLWTS!