Hi All,
I migrated over here from Let's Talk Guild. I have been playing the bass since 1973, when I bought my Fender P-Bass. I've always been a guitarist as well, concentrating on figerstyle roots music. Lately I have playing a lot more bass, so I have added a couple to the herd. I found
this one on eBay last week, and literally couldn't stop myself from clicking the
Buy it Now. I mean c'mon, Jaco played one of these at times.
The bass arrived the day before yesterday in good order, and I have been airing it and the case out in the really nice weather we've had around here lately. This bass (and the case) must have spent its life in a smoke filled studio, and it positively stinks! I had a similar situation when the F50R arrived, but not nearly to this extent. When I cleaned it up, there were nicotine stains coming off the guitar,
and you all know how sanctimonious we ex-smokers can be.
On to the pics!
In the face and back shot, you can see the nice flamed Maple on the body. According to Hans Moust (resident Guild guru over at letstalkguild.com), this was an option. It also increases the weight of the bass significantly over the standard Poplar bodies. I've been playing a (very heavy) Ash bodied '72 Fender P-Bass for the last 36 years, so it doesn't bother me that much. Wide straps are a must, but the Maple sure is pretty.
Notice on the back that all the screws are missing for the plate. Anyone know where to source these, or what the screw size is?
There are a couple of flaws on the front and side of the headstock, and it's easy to see why really. The odd shape of the bottom of the bass makes it really hard to put in a guitar stand, and even harder to lean against something (not that
I would ever do that!)
The serial number dates it to 1987
I've never heard of Smith machine heads, but I'm assuming they're stock.
Lastly, it looks like the neck has been off the guitar at least once, and there's a curiously placed shim where the neck meets the body. It plays OK though (even the 9V battery it came with is good).
I was going to take it to my luthier for a setup, but I don't think it really needs one. It sounds great through my little Crate practice amp. I haven't plugged it in to any of my "big" amps yet.
All in all, not bad for $350 shipped, and the shipping was almost $50! Amazes me you can buy a bass this good for that kind of coin.
