Original Black Ampeg Baby Bass

Rodriguez · #1 01-30-2008, 10:05 AM

Early 60's baby bass, all original. It's been in my closet for years, I used it on many recordings and jingles (remember those), it needs a good home, thanks.

Asking $3000.00

Carl Johnson · #2 01-31-2008, 02:05 AM

Heavy!!! Wish I had the scratch, only electric I can see using... Good luck, someone's going to score

bajocallao · #3 03-26-2008, 09:58 PM

you still got this?

Rodriguez · #4 03-27-2008, 04:22 AM

Sup AB? Yep, still got her!!!

Easy,
RR

Fast Freddie · #5 11-11-2008, 11:27 AM

Hey is you Ruben, (from 108th st)?

bajocallao · #6 11-11-2008, 03:54 PM

that's him alright

LarryR · #7 11-11-2008, 04:49 PM

I admit it's not a genre I've explored (yet), but, from what I've read, Mr. Rodriguez is the sh-t. Big respect sir.

Fast Freddie · #8 11-11-2008, 05:16 PM

Lol....

I'll attach a very old pic from Union Square Park in NYC and if he pops up again maybe he'll recognize me...

And if he does'nt...well it was a very long time ago...

I'll leave him a clue...The Johnnie Colon Orquestra.

Yep....he is the Sh---ttt in that format alright. But do you know who's Sal Cuevas?

Those two guys are royalty.

LarryR · #9 11-11-2008, 05:29 PM

Nice shot Freddie.

I'm a salsa idiot I 'fess up.
My father (he'll be 79 in a week) knows all the bands though.
Major Latin fan.
I'm talking to him now. He said one of his favorites back in the day was La Playa Sextet ('51-'54).
Also Los Panchos Trio" (sp?).

Fast Freddie · #10 11-11-2008, 06:04 PM

Well I'm not that young yet. I'm more like Ruben's age.
But yes I had to study La Playa Sextet, (major bad-asses in those days. They endorsed the Ampeg BB for Everett Hall during the early 60's).

Bobby Rodriguez of the Tito Puente Orq fame was also a major contender for getting this instrument out as the Latin music standard.

The BB was a dismal failure for Ampeg. Not enough sales to generate for the loss they took. But what RR is asking for on that old instrument should give a clue as to how they've far exceeded Ampegs expectations.

It was built with Jazz Combos and Big Bands in mind as a sustitute for the oversized 3/4 DB. They never intended it to play such a significant role in Latin music. Yep! They missed their target, and I for one am happy that they did.

Back in my teen years they cost $600.00. I got mine for a $1000.00. And to me they are priceless.

The sound is an aquired taste. Let's face it, would you substitute a Fender Strat for a Ukulele on Hawiian music?
That is why alot of EUB players don't really care for it. They just don't get it. But alot do...just google Steve Azola.

The Ampeg BB was a major inspiration in his successes.

LarryR · #11 11-11-2008, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the info. Interesting stuff.
I bought an NS CR4M and sold it back to its owner.
Never had my hands on a BB to compare it to other EUB's.
So, the Azola is somewhat modelled after the BB?

Fast Freddie · #12 11-11-2008, 06:38 PM

I believe he was contracted to build the re-issue. He was a NJ native and during his younger years he was infactuated by the design and concept.

Pretty much growing up in the Tri-State region during 50's thru the late 70's you could'nt help to see one of these instruments throughout all the ball rooms of the era. Polka bands used them, ethnic musicians used them, they were all over the place.

(There's even a scene in the movie 'Deer Hunter' during a wedding ceromony. There she stood alongside some thick bifogeled old musician with bow in hand playing wedding music).

But outside the Tri-State region the BB was'nt as prevelant.

Rodriguez · #13 11-12-2008, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Freddie

Lol....

I'll attach a very old pic from Union Square Park in NYC and if he pops up again maybe he'll recognize me...

And if he does'nt...well it was a very long time ago...

I'll leave him a clue...The Johnnie Colon Orquestra.

Yep....he is the Sh---ttt in that format alright. But do you know who's Sal Cuevas?

Those two guys are royalty.

Freddie Diaz? If it is, I've often asked about your whereabouts... hope you're well.

Fast Freddie · #14 11-12-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodriguez

Freddie Diaz? If it is, I've often asked about your whereabouts... hope you're well.

That'll be me brother.

Doing well here in Florida. You've come a long way from 108th st. Keep rockin!

LarryR · #15 11-21-2008, 09:55 AM

Freddie & Ruben,
In this wee corner of the world/the web, 3 bassist's, 2 of them old friends get a chance to say "hey". I'm honored just to be part of it, a witness if you will.

It's 7:54am in Los Angeles. I raise a cup of strong-ass coffee to you both!
-Larry Rott

Sam Sherry · #16 11-21-2008, 10:39 AM

I just realized that Ruben is the bassist on my all-time favorite salsa record, Un Gran Dia en el Barrio.

Thank you, sir, for countless hours of full-blast musical joy. When I get home I'm gonna let the neighbors rediscover how much I dig your stuff (again).