John Lee's bass guitar

ericferret · #1 01-01-2008, 06:21 AM

Just been watching the Gillespie All Star Big Band with John Lee on Bass.

What a great double-bass sound: does anyone know what it is? Looks like custom. It's natural wood (looks like rough hewn), fretless. Has one "f" hole (may be painted on?). Has a distinctive shape a bit like a semi-acoustic guitar, i.e. rounded (no horn) where the strap attaches. the finger-board under the G string at the top (nearest the bridge) end looks like its split and been spot drilled and pinned, but I suspect the "pins" are to mark the exact position of the notes, since he plays up there a lot in his solo.

See him playing this, and a good close-up, on "I Mean You" with Slide Hampton at the 2007 Burghausen (Germany) Jazz Festival. Don't know if it's on Utube but the the German TV channel Bayern Alpha showed it on New Years Eve.

I want one! (though at what price!)

Hoover · #2 01-01-2008, 06:03 PM

is this the same John Lee who used to play with Larry Coryell, Phillip Catherine, & Alphonse Mouzon?

stretchcat · #3 01-01-2008, 06:23 PM

One of these?

http://www.roballenguitars.com/

Uncle Vester · #4 01-02-2008, 03:05 AM

Yea, looks like the 'Deep 4' should be the one. White binding on top, AFAIR.

ericferret · #5 01-02-2008, 07:36 AM

Yep: well done: Rob Allen, that's the one. Deep 4 and 5 are the top of the range, with deep 4 listed at $3,750. Probably worth it though.

And it IS hollow - the "f" hole isn't painted on.

But I've mailed Rob Allen to ask him why the pins in the fretboard!!

Not sure who else John Lee's played with: he's supposed to be one of the genuine Gillespie band originals.

PS: The Rob Allen MB model is $2,000, and also well rated in revues.

jerry · #6 01-02-2008, 03:33 PM

John Lee & Gerry Brown used to make a killer rhythm section!