80's Craziness

Quadzilla · #1 05-26-2010, 06:02 AM

Just saw this on my local craigs. Not mine and absolutely no affiliation. Anyone ever seen one of these before? Not planning on picking it up. Just thought it was unique, cool, etc. Ad:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/msg/1759710570.html

Yamaha Bx 1 Rare Bass Steinberger Headless1980's - $550 (Frostburg MD)

For Sale my Ymaha Bx 1 Rare Bass in Beautiful shape with original hardshell case. HAs just been professionally set up by a guitar luthier and builder. Light scratches no dings or problems. Clean volume tone etc. She's in top shape with new strings and intonation set. These were fairly expensive basses. Ask any questions. Can arrange delivery.

phatbass · #2 05-26-2010, 06:14 AM

I've got one, but mine's a bit bashed and some rocket scientist has messed with the wiring (standard is coil tap on each humbucker). They're a good bass, and will take standard Bass strings.

Verdine White (Earth Wind and Fire) played one for a while.

fcoda · #3 05-26-2010, 06:15 AM

I remember those basses , didn't see any at local shops so I never had a chance to play one. Ibanez also had a headless around the same time that looked similar as did Riverhead with the Unicorn. Both where nice playing basses , should have picked one up at the time. Some companies tried to get in on the headless market of the 80s

DLEE · #4 05-26-2010, 06:17 AM

A friend of mine had one when they came out..At the time everyone was jumping on the Steinberger bandwagon.From what I remember it was a decent bass but I was playing Steinberger #695 so I had the real thing. If it's like most Yamahas it should be built well and most likely sound pretty good.It's certainly unique.

GM60466 · #5 05-26-2010, 06:28 AM

I think $550 is a fair price, especially with the original case.

klk999 · #6 06-17-2010, 12:02 PM

I just picked up a BX-1 off of eBay for a decent price.

It is in relatively good shape, but needed a good cleaning, new stings and a new nut. I dropped it off this morning with a guitar tech to get the new nut and a real setup.

I guess I am re-living my youth as it was the first real bass I had. I purchased the first BX-1 back in 1988, and sold it in 1997, soon after my wife told me she was pregnant. I had pretty much stopped playing by that time, and I needed a real car.

I really liked the punchiness of the pickups, and the split coil function changes the tone significantly. It will be interesting to compare and contrast it to my BC Rich. I still have not played a bass that was as easy to play as the BX-1, or as easy to wear for long periods of time. Also, it will be nice to quit banging the headstock into my desk hutch in my practice room.

Rickett Customs · #7 06-17-2010, 12:04 PM

So you do live in MD, Quad?

perkidan · #8 06-17-2010, 01:04 PM

I have been gassing for one of those since the first time I saw one back in the late 80's. Light as a feather and played like a dream. Wish I had the scratch to get one.

Spleenface92 · #9 06-17-2010, 01:05 PM

Holy 80's! That's so cool I want it! Not gonna buy it, though....gotta save for the rickenbacker.

Quadzilla · #10 06-17-2010, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

So you do live in MD, Quad?

Yes sir. In the burbs (horse country) north of B-more.

Rickett Customs · #11 06-17-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quadzilla

Yes sir. In the burbs (horse country) north of B-more.

Yah, I'm a little ways from B'more.

Aspidites · #12 06-17-2010, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbass

I've got one, but mine's a bit bashed and some rocket scientist has messed with the wiring (standard is coil tap on each humbucker). They're a good bass, and will take standard Bass strings.

Verdine White (Earth Wind and Fire) played one for a while.

As an actual rocket scientist I take offense to that comment.

metalmariachi · #13 06-17-2010, 06:39 PM

cool bass
I'm south west of you guys in Mont county

MM

BigOldHarry · #14 06-17-2010, 06:49 PM

Ah, the '80s... when everything, from bras to hair to basses were pointy.

Ick.

I too stood on stage in leather, playing a pointy bass back then... I always managed to avoid the makeup & wig... but I do *not* miss that bass... or the clothes... or the music...

Rickett Customs · #15 06-17-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalmariachi

cool bass
I'm south west of you guys in Mont county

MM

I'm in PG county

T-Bird · #16 06-18-2010, 12:34 AM

Hi.

I had one in the early 00's.

Come to think of it, I'm still waiting a couple hundred € the guy didn't have at the moment of the trade. Thanks for reminding me, I have to look him up

.

Anyway, a great, lightweight bass, rather unique shape and will most probably rach a collectible status pretty soon.

Regards
Sam