• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Looking for help in Garnet Bass Guitar History

Javelin

Javelin

Sep 29, 2019
9
7
Port Coquitlam
#1
Hi everyone;
I am a newbie to Talk Bass and I am hoping someone can help me track down information on my latest acquisition. I just purchased a “GARNET” branded Jazz Bass ( see photo) and I am very curious as to its history. The Garnet websites indicate they were sold with their Amplifiers but there is no information on where they were made, what years or how many were sold.

I have found two identical basses with different brands and one with an identical 6-hole neck plate and truss rod cover. The identical to bass guitar names are Seville and Quest and the identical neck is from a Morris ( photos attached ). I have photographed the back of the Garnet neck where there is a Y in a circle that may be familiar to someone ( see photo ) and I am hoping it will indicate perhaps a factory that at least produced the neck if not the entire bass. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. I am in a band and intend to use this Bass once in a while as everyone loves something different… Thanks Tim AKA Javelin



GARNET HEADSTOCK.JPG
GARNET BASS BODY.JPG
GARNET BASS.JPG
Seville Jazz Bass.jpg
Quest Jazz Bass.jpg
MORRIS BASS.jpg
Neck Logo Garnet Bass.JPG
 
#2
Here’s some info on the Garnet amp company. No mention of guitars or basses, but seems likely that it’s the same company. Not unreasonable that the Garnet name found its way onto budget import guitars/basses.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

We see Garnet amps pop up here now and again. Until I found that link, I would have guessed it was a Yorkville spin off, but apparently not!
 
#4
From the pictures, the general look and feel of the bass is 70’s Japanese. Probably a step up from the basic Teisco. Maybe Matsumoku? That’s a shot in the dark, however. I know there were several importers or factories who would put whatever name you wanted on the headstock is you ordered enough instruments so it’s not unreasonable that an amp manufacturer would have imported basses and guitars with the same name to sell with their amplifiers.
 
#5
Thanks Matt I am hoping the circled letter Y on the neck of the Garnet Bass ( last photo above ) might be a clue if someone has seen it before....or knows the manufacturers stamp... The pick ups are chrome Maxon with 8 screws and were commonly used by many Japanese makers so i am sure it is from one of them. The Pickup # is 15606 which maxon dates to June 06 1975 ???


upload_2019-9-29_17-28-41.png
 
#6
Late to the party...

I was researching The Guess Who's Jim Kale bass rig when I tripped across a link to this thread, so I thought I'd drop a piece of the puzzle here..

This link has an eMail to submit vintage photos of Garnet guitars and also mentions they were 70's MIJ - maybe if it's still active those on the other end may be able to fill in some blanks on this one here.

http://www.garnetamps.com/guitar.htm
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back