Just out of curiousity does anyone know where his basses are? Are they in a museum? His parents have them? He mainly played the Aria, but probably had lots of others. If anyone has info or a link I'd appreciate It. Thanks.
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Anyone know where Cliff Burtons basses are?
- Thread starter Reigninblood
- Start date
Cliff's mom passed away years ago.
His dad had the Ric, although he did loan it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its exhibit the same year Metallica was inducted. He's a very generous guy. May have actually let the museum keep it.
The Alembic was stolen - never replaced.
One of his Aria's is kept at Lar's house. It's part of his music and memorabilia room. Lars told me it was the bass Cliff played for his last show.
A second Aria bass was kept at the Metallica studio compound in San Rafael, CA. Jason used to play it and record with it. Not sure if Jason took it when he left or if its still at the compound. I have never seen Robert playing it. So, Jason may have kept it.
His dad had the Ric, although he did loan it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its exhibit the same year Metallica was inducted. He's a very generous guy. May have actually let the museum keep it.
The Alembic was stolen - never replaced.
One of his Aria's is kept at Lar's house. It's part of his music and memorabilia room. Lars told me it was the bass Cliff played for his last show.
A second Aria bass was kept at the Metallica studio compound in San Rafael, CA. Jason used to play it and record with it. Not sure if Jason took it when he left or if its still at the compound. I have never seen Robert playing it. So, Jason may have kept it.
I went to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland this weekend, and I LOOKED at his red Rickenbacker. I also got to see one of John Entwistle's Buzzard Basses. But I know one of his red Rics are there.
I live in akron and haven't been to the Rock Hall in a few years. Now I definitely have to go. By myself, so I can stare at it as long as I want.
If Jason took Cliff's bass when he left Metallica, I have a feeling Hetfield, Hammett, and Ulrich would be doing life for 1st degree murder
If Jason took Cliff's bass when he left Metallica, I have a feeling Hetfield, Hammett, and Ulrich would be doing life for 1st degree murder
There was only one red Ric. Cliff never made any real money until after he was gone. He did not own many basses. If the Ric is still featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then that is what Ray Burton did with Cliff's bass.
The Arias were part of an endorsement deal. Cliff played them live, and liked them a lot, but the Ric was his personal bass - his number 1.
Indeed, from what I've read, they were just starting to actually make a good deal of money when he died. Didn't really have time to get a lot of basses before he was gone.
Just one Ric. Its electronics went through a few different versions over the years. But it was just that one bass. Its kind of sentimental to me, because it was the first bass I ever played -- long before Metallica. RIP Cliff. Wish you were here.
Funkytoe: That is so amazing. If i remember correctly then you and Cliff was highschool buddies? Are you in McIvers book? I have read itmany times. Cliff is such an inspirational human being
Joel McIver contacted me a few years ago. I spoke with him a few times when he was writing the book and gave him some contacts for folks like Chuck Martin - the guitar tech who did the original mods on the Ric. Joel was terrific. He did thank me in the book and sent me a signed copy of the first production run. Quality guy. I do recommend Joel's book for people who want to know more about Cliff. It's a really accurate representation of who Cliff was and a good read as well.
+1 to funkytoe. I saw a video of Jason explaining his rig to that crazy guy from Dunlop and he pointed at Cliff's Aria in the room. The video's from after he left Metallica, since he also mentioned using a Crybaby Bass.
Cliff's Ric gave me the idea to mod my own P-bass, and get my distortion, and get my wah... lol
Cliff's Ric gave me the idea to mod my own P-bass, and get my distortion, and get my wah... lol
