That would be the RSB-900. RSB meant "Rev-Sound Bass". There was also RSB-800 (two pickups, passive) and RSB-600 (one pickup, passive). Here is a catalog shot and a headstock closeup.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
- Status
That would be the RSB-900. RSB meant "Rev-Sound Bass". There was also RSB-800 (two pickups, passive) and RSB-600 (one pickup, passive). Here is a catalog shot and a headstock closeup.
Thanks for the link Jason!
Also, as Deathblade points out, you can definitely refurbish the bridge yourself. I go back and forth between leaving it alone and doing that myself but in the end I just decide to keep "the mojo." If it ever looks like it is eating through the brass then I suppose I would take the plunge and rebuild the whole thing. It's staying with me until I leave this earth!
Hey thanks guys. When I get in later I'll try and get some pics of the frets as I don't know how bad they are and if they will go again. Sadly I don't have any of the original bits, what you see is how the bass came to me on monday. All the mods were carried out by the previous owner. Its a shame its no original but I think I got a reasonable deal and it plays beautifully! I am really happy with it!
I'll have to have a look at the electronics as the toggle switch had been wired incorrectly. Instead of switching between active and passive it just cut the output to the jack. Not sure why its been wired like this?
Out of interest, did you re furb your bridge with it still in situ or diid you remove it?
Thanks again!
I'll have to have a look at the electronics as the toggle switch had been wired incorrectly. Instead of switching between active and passive it just cut the output to the jack. Not sure why its been wired like this?
Out of interest, did you re furb your bridge with it still in situ or diid you remove it?
Thanks again!
Lovely bass, love the grain of ash...I bet it sounds like it looks 
Especially i like the descriptions on the catalogue, very detailed...
Especially i like the descriptions on the catalogue, very detailed...Right I managed to get a pic of the fret wear. It extends from the nut toward the body for about the first 5 or 6 frets. Apologies for the poor quality, my little compact was struggling to focus with all the shiny metal!
Hopefully you will get an idea. The frets have indentations below the stings and although everything plays well I wouldn't mind having it 'right', if you know what I mean. What are the frets on these guitars? I have heard of 'Jumbo' frets but I don't know what other variety there are and more importantly which the correct ones are for these guitars. Hopefully a luthier should know! I have had a quick search and there are quite a few around the Manchester/North West area but I don't have any one who has been recommended. If anyone else knows of a good one around here I would love to know. I don't want some amateur ruining my baby!
That doesn't look that bad to me at all. I really think a simple fret leveling can be done. Your luthier is the expert but from that I think a re-fret is overkill. When you are done it should play better as you should be able to get the action slightly lower but it's not going to sound different or be any more "right" than it is now. As the classic joke goes, "Don't FRET it!"
That's the one! Thanks for the info. I never saw anything on these RSB's, I was thinking it was maybe a TSB with modded electronics or something.
They look really nice, possibly a good alternative to the SB-1000, the prices on those things are through the roof right now! Ive been seen a few SB-1000s in barely decent condition go for big money on ebay lately.
Here's a few 'round your way:
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
Prices | Jack's Instrument Services
The dings in yours look like they'll come right out with a good levelling & dressing - they're no worse than my old TSB-400 & that now plays like a dream.
Refurbishing the bridge is best done with it out as you really need to take the whole thing apart & set about it with the Dremel & Brasso. As & when you go for a fretjob, do it just before you put it in as it'll get adjusted as part of the process.
Pete.
Does anyone else on TB have one of these?
Mine's from 1984 & I'd like to get a comparison shot of the bridge for possible repro purposes.
At the moment this is the closest shot I have:
It mainly differs from the standard SB bridge in that the saddle slots & ball retainers are open ended - were they all like this?
Pete
Mine's from 1984 & I'd like to get a comparison shot of the bridge for possible repro purposes.
At the moment this is the closest shot I have:
It mainly differs from the standard SB bridge in that the saddle slots & ball retainers are open ended - were they all like this?
Pete
Somebody needs to do repro bridges and saddles for the SB/RSB/CSB series. Seems like there is enough demand to justify it.
Hi, Pete it's hard to see in detail, but here is the catalog version of the RSB 5.
1986 Catalog :: Page 17 picture by vintagejapanbass - Photobucket
Also, I found this custom RSB-5 (Rudy Sarzo's) with a different bridge.
Oh, and here is a video of Hob Goblin, whose bassist is using a P/J version of the RSB-5. It has the same bridge as the Sarzo bass...
YouTube - ‪Hob Goblin - Gnadenlos erotisch - Goldene Europa - 1987‬‏
1986 Catalog :: Page 17 picture by vintagejapanbass - Photobucket
Also, I found this custom RSB-5 (Rudy Sarzo's) with a different bridge.
Oh, and here is a video of Hob Goblin, whose bassist is using a P/J version of the RSB-5. It has the same bridge as the Sarzo bass...
YouTube - ‪Hob Goblin - Gnadenlos erotisch - Goldene Europa - 1987‬‏
Attachments
The saddles should be dead easy, even if your toolbox only contains a hacksaw & a file.
Don't hold your breath, but there *might* be something in the works. I'll say no more, but if it does happen it won't be a secret
Thanks for those, they're similar in that they have open saddle slots on the front, but differ by having enclosed keyhole ball-end slots - mine are open.
The securing screw arrangement is different on the Sarzo too, having four grouped together at the back whereas mine are spaced 1/0/1/1/0/1. Can't tell from the others.
Wonder if mine is a very early example, the bridge is totally engineered as far as I can tell, whereas the SBs have a part-cast, part machined look to them.
The only catalogue photo I've found is [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], which shows the same bridge as I have, yet mine has an '84 S/No.
*If* mine is some kind of prototype/1st run, I'd better take steps to keep it original. It badly needs a pro setup & I was toying with the idea of a de-fret, but I suspect it's best if I don't.
Pete.
Apparently Bloodsplatter ZZBs are not too popular right now, there are currently 2 on ebay. I'm tempted, but I already have an explorer-shaped japanese made bass that wouldnt be all that easy to sell off...
Sorry for the terse last message!
I've just paid for my second Aria Pro II, this time an SB900 with what look like walnut facings. Its an earlier series I but I think it might be one of the 'runout' guitars as the S/N would indicate its an '81 model. The odd thing is my SB1000 S/N is exactly 1000 'older' if the other digits are sequential in some way and it is a series II with an '81 S/N. Maybe I just have one of the last S I 900's and one the first S II 1000's? Pics to follow..
I've just paid for my second Aria Pro II, this time an SB900 with what look like walnut facings. Its an earlier series I but I think it might be one of the 'runout' guitars as the S/N would indicate its an '81 model. The odd thing is my SB1000 S/N is exactly 1000 'older' if the other digits are sequential in some way and it is a series II with an '81 S/N. Maybe I just have one of the last S I 900's and one the first S II 1000's? Pics to follow..
Pete, you're a star! Thanks for the advice and links, I thing this weekend will be taken up with Duraglit, elbow grease...and the small matter of an FA cup final! I wonder if 'bridge polishing' counts as a stress relieving action? I need one supporting Man City!
I missed out on Manchester City's homecoming with the FA cup and subsequent celebrations to bid on my SB900... Surely that qualifies me for some sort of accolade? Maybe worst fan?
At home having my own party
- Status
