Double Bass Baby Bass megathread

[Bass 45]

Anyone know the origins of the change in tail pieces on the Ampeg Baby Bass? from all the way down to the bottom of the body to the style that most baby bass makers use today the the "Y" looking tail piece?

Thanks in advance..

Rich

I don't know why Ampeg made the change. I now have the earlier version without the tailpiece extension with the logo (the Ampeg logo is on the scroll headstock on my Baby Bass). Maybe Ampeg just wanted a more traditional look.

You have to be careful when ordering strings for the Baby Bass. I used to have a later model B.B. When I ordered a set of LaBella strings through Gollihur Music and I kept receiving strings that were too long. The retailer gave up on helping me and gave me a phone number to deal with La Bella directly. It took weeks for me to finally get the strings in the correct length - after convincing the LaBella rep. that I had an actual stock Ampeg and that their strings were too long. After the ordeal was over, I realized that LaBella probably had the lengths for the early Ampegs that did not have the tailpiece extension.

Also - richrod - My name is also Rich and I am also from Orange County (Central Valley - I am in AZ now) and I have a Baby Bass

 

[richrod]

I don't know why Ampeg made the change. I now have the earlier version without the tailpiece extension with the logo (the Ampeg logo is on the scroll headstock on my Baby Bass). Maybe Ampeg just wanted a more traditional look.

You have to be careful when ordering strings for the Baby Bass. I used to have a later model B.B. When I ordered a set of LaBella strings through Gollihur Music and I kept receiving strings that were too long. The retailer gave up on helping me and gave me a phone number to deal with La Bella directly. It took weeks for me to finally get the strings in the correct length - after convincing the LaBella rep. that I had an actual stock Ampeg and that their strings were too long. After the ordeal was over, I realized that LaBella probably had the lengths for the early Ampegs that did not have the tailpiece extension.

Also - richrod - My name is also Rich and I am also from Orange County (Central Valley - I am in AZ now) and I have a Baby Bass

You said a mouthful there bro, thanks I appreciate it. And funny you should mention LaBella cause I am a LaBella Endorser and we have been working together to get some new product out for the Baby Bass players. I know you've seen the black nylons and probably some white nylons and such but we're working on something that's gonna knock the socks off of those Dr Thomastik lovers... Lol keep an eye out..

Glad to hear from a NYer!

I have owned two original Ampegs in my lifetime and unfortunately sold both of them. But I have a custom Ampeg Replica coming my way next week and this guy from PR improved on some of the flaws that Ampeg had re: body, weight, neck & pickups. I'm really looking forward to getting this new bass

And taking her over to the LaBella shop to get these new strings out on her... Can't wait!

 

[Bass 45]

That looks great!

The bass clef on the body is a nice touch.

 

[richrod]

That looks great!

The bass clef on the body is a nice touch.

Thanks!!

 

[NickyBass]

Interesting... Does he have a website?

 

[richrod]

Interesting... Does he have a website?

He does, but its in the works right now.. However you can visit his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/andybassespr

The guys work is flawless....

Regards,

Rich

 

[richrod]

In fact, they offer several DB strings sets in BB lenghts, but not a specific BB strings set.

They are now making white and black nylon specific baby bass strings and are working on some flat wound steels for Ampeg style baby basses... stay tuned for more info

 

[richrod]

Anyone out there having experience with or knowledge about Colombian Baby Basses? I have come across at least four makers in the city of Cali making Baby Basses (i.e. old style Ampeg fiberglass body basses). I guess to some extent it reflects the popularity of salsa music in Latin America, plus it´s probably rather easy to make molds for the fiberglass bodies (all these guys also make conga drums). It seems they also make their own diaphragm pickups.

The makers are Bladimir "Blady" Torres (website http://www.valgame.com/html2/bladimir_basses.htm), Sendel (by one Fernando Garcia Mesa), M.O.G. (by Mauro Ortega), and Simet.

Some of their basses are straight Ampeg replicas, some have smaller bodies and headless necks, and some of them are quite futuristic, often finished in bright metallic paint.

I can´t say how they stand up to vintage Ampeg or new Azola or Ramirez basses, but the fact that one small Colombian town holds four bass makers is intriguing. I suspect there may be even more such bass makers in Latin America - I have seen several offering "baby basses", but then again it´s quite often used as a synonym for EUB.

(Pls no jokes about crack in the necks and other references to Colombian pharmaceutical export...)

I wouldn't touch a Blady Bass even if given free, the others you mention, i.e., Ray Ramirez, MOG and Sendel, here are some others you didn't mention which are also great BB EUB makers Tamariz, Andres Rosado (also from PR) Now I just purchased an Andy Rosado BB4 and I have to tell you if I close my eyes while playing it I think I am playing an Ampeg BB4, although his take on it is a tad bit superior to that of Ampeg, since he has improved on the sound of the pickup and has made the body a little lighter. The sound that you expect and then some from an Ampeg is there. He is listed on Facebook as Andres Rosado and he also has a page Andy Basses PR

Keep it Low!
Rich

 

[richrod]

Don't know anything about MOG. You have links or something?

I use a '67 Baby Bass. Nothing like it really. The Azola reissue comes close, I hear that Ray Ramirez's work does too.

Nothing out there under $2000 US that I've heard of does that sound right.

Andres Rosado who is also from PR is making some very good sounding Ampeg BB4 replicas and has improved on the pickup as well... he is currently on Facebook under Andres Rosado or Andy Basses PR and his basses start as $1400...

 

[richrod]

hey guys are there any baby basses out on the market that can sound like a original ampeg or better.


or do they all stink?

Yes, plenty, but here is one I recommend highly Andres Rosado who can find on Facebook by that same name or Andy Basses PR. He is a Ampeg Replica maker that makes them unbelievably close if not better sounding than the Ampegs...

 

[richrod]

For Salsa on the baby bass the Spirocore Solo is the defacto standard tone.

Superflex are darker a little stiffer and less complex.

I'm sure they'd be fine but why bother?

Actually, some like the Dr Thomatik Solo Gauge

correction my friend ..... the wood bridge gives you the sustain ... the metal bridge is tha way to go for the punch needed in salsa ... the ampeg bridges had dampers on them adding to the punch .. but then again quality conytol on ampegs wasnt that great ... some baby basses were great then some other batches were horrid ... Im lucky to own two babys that are absolutley wonderful sonically and structurally .... the babys with the upright like tailpieces seem to sound the best .. these were produced in the latter part of the babys time in manufacturing

Its a matter of opinion, but most latin BB4 players i know have gone with the wood bridge these days for the round, punchy tone that is called for in Salsa...

 

[richrod]

Does anyone have/know where to get a magnetic diaphragm pickup for a baby bass? It doesn't have to be an authentic ampeg number, but I want that sound/style.

I've emailed a few makers in Colombia, but the shipping is really pricey. According to one maker's website, he gets his pickups from a business in Miami, but I can't find any info on who that pickup maker might be online. Anyone know who it might be and how to contact him/her?

I've built several acoustic double basses, but am now playing more salsa than jazz and want to make a baby. I'm just pretty clueless when it comes to pickups/electronics, so any help is greatly appreciated!

Marty

if you're still looking, try Andres Rosado from PR he is on Facebook also Andy Basses PR on FB

 

[richrod]

I am probably going to be ordering a KK Baby Bass. I am trying to get back into salsa. I sold all my other BB's except for the Ampeg. From what I've seen, read and heard online, the KK basses seem nice. Anyone have any input? I will be going with the 'vintage' model.

If you haven't purchased a BB4 yet, try Andres Rosado from PR, I purchased one recently and it is not only gorgeous its affordable and the tone output is amazing. He improved greatly on the Ampeg pickup... he's on FB "Andres Rosado" or "Andy Basses PR"

 

[Feral Feline]

View attachment 462833

Yoiks! I likes! There should be morange beautiful BBs out there. Black hardware looks slick — I'd stain the bridge black, too.

That looks great!

The bass clef on the body is a nice touch.

Well spotted! I had to scroll back and take another look.

 

[Aiolac]

Hi all,
I just got a Zorko baby bass #42.
I am pretty excited, it is beat and beautiful, but the endpin is missing.
Can anyone post some detailed photos of the original zorko endpin system?
All mine has is about an inch of threaded (maybe aluminum) pipe sticking out with a flat nut treaded on.
thanks
Nicola

 

[Feral Feline]

Congrats!

I'd love a Zorko, they don't have the outgassing problems, if I'm not mistaken.

Post pics, or no bass!

Sorry I couldn't be of help.

 

[Aiolac]

Thanks,
The Zorko smells sweet. It is a lovely copper coloured fiberglass.
Here are some pix

 

[Feral Feline]

Many, many thanks for the PICS!


Looks like you can fashion your own endpin and thread it on...

 

[Aiolac]

Easily, right now I've got a 7/8 broom handle and a hose clamp.
Works fine, but not exactly a "restoration".

 

[bassike]

Hey guys I'm new to baby bass
I just got my KK bass a few weeks ago, and I was wondering if anyone can recommend a stand for it.
I fount the Hercules for cello and it looks like it could work.
Any options?

Thank you


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