Double Bass Baby Bass megathread

[nofretdave]

Here's a picture of the pots.

Forgot the picture!

 

[nofretdave]

Here's a way to fix those cracks: Use Marine Tex. It's an Epoxy for boat repairs. I've used it in the same area, (it's typical for cracks in that location), and it's impossible to beat plus it also comes in white, (mine is black). Once it's cured one can sand it down with the most finest grits and polish it with Megueirs plastic polish. Invalid Link Removed

Thanks! Any advice for removing the neck pin? Mine is exposed on one side only and I hate to chew it up with a pliers.

 

[Fast Freddie]

Naw don't do that. Just remove the strings and lightly tap it out with an aluminum or wooden dowel of a smaller diameter. It comes out in either direction. It's held in by the pressure of the tightened strings.

 

[nofretdave]

By the way the scrolls on the neck are some kind of plastic, (remove them if you want to re-use at a later time). I removed them and made my own from wood dowels and I finished the neck with natural shellac flakes and real beeswax.View attachment 1041803

Wow!

 

[nofretdave]

Naw don't do that. Just remove the strings and lightly tap it out with an aluminum or wooden dowel of a smaller diameter. It comes out in either direction. It's held in by the pressure of the tightened strings.

Mine only has a hole on 1 side so I can't tap it out...

 

[Fast Freddie]

Mine only has a hole on 1 side so I can't tap it out...

That's interesting. Mine goes straight thru. Sounds like a mod they did for the later models. I guess you'll have no choice. Here's what I'd suggest. FIRST REMOVE THE STRINGS. Next, pop out the chrome button in the rear of the body and completely remove the neck height adjustment bolt, (3/16 hex bolt). Finally, pull it out with pliers. It should be a lot less tighter by then.

 

[nofretdave]

I got it. Neck is nearly stripped. Should be a LOT better when it's done.

 

[Bass 45]

That's interesting. Mine goes straight thru. Sounds like a mod they did for the later models. I guess you'll have no choice. Here's what I'd suggest. FIRST REMOVE THE STRINGS. Next, pop out the chrome button in the rear of the body and completely remove the neck height adjustment bolt, (3/16 hex bolt). Finally, pull it out with pliers. It should be a lot less tighter by then.

Here's a picture of the pots.

1964!

 

[Bass 45]

That's interesting. Mine goes straight thru. Sounds like a mod they did for the later models. I guess you'll have no choice. Here's what I'd suggest. FIRST REMOVE THE STRINGS. Next, pop out the chrome button in the rear of the body and completely remove the neck height adjustment bolt, (3/16 hex bolt). Finally, pull it out with pliers. It should be a lot less tighter by then.

Like myself, Dave has an earlier model. They have a few differences: the neck pin is only exposed on one side, it does not have the extended tailpiece (and needs longer strings) and the Ampeg logo is on the headstock. Mine (a '63) also came with a blue check covered gigbag that matched the Ampeg amps of the day.

 

[Fast Freddie]

I've collected many pictures throughout the internet of blue, white and the standard sunburst and five stringer BB4's, (a few with the logo on the head-stock). IMO, I still think out of any EUB, the Ampeg rules as king in every way!

 

[nofretdave]

Like myself, Dave has an earlier model. They have a few differences: the neck pin is only exposed on one side, it does not have the extended tailpiece (and needs longer strings) and the Ampeg logo is on the headstock. Mine (a '63) also came with a blue check covered gigbag that matched the Ampeg amps of the day.

could you post a picture of the logo? I'd like to get a replacement (or something close) made.

 

[Bass 45]

could you post a picture of the logo? I'd like to get a replacement (or something close) made.

Sure - I'll post a few photos of the old bird:

 

[nofretdave]

Sure - I'll post a few photos of the old bird:

View attachment 1051892 View attachment 1051893 View attachment 1051894 View attachment 1051895 View attachment 1051896

Nice! That is the coolest gig bag ever made!

 

[farace]

Nice! That is the coolest gig bag ever made!

I agree. My (1968) Baby Bass's gig bag is made from stinky deteriorating nylon with just a flannel lining. It seems to have shrunk, too, because it's almost impossible to zip up.

 

[nofretdave]

Nice! That is the coolest gig bag ever made!

Nice! That is the coolest gig bag ever made!

I just noticed the collection of portaflex amps in the background...wow!

 

[Fast Freddie]

Never seen one with gut strings...wow! My gig bag is a more modern ABB4 bag from Ampeg. And yes, mine stinks big time....That Polaroid UV stuff was made to stink forever...

 

[Francois Blais]

It's synthetic gut.
They look like FMI's strings.

 

[Bass 45]

It's synthetic gut.
They look like FMI's strings.

Yes - it is easier to tell up by the tuners. I don't know the brand - they came with the bass - but they sound good - and thumpy.

 

[gitoat]

I've had this Baby for about 10 years and am looking to get some upgrades on it like new tuning machines. Also looking to go back to the old aluminum bridge instead of the current wooden one. I've always wanted to know exactly how old this Baby is; I assume it's the older version since "Ampeg" is on the headstock rather than on the tailpiece, perhaps pre-1965. The serial number under the tailpiece is 000658. Any ideas?

 

[ddbassGA]

Thinking of selling my 60's baby bass. I've owned it since 80's and haven't played it in over 20 years. Includes case and stand. PM if you all know of anybody interested. I'd like it to go to an enthusiast.