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Can anyone identify this Bass?

#141
Fab Superlative said:
Well since Carvin, has been mentioned...
When I viewed the shape of the headstock, that was the first impression that I had- it looked like something that Jeff Kiesel, might of had a hand in?
But what continues to throw me is the abalone logo inlay, it's well thought out and took some skill to execute.
Likewise the pre-amp circuit board logo 'NTE' could indicate NTE Electronics Inc | Electronic Components Supplier | Semiconductors the configuration and the ancillary components of the pre-amp indicates a higher level of skill as well.

I asked the good folks at SF Guitarworks, to have a look since the case logo reminded me of their storefront, and their client base is centric to your locale. And they have mentored a luthier or two ;)
But alas they too are mystified, they were even kind enough to ask Joe Zon, and he couldn't ID the maker either.
Although they all agreed that it was a well done nice bass!

@elkkid2 :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the help! --It's amazing how many poeple are stumped by this. Kent Armstrong is looking at photos right now...we'll see if he made the pick ups. Hopefully, Jim Harryman, my Bass Tach, can free up some today ot tomorrow to take out the pickups, Etc. and see if there's some info under them. He'll also do a full set up...change the strings, set the truss Rod, etc. Again, thanks!
 
#142
TrustRod said:
You can buy a lot of $400 Carvins with a more expensive black ebony board. But what it's worth is what you can sell it for.
Click to expand...

I didn't realize the Black ebony was better...I guess because I see it everywhere....--The only time I've really noticed Striped Ebony was on my Martin B-540. It sounds sweet!
DSC04253.JPG
 
#144
Flaked Beans said:
The black ebony is not better, it's just more expensive. That headstock looks very nice BTW. :bassist:
Click to expand...

Thanks!
You know...after comparing the Martin wood with the Mystery Bass wood,(on the fretboard), I'm thinking maybe the grain on the Martin,(which I KNOW is striped Ebony), is..more uniform. So now I'm not sure...maybe the mystery Bass has a Cocobolo Fretboard? --Do they make Fret Boards out of Cocobolo?
 
#149
TrustRod said:
Well I thank you for your personal judgements and condemnations of me. Please do not feel hypocritical for lashing out at me personally while at the same time demanding only documented praise be spoken about your used bass you are trying to sell for well above what a known brand would cost. In your anger you may have missed it wasn't me comparing it to an Ibanez, I was the one who pointed out it was using the high end Sperzel tuners. You also accepted my comment that it looks like an imported Tobias bass.

Good luck with your sale, I'm sure you can find someone who shares your valuation.

Tip: Don't call potential customers Munky's.
Click to expand...
I just now saw that last bit...that was a typo...I meant "Murky" I'm so sorry. I just felt like you were slamming this great Bass. Again, sorry!
 
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#150
NEW PHOTOS.
But first, again, I'd like to say I'm sorry to those I was rude to. I didn't need to get "backed-up" over some of the comments I read, in particular, to TrussRod!

Well, I finally got the bass over to Jim Harryman, A great Guitar Tech...and man! --Can that guy do a clean Solder! (He used to solder Circuit Boards for Alesis.)
DSC00334.JPG

#BassAgent was right about the Kent Armstrong pickups...Kent has written to me, he thinks they look like his Pickups, but has no idea about the Bass. I sent him better pictures this Morning.
There is NO signature in any of the cavities...well, we didn't completely pull that metal plate out of the pre-amp area...I may go back and do that.
Jim thinks that the very center stripe on the neck through may be Bubinga. The Body "wings" under the quilt Maple may be Ash. I'm starting to think the Fret Board might not be Striped Ebony, but Cocobolo instead. (When I showed a picture of a Bass I had that I knew for sure was striped Ebony...I'm still not sure if it is or isn't...I thought the grain of the Ebony looks more uniform, and straighter. So now, I'm kinda leaning towards Cocobolo for the Fret Board.)
Jim has never seen the Bridge before. At first, he thought is a bit over done...but after working with it a bit, he said it was very nice to work with...but very beefy!
Jim also did a complete make-over on the Bass. New Strings, Truss Rod adjust,(Works very well), Intonation, went over the Pre-amp, but didn't change parameters...he's hoping Kent Armstrong may know something about doing that.
This Bass is set up like a Hot Rod now!
Now, --to the new Pictures!

DSC00320.JPG
 
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#160
Well Folks, let me say, Kent Armstrong sure is a nice, down-to-Earth kinda guy! He's so nice and replied to several questions. They are his Pickups, he doesn't know anything about the Bass or Pre-amp. The first part was an answer to a question Jim Harryman had, how close should the Pickups be to the strings. Then he answers to how old the pickups are.
Here's the latest from him:
Kent Armstrong
To
'Mark Hughes'
Today at 7:46 PM
Mark as for height that is a matter of taste and the closer the hotter and more attack so if you move it down it decreases in volume and attack.


I would say they are around 15 to 20 years old.


The pre-amp I have no idea about at all.


Sincerely Kent
 
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