Extremely rare find

[J Posega]

Those sure are something. Definitely got some cool features.

 

[sonojono]

I want one!

 

[Radiatorz84]

Yoooooo! I almost bought these and was pondering what the heck they were and I stumbled on this post...I'm glad they sound awesome, the price was a steal if they play great!

 

[2cooltoolz]

Wow! Too "non-traditional" for my boring old self, but I can still appreciate the creativity and imagination that went into the design. As a Houstonian, I'm embarrassed to admit everything about these, including the luthier, escaped my notice at the time.

Congratulations on an interesting and absolutely unique find, deserving of a place in musical instrument history!

 

[micguy]

So, since they have clamps just past the nut, why the long headstock? That part makes no sense to me.

 

[stigbeve]

So, since they have clamps just past the nut, why the long headstock? That part makes no sense to me.

See post #18

 

[micguy]

See post #18

Which offers no explanation whatsoever - just someone else commenting that it looks weird.

 

[MVE]

I really like those.
A great take on the ultramodern design.
If I get a gig in space, that’s the bass I want to bring.

 

[Leigh Semmens]

Envy is a sin..........I shall repent........................................................................one day!
Cool basses. Enjoy.

 

[bobyoung53]

Which offers no explanation whatsoever - just someone else commenting that it looks weird.

Maybe he meant post #20?

 

[skwee]

Wild

 

[Razman]

How many of these were made? I love headless basses and would absolutely dig a five string. LED markers are super cool!

 

[bassman10096]

Very cool. Over the top but still wants me to pick it up and play. I like.

 

[Rib 13]

I think they are awesome looking and they probably play great.....but that neck pickup location would get in my way for a lot of things, especially slap style.....I hope it doesnt impede you in any way. Enjoy!

 

[crobasster]

Beautifull basses, like the design, there's still hope for el. basses !

 

[SulzerType2]

Interesting Y2K aesthetic to those basses. Definitely trying to make a modern-looking design for the era.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Almost looks like the bass in my avatar...replete with the wanker headstock.

Very cool and I'd love to have the tuner / bridge assembly.

Riis

 

[Ostie]

And they both came with a built-in bottle opener!

 

[Thebiggestjerk]

So I consider myself a traditionalist in a lot of ways. Although I love a lot of the modern and higher end boutique basses with the latest greatest designs and engineering, and I have or have owned many, I still gravitate back to the simple “old faithful” designs for some reason. Well yesterday I ended up stumbling on something and pulling the trigger on purchasing lol.
These were handmade 1999/2000 by Houston, Tx based luthier Dannie Cates. These were his brainchild and a lot of creativity and detail was put into this.
I’ve not had much time to do anything with them but I’m excited to see what they will be like when I get them set up, fresh strings and on stage.

Behold lol, the Mars DC III Hollowpoint basses, SER# 001 & 002.
3 EMG Soaps, 18V EMG Active EQ, Neck Through, LED side fret markers, very well balanced, and sustain unlike any other bass I’ve seen, heard or played. Fantastic tone palette. View attachment 5067321View attachment 5067326 View attachment 5067322View attachment 5067325 View attachment 5067323

Cool basses. Them bridges though…

 

[Thebiggestjerk]

Wow. You bought both?

They look wicked cool. (The red one - wowza!)

How do you string them? What's the control knob setup?

Just like any other aircraft… telepathy.