Geddy's Teardrop (P)Bass

[twocargar]

Anyone ever done a teardrop bass mod to an old bass? I was thinking this would be an interesting project, but with a few modifications so it isn't 'ruined' as Geddy said about his mods.

I was thinking of using a PJ bass like an Ibanez GSR200 or some passive PJ, and cutting it up. Also, to combat neck dive, I'd add a boomerang or something ( like the Steinbergers have) to see if that helped.

 

[twocargar]

I found this thread, http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/teardrop-bass-728158/ but wanted to get some feedback from anyone who had done it.

 

[DrSpunkwater]

I don't think many of us would consider doing a mod that will negatively affect the balance of our bass, but more power to you if you do it. It'll look cool, it'll just balance like a Thunderbird.

Unless of course you add a strap button at the headstock.

 

[x64]

My bass teacher cut the top horn off of his 63 P off in his youth. I don't think I need to add that he regrets it.

 

[twocargar]

I think I'm gonna go for it. I have a Squier neck and old Hondo P body that I routed a J pickup into. Going to go passive with VVT, or maybe even try the stereo out (Rick-o-Sound) thing.

Here's the best photo I could find of it.

 

[Tomkat8]

Might round out the sound

 

[twocargar]

Nice one! Wonder if I'll cry after I cut up my bass, or if I will be able to play circles around other bassists afterward.

Might round out the sound

 

[maxiegrant]

I seem to recall hearing that this destroyed the sound of the bass in question.

And Geddy apologizes to it whenever he sees it. You notice it doesn't appear anywhere on a recording after that was done to it?

 

[Tomkat8]

Roundabout will prob sound better too

 

[twocargar]

I seem to recall hearing that this destroyed the sound of the bass in question.

And Geddy apologizes to it whenever he sees it. You notice it doesn't appear anywhere on a recording after that was done to it?

I read about that. One of the things I noticed is his J pickup is right next to the bridge. That can't sound good. My P/J basses have much more room than that. Another thing that might make a difference is I am not going to make it active. Maybe that'll make a difference too.

 

[twocargar]

Roundabout will prob sound better too

And "Tears" from 2112!

 

[Tomkat8]

Would think removing half the body mass will lighten up the sound.... No pun intended

 

[zfunkman]

Just get a cheap MIM or Squire Jazz and make it a teardrop. Whats the big deal?

 

[pizzazombie]

Looks horrible imo.

 

[xUptheIronsx]

so is that a Ric that he cut up, or did it come that way. I totally forgot about that bass....

 

[Tomkat8]

I had a hohner b2v... Which is basically a wooden set neck steinberger.. It didn't Have much of a bass end, very midrangy.. Could've been the generic pickups too, a good on board pre will probably make a huge difference. Good luck

 

[twocargar]

That was his '68 P bass. I think he used that on and off until the Caress of Steel tour.

so is that a Ric that he cut up, or did it come that way. I totally forgot about that bass....

 

[geddeeee]

Geddy regretted doing the mod. He says the bass sounded like ****!!!

Too much wood removed, affected the tone too much!!!

 

[j.kernodle]

and the basses were all kept equal... by hatchet.... axe.... and saw!!!!!

 

[seang15]

I think I'm gonna go for it. I have a Squier neck and old Hondo P body that I routed a J pickup into. Going to go passive with VVT, or maybe even try the stereo out (Rick-o-Sound) thing.

Here's the best photo I could find of it.

What the hell, he played that live!?