• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Hayman 40 / 40

BassistForHire

BassistForHire

Feb 6, 2008
90
0
Paris of the Piedmont
#1
I have a Hayman 40/40 that I got new in the mid 70's at the end of a series of ill-advised trades. I recently recovered it from a friends attic who I loaned it to for his son to learn on.

Is there any interest in these things out there? I have no idea how much they are worth.

All original including hardshell case except for the clip that holds the tailpiece cover on.
 

Attachments

  • DSCF0394.jpg
    DSCF0394.jpg
    106.6 KB · Views: 1,079
  • DSCF0395.jpg
    DSCF0395.jpg
    70.5 KB · Views: 1,079
#2
I don't have any info but that is a real curiosity ;) especially the transparent pickup/bridge covers, I always thought Wal based their body shape on these, I'd be tempted to keep it for a while, really good condition too, nice and quite unusual ;)
 
#6
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
#14
From my understanding, Jim Burns was a respected guitar/bass designer and innovator but he got into financial difficulties in the late 60's. He sold his company with a contract clause that he could not market any instruments under his name for 3 years. So with a need to make a living, he paired up with Bob Pearson, who was the developer of the Vox Phantom bass, and a money person that imported asian instrument [Dallas ????]. They started Hayman, lord knows where the name came from, and built the guitars and basses. At the end of the three year period, Jim pulled out to start up another company under his own name. The rest of the guys tried to carry the designs on to a company called Shergold but didn't have the money or the designer. Short history as I know it, but I wasn't there (even though I'm probably old enough, I just didn't live in England).
 
#15
Hey, I just checked my email. The Hayman I was talking about in Boston was 450, and according to the owner "had fret markers on the top of the neck, but no fretlines." BUUUTTTT he said it was really beat up, and that he thought in better condition it would go for 800-1000. Just passing along what he told me, and I can't speak for its veracity!

They are sweet basses though--I'd love to have one someday!
 
#17
If I recall, these can go from a P sound to a Ric sound. Mike Rutherford (sp?) used to use both a 4 string, and a double neck guitar/bass in the early version (Peter Gabriel days) of Genesis. Listen to the instrumental passages on the "Selling England By The Pound" recording...that's the Hayman.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kubicki Fan
#18
Ironically I traded a fireglo red Ric 4001 to get this thing b/c I really didn't care for the Ric sound... guess I should have kept the Ric. But you're right, if you switch to the neck pups only it sounds just like a P-bass and the bridge pups only is more of the Ric sound. I always played it with both to get the fuller sound.
 
#19
I haven't seen one of those since I sold mine back in the late 70's! Mine was exactly like that one. It was new in the store for $500. That was expensive back then. I swear it wieghed 10 pounds at least. I think the body was Maple. The thing is- it sounded great. I liked the clear round logo thing in the headstock. It was a big bass with a big sound. Nice.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back