Sure - IF you have enough experience and knowledge (which also can't be faked, just like true ageing!). I've been playing for 35 years, and can (mostly) tell the difference. Many others can't - but that doesn't mean to say they deserve to be ripped off. The whole relic'ing can of worms has opened the door for a whole lot of dishonesty to creep in: the problem came with charging MORE for a worn-looking instrument than a new/clean one - perfectly good instruments are being f*cked up to make extra bucks, and I have a big problem with that. Wear and tear can be beautiful in its own way (if it's real, because then it tells a story), but it shouldn't cost extra.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
I finally got it - MY HOLY GRAIL!
- Thread starter Tonegasm
- Start date
Sure - IF you have enough experience and knowledge (which also can't be faked, just like true ageing!). I've been playing for 35 years, and can (mostly) tell the difference. Many others can't - but that doesn't mean to say they deserve to be ripped off. The whole relic'ing can of worms has opened the door for a whole lot of dishonesty to creep in: the problem came with charging MORE for a worn-looking instrument than a new/clean one - perfectly good instruments are being f*cked up to make extra bucks, and I have a big problem with that. Wear and tear can be beautiful in its own way (if it's real, because then it tells a story), but it shouldn't cost extra.
Congrats on being the one-millionth person to say that on TB!!! Please don't ruin this thread with your opinions on relics and whether they should be made, or if the wear has to be "earned". There are literally thousands of threads already on the internet for that. This thread has nothing to do with the relic debate.
I saw this auction and came very close to pulling the trigger..but I'd never spent this much on a bass before and was squeamish about buying before playing. I'm glad to hear it's as great as it looks. I've got this 63 on the way....
Link Removed
It's one of the best basses I've ever played.
Link Removed
It's one of the best basses I've ever played.
If you're in Brooklyn, you could've easily checked out this bass in person! Lark Street Music is the dealer, and they're just outside of NYC in North Jersey. And they are probably some of the most reputable vintage instrument dealers in the country!
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
- 4,741
- Disclosures
- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
STUNNINGLY Beautiful!
The ultimate tone machine!
The ultimate tone machine!
Gig update in post #171
I've dreamt of owning an authentically heavily worn slab board Precision Bass as long as I've been playing bass. Never was able to afford one but I worked hard, made some smart moves, gigged a lot, and I finally got the funds together.
I bought this 1961 beauty from a man in his late 70's who lives in the depths of Texas. He has owned the bass for close to 40 years and has played it constantly throughout his career as a musician. As you'll see in photos, this was a smoky bar, beer-drenched honky tonk machine riding atop of a huge 'ol Texas belt buckle. I wish this bass could talk because I bet it has some unreal stories stored within the wear.
Everything on the bass is from 1961 (I have the original strap buttons, too) and its without any mods. The only thing that is unoriginal is the fact that the solder joints were redone on the pots at some point. The pickup is a screaming 11.68K and straight up barks at you. I strung it with LaBella 760FL flats and it sounds unreal. The back of the neck has darkened to a caramel color from heavy use. Looks and feels fantastic. It weighs in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and feels exceptional on my shoulder. The tone weighs in at 10 tons.It'll see its first call of duty tomorrow night at its first gig.
Without further ado, here are the photos.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Today I found my holy grail! This is a 1956 P-bass I bought at Chicago Music Exchange. This will be a heavily and happily gigged bass. I have a couple old Fender Telecaster basses, but this one melds the perfect contoured P-bass body with perfect neck (IMO). The single coil pu sounds like it should. I can't wait to play my first gig with it Saturday night.
it is always great to see these old basses fall into the hands of people who understand the history that they represent, and who will add to that story by playing them out.
I hope I get to be so lucky one day!
I hope I get to be so lucky one day!
Thanks, everyone! I still own her and don't plan on selling any time soon. She has been staying home mostly, though. My latest, and most time-consuming, gig requires roundwounds and I'm limiting the '61 to only flats to minimize the fret wear. The project also has quick tuning changes to dropped D and I don't want to outfit this bass with a detuner. I want to leave her as is.
She is the first bass I reach for at home, though.
She is the first bass I reach for at home, though.
What a great find. I bet she sounds orgasmic. And James Jamerson would give you a very sincere wink and nod.
And since folks felt compelled to correct your spelling of "adieu", I'll jump in with my "mojo" pet peeve. Before Austin Powers, centuries before, a Mojo was something you bought from a voodoo queen, prince, or princess. You told them what you were after, and they conjured it up, put it in something (often a small bag or envelope), and you carried it on your person, usually in your pocket. That's what Muddy Waters said he drove to New Orleans once to buy, and never bought one again cause it didn't "work" very well (as found in Robert Pamler's great book "Deep Blues"). Now people use it for what ever they want it to mean, except what it always meant in the past. Kids these days!
And since folks felt compelled to correct your spelling of "adieu", I'll jump in with my "mojo" pet peeve. Before Austin Powers, centuries before, a Mojo was something you bought from a voodoo queen, prince, or princess. You told them what you were after, and they conjured it up, put it in something (often a small bag or envelope), and you carried it on your person, usually in your pocket. That's what Muddy Waters said he drove to New Orleans once to buy, and never bought one again cause it didn't "work" very well (as found in Robert Pamler's great book "Deep Blues"). Now people use it for what ever they want it to mean, except what it always meant in the past. Kids these days!
