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Kim Deal "tribute" Precision bass build

Sjobi 1

Sjobi 1

Nov 23, 2009
220
1,195
www.sjobakken.com
#1
I'm a huge Kim Deal fan and have thought about buying or building a replica of her red P-Bass for quite a while.

A few months ago a sweet Fiesta red P-bass body was listed on the Warmoth site so I grabbed it. I had a Lollar High Wind P pickup. I also had a BadAss II bridge that I had snagged off another old bass. I found a silver aluminum pick guard on Reverb. I have some tiny knobs from a pedal, like she has, but they looked too tiny for my taste and I put full sized Jazz knobs on. I ordered a neck from Warmoth. I really like their unfinished roasted maple, so I ordered that with a Rosewood board and stainless frets. Tuners are Gotoh Res-O-Lite.

I know Kim's actual bass is 62 reissue Fender, probably from the late 80s or early 90s. Those have become pretty pricey and difficult to find in Fiesta red. That's why I decided to go this "tribute" route. I didn't really want to spend that kind of money, especially on something I'd make a few changes to get Kim-ify it. I decided this project wasn't meant to be an exact replica suitable for a museum, just something similar with Kim vibes. Maybe if Fender did a non-custom shop Kim model.

Anywho, here it is. I'm very happy with the results.

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#4
I've told this story before...
From about 1986 to 1991, the lead guitarist in my band was the manager of the guitar department at E.U. Wurlitzer in Boston. He was the person who sold Kim the P-Bass, after the Pixies' producer, Gil Norton, basically ordered her to ditch her Aria and buy a Precision. A few days later, she came back to return it because it was "too bright." My friend advised her to play it for a few months until the strings got old and really needed to be changed, and then decide.
Kim: "You mean you're supposed to change the strings?" :laugh:
Shortly before this, my band was rehearsing regularly in a space we rented in the basement of a beauty parlor in West Newton. We had to skip one rehearsal because the Pixies (still unknown but with a big industry buzz) had rented it for the night. I had to go in during the day to retrieve a cable or something, and I remember seeing chairs arranged in a circle with instruments on stands. And yes, I touched the headstock of her Aria.
 
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#5
Neon Blues said:
Had to google who she was but I dig the colours and style.
Click to expand...
Oh wow! I guess being the super fan I am, I assumed everyone knew who Kim is. Not only is she one of my favorite bass players, she's also one of my favorite singers. One of the few people who sound considerably better live than recorded, and she sounds great on records. Also, she's the coolest! Exhibit A:

 
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#6
dougjwray said:
I've told this story before...
From about 1986 to 1991, the lead guitarist in my band was the manager of the guitar department at E.U. Wurlitzer in Boston. He was the person who sold Kim the P-Bass, after the Pixies' producer, Gil Norton, basically ordered her to ditch her Aria and buy a Precision. A few days later, she came back to return it because it was "too bright." My friend advised her to play it for a few months until the strings got old and really needed to be changed, and then decide.
Kim: "You mean you're supposed to change the strings?" :laugh:
Shortly before this, my band was rehearsing regularly in a space we rented in the basement of a beauty parlor in West Newton. We had to skip one rehearsal because the Pixies (still unknown but with a big industry buzz) had rented it for the night. I had to go in during the day to retrieve a cable or something, and I remember seeing chairs arranged in a circle with instruments on stands. And yes, I touched the headstock of her Aria.
Click to expand...
I remember reading your story of her buying it and the strings story. I love it! I think there's an interview or two with her talking about how she loves her old strings.
 
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#13
I believe I recall also seeing pictures of her playing a Stingray live - which years would that have been?

(If I was having to compete with those distorted guitars in a live setting, I think I'd be tempted to swap my P for a Stingray too....)
 
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#15
dougjwray said:
I've told this story before...
From about 1986 to 1991, the lead guitarist in my band was the manager of the guitar department at E.U. Wurlitzer in Boston. He was the person who sold Kim the P-Bass, after the Pixies' producer, Gil Norton, basically ordered her to ditch her Aria and buy a Precision. A few days later, she came back to return it because it was "too bright." My friend advised her to play it for a few months until the strings got old and really needed to be changed, and then decide.
Kim: "You mean you're supposed to change the strings?" :laugh:
Shortly before this, my band was rehearsing regularly in a space we rented in the basement of a beauty parlor in West Newton. We had to skip one rehearsal because the Pixies (still unknown but with a big industry buzz) had rented it for the night. I had to go in during the day to retrieve a cable or something, and I remember seeing chairs arranged in a circle with instruments on stands. And yes, I touched the headstock of her Aria.
Click to expand...
As the Pixies fan that I am, I absolutely love this story.
 
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#19
Sjobi 1 said:
Oh wow! I guess being the super fan I am, I assumed everyone knew who Kim is. Not only is she one of my favorite bass players, she's also one of my favorite singers. One of the few people who sound considerably better live than recorded, and she sounds great on records. Also, she's the coolest!
Click to expand...
SAME: I'm a huge Pixies and Breeders fan. I love Paz Lenchantin's playing in the current Pixies lineup, but will always prefer the OG.

My favorite Pixies bass line:

 
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