• 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.

NBD - Epiphone Newport

Bar Band Bassman

Bar Band Bassman

Supporting Member
Aug 26, 2010
2,848
5,743
Land of Mary
#1
Newport.jpg

Courtesy of Sweetwater so it wasn't a pig in a poke. I know, I know, it's supposedly a piece of junk but this one's just fine. On sale, which is the only reason I pulled the trigger. Would have preferred yellow but this was the color on sale. Flipped the phase on the bridge pickup. Action is fine. I expect SS basses to require a bit higher action although a new set of strings will likely make a big difference. Taking it to rehearsal tonight.

BBB
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kubicki Fan, OlyWhite, Goatrope and 29 others
#3
They look cool but I have a Serek that looks similar so I never jumped in on one. Does it play well? Pickups can always be replaced. And I've never had an issue with having to raise the action on a short scale bass. If your truss rod and nut are right you can go low. It hasn't bothered me at all with the tension and I prefer higher tension. Nice color, enjoy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bar Band Bassman
#7
OP I really like that color on these basses. I originally wanted the yellow but went for the vintage Cherry instead.

I recently bought one in too. It was a demo from Sweetwater (which usually means it's a customer return) so I knew going in it would need some work. Mine needed LOTS of work on the frets and nut to get it playable with the action set at 5/64. In fact, I'd say it shouldn't have shipped to the retailer in that condition. A new set of strings works wonders on this bass. I used Ernie Ball Medium scale and they fit fine. IDK what the stock strings are but IMO they're junk. Also needed a lot of deoxit to clean the pots as they were pretty scratchy. Online reviews mention that QC is spotty on these. Some great, some good, and some needing work. But nothing that can't be fixed.

After the work it plays pretty good. I haven't checked the bridge pup yet for phase issues but it sounds good with a nice growl. The sidewinder has big time punch. Just like I remember the original Newport's having. I will say that it's a cool looking bass with total vintage vibe.

It's still too early for me to tell if it's going to be a keeper. I have a Ray short scale that I love and a heavily modified Squier Jaguar H medium scale that I really love. I'll just have to see if I connect with this Newport like I thought I would.

epi1.jpg

epi2.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: lowplaces, Kubicki Fan, rodl2005 and 6 others
#8
I'm currently restoring ( well...resto-modding) an original 61 Newport. My first bass.
I'm a big fan of the body shape and feather weight and neck shape of my 61.
I haven't tried the new repros. They're different in some ways. My understanding is your not gonna have to fist fight a mudbucker in the neck pup. That's a plus....kinda .
The ergonomics should be pretty close. And bridge can be properly intonated.
The strap pin was behind the neck heel on the original.
There was a rosewood tugbar.
I gotta try one of these..
 
  • Like
Reactions: SirMjac28, Bar Band Bassman and 60bass
#11
Pdaddy1978 said:
I'm currently restoring ( well...resto-modding) an original 61 Newport. My first bass.
I'm a big fan of the body shape and feather weight and neck shape of my 61.
I haven't tried the new repros. They're different in some ways. My understanding is your not gonna have to fist fight a mudbucker in the neck pup. That's a plus....kinda .
The ergonomics should be pretty close. And bridge can be properly intonated.
The strap pin was behind the neck heel on the original.
There was a rosewood tugbar.
I gotta try one of these..
Click to expand...
Had an original Newport myself. One of many basses I should not have sold...
 
  • Like
  • Sad
Reactions: Brandon Shea and Pdaddy1978
#12
60bass said:
OP I really like that color on these basses. I originally wanted the yellow but went for the vintage Cherry instead.

I recently bought one in too. It was a demo from Sweetwater (which usually means it's a customer return) so I knew going in it would need some work. Mine needed LOTS of work on the frets and nut to get it playable with the action set at 5/64. In fact, I'd say it shouldn't have shipped to the retailer in that condition. A new set of strings works wonders on this bass. I used Ernie Ball Medium scale and they fit fine. IDK what the stock strings are but IMO they're junk. Also needed a lot of deoxit to clean the pots as they were pretty scratchy. Online reviews mention that QC is spotty on these. Some great, some good, and some needing work. But nothing that can't be fixed.

After the work it plays pretty good. I haven't checked the bridge pup yet for phase issues but it sounds good with a nice growl. The sidewinder has big time punch. Just like I remember the original Newport's having. I will say that it's a cool looking bass with total vintage vibe.

It's still too early for me to tell if it's going to be a keeper. I have a Ray short scale that I love and a heavily modified Squier Jaguar H medium scale that I really love. I'll just have to see if I connect with this Newport like I thought I would.

View attachment 6975533
View attachment 6975534
Click to expand...
I like that color, too! I ordered a yellow one a while back and it was a mess! I don't think I got it all the way out of the box before I requested a call tag! Blue was the only color Sweetwater had on sale. I now have more "Lake Placid Blue-ish" basses than I ever would have imagined!
 
#18
blacktocomm said:
I had to order three before I got a good one. It’s a rocking little bass though. I really dig mine. Plays and sounds great. Congrats.
Click to expand...
That fits with my statement that QC is spotty on these. I expect to see a lot of "demo" basses being sold at discounts. As far as the one I bought. If I wasn't able to do all my own fret level, crown, and polish it would've been unplayable for any beginner and uncomfortable for any other level of player. When you do get it dialed in it plays great and sounds good. BUT you shouldn't have to do that with a new bass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blacktocomm
#19
Here's a little update: My bass is absolutely serviceable as received. It did have the out-of-phase issue and the strings are not great. I'll still use 'em until they're REALLY beat, though! Good news about the phase thing - easy, peasy swap! Remove the bridge pickup. On the underside there are 2 thin black wires coming from holes in the pickup housing. One is soldered to a lead soldered to the housing and braided shield which goes to the control cavity (GND). The other is soldered to a black wire which also goes to the control cavity (HOT). Swap them. Done!

BBB
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pearly Gator and 60bass
#20
If I wasn't a big Rascall or Mustang fan, which is my next bass, I would of went with one of these Newports! I honestly though still have it on my list for the Gibson-ish sound, who cares what people think if this bass wasn't "good" in their eyes, I think it looks great and I feel with some setup it would be awesome!

Congrats and enjoy your new bass! :D
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back