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NBD-Mockingbird Heritage Classic

#21
yeah, when i went to his shop, i met Carol Kaye, and she was playing one (the guitar version), so i jammed with her right in the driveway of the shop. on a couple of other occasions i met Joe Perry and Rick Derringer that were also big fans of the 'new' body design.

i remember when Joe made a comment about the booster preamp, and compared it to the turbo kicking in on his turbo carrera. :D
 
#23
i drew out the body shape for him, then he made a masonite template of it for me to approve before he actually started building the neck thru body. since i had a maple series I alembic, i wanted it to have a natural finish with rosewood stringers (all of his guitars were mahogany at the time). i also gave him instructions on my preference for the scale length and neck profile.
 
#25
I've always assumed that, despite the outlandish shape ;), these basses would be very ergonomic and a joy to play. Is that a fair assumption :hmm:?

My local store has some budget (Korean :confused:) versions of these, which sell for a very reasonable price. The double P pickup config is very tempting, I must admit. Really must check one next time I'm in.

Anyway John, I must add my congratulations/thanks for (inadvertently :D) giving the world a classic, unforgettable design icon - quite an achievement :)!
 
#27
Lovely bass you have there. It's a beautiful combination of woods and finish. I have always liked that shape and that design, though I have never played one.

I met Dave Mustaine right as they were finishing up Peace Sells and that was all he played back then. when I went hunting for a BC Rich later, those types of makes (the high detail) seemed to have dissappeared. It was dissappointing.

Can you post before & after on the other. Love cool custom coversions & builds.

Thanks
 
#29
johnk_10 said:
i drew out the body shape for him, then he made a masonite template of it for me to approve before he actually started building the neck thru body. since i had a maple series I alembic, i wanted it to have a natural finish with rosewood stringers (all of his guitars were mahogany at the time). i also gave him instructions on my preference for the scale length and neck profile.
Click to expand...
John,
First let me say how cool it is to have a real pioneer in our midst. It is quite an accomplishment to guide the creation of one of the most recognizable and now classic shapes out there! I became a big Rich fan a number of years ago and have had the pleasure to own several. My first was an '80 Mock that came with the original Calzone flight case. I've also had 3 Eagles ('77, '78 & '81) that for one reason or another had to go. The Mock is still with me.:D

It is one of the best basses I own for both playability and tone, and a stellar example of Bernie and Neal's abilities. I'd be very hard pressd to flip it. I am really glad to hear the new ones are still kicking butt - I've wondered about that, and they sure look good.

Here's mine.
 
#38
ispunk said:
Do you have a picture of your original Mockingbird?
Click to expand...

i found these pics of it that the current owner of it took:

mockingbird.jpg
 
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#40
johnk_10 said:
i drew out the body shape for him, then he made a masonite template of it for me to approve before he actually started building the neck thru body. since i had a maple series I alembic, i wanted it to have a natural finish with rosewood stringers (all of his guitars were mahogany at the time). i also gave him instructions on my preference for the scale length and neck profile.
Click to expand...

Well, that's pretty cool. Must be a kick when you see someone with a Mockingbird knowing that you penned it.
 

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