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Possible Lado Bass
- Thread starter Jjdhawg
- Start date
This exact same bass is for sale again.. is it worth 900 bucks? Tempted.Hey folks, looking for some opinions here. I have the potential chance to trade a '03 Gibson SG Std. for a 70's Lado bass. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet but it's close enough I will be able to if we decide to meet up. I'm finding it very hard to get much information via google and I'm wondering if anyone would care to weigh in?
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She's sold ... I owned a Lado Zebra over 30 years ago, but it was stolen 
I remember checking the classifieds (pre- ebay/craigslist/kijiji...), and then search online from time to time - hoping to spot mine in an ad. Then when I was on vacation in Nova Scotia a couple of weeks ago and saw the ad for this one I contacted the seller and as of yesterday it is now filling the void 
.
This definitely isn't my old Zebra, I could see differences in the woodgrain from the ad, and when it arrived I immediately noted a few other differences - every Lado is unique I guess.
Is it worth $900, to me definitely, it's a work of art. Joe didn't make many of this model, and back in the day they were about $3K new (about $7-8K today). The sound is buttery smooth '60s blues/rock - think JPJ (Ramble On, Over the Hills, Misty Mountain), or Jack Bruce in almost anything Cream (Sunshine, White Room, Crossroads).
Time to go back and spend some time re-learning the electronics ... 5 micro switches, a 5-position rotary, plus 3-way pickup selector (what's that, 480 possible combinations?) it's definitely from the '80s!
I remember checking the classifieds (pre- ebay/craigslist/kijiji...), and then search online from time to time - hoping to spot mine in an ad. Then when I was on vacation in Nova Scotia a couple of weeks ago and saw the ad for this one I contacted the seller and as of yesterday it is now filling the void .This definitely isn't my old Zebra, I could see differences in the woodgrain from the ad, and when it arrived I immediately noted a few other differences - every Lado is unique I guess.
Is it worth $900, to me definitely, it's a work of art. Joe didn't make many of this model, and back in the day they were about $3K new (about $7-8K today). The sound is buttery smooth '60s blues/rock - think JPJ (Ramble On, Over the Hills, Misty Mountain), or Jack Bruce in almost anything Cream (Sunshine, White Room, Crossroads).
Time to go back and spend some time re-learning the electronics ... 5 micro switches, a 5-position rotary, plus 3-way pickup selector (what's that, 480 possible combinations?) it's definitely from the '80s!
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i bought a modified and stripped hulk of a zebra body a couple of years ago and am rebuilding it. The poor thing was refretted with railroad ties FFS. and the neck was humped. A year of being strung with the truss rod slack pulled it back to shape.
Those particular pickups are Model G from Dimarzio. i imagine they are the same thing as the Model One.
Those particular pickups are Model G from Dimarzio. i imagine they are the same thing as the Model One.
the Z-2 zebra bass also appeared in different forms, like this example which sold on eBay yesterday: lacewood and custom with no serial #.
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I am looking at a Lado Medallion 2 Bass but I know nothing about them, I am a guitar player. The bass I am hoping to look at had twin blade pick ups and I don't see any information on these. Can someone tell me what they are and if they are active. The bass is used but looks good so I am waiting on the call. Is $500.00 a fair price if it plays well?
Thanks John
Thanks John
I'd love to be able to tell you more but personally that was the first and last Lado I've ever almost came in contact with lol. I never ended up hearing anything back from the guy.
Hey folks, looking for some opinions here. I have the potential chance to trade a '03 Gibson SG Std. for a 70's Lado bass. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet but it's close enough I will be able to if we decide to meet up. I'm finding it very hard to get much information via google and I'm wondering if anyone would care to weigh in?
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Seen this bass for sale on KIJIJI and not too far from my place, I recall it going for around $1000.00 cad with an older case.I would like it just for its uniqueness and am sure it is an excellent build with some great tone. It looks like it needs a little love on the finishing. Go see and play it. If you are not close to it and are trading from afar I can check it out for you and let you know my thoughts.
I have known Joe Kovacic for many years - from the time he had a little store on kingston road to when he had his shop on danforth and finally in Lindsay On. I have 3 of his basses and while heavy for the most part - the tone is great. I have a custom falcon that got updated to the super falcon specs (nicer inlays and hardware, sergio pickups and electronics) and "rock" with EMG pickups and tremolo arm (kahler) - didn't like the floyd rose style for base. and finally a five stringer (with bartolinis). Oddly due the to woods being used the five string is the lightest. You do definitely feel their weight after a 2 hr set. Back then I was schlepping an SVT (80's vintage japanese model with the 8x10 fridge) so the bass weight was the least of my problems!
The zebra was at the time his top model due to the exotic nature of the wood. Much more expensive than the birdseye maple used on my basses...
The zebra was at the time his top model due to the exotic nature of the wood. Much more expensive than the birdseye maple used on my basses...
Some one got the Lado bass before I could check it out. I will still keep an eye out for a nice bass and keep y'all updated. I am a guitar player that needs a bass, according to my good friend.
Thanks John
Thanks John
I USED THAT LADO/HARRIS UNICORN BASS ON OUR KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE VID SHOOT ,SEPT. 7, 1986 AT HOT ROCKS IN BRAMPTON ONTARIO, CANADA. APPARENTLY HARRIS DIDN'T WANT IT. WAS PAINTED BY GERALD "VOODOO" AIRBRUSHING AS WAS THE ALBUM ARTWORK.
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I USED THAT LADO/HARRIS UNICORN BASS ON OUR KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE VID IN 1986. APPARENTLY HARRIS DIDN'T WANT IT. WAS PAINTED BY GERALD "VOODOO" AIRBRUSHING AS WAS THE ALBUM ARTWORK. UNICORN ALSO IN THE INNER SLEEVE TOP LEFT.
