Redefining a custom bass

[dukeorock]

Move into a room with more padding like your bedroom so it absorbs the sound more.

I've owned or co-owned a few commercial studios in the past 25 years, as well as being a studio musician. I know full well what I 'should' do, but taking the time and effort to do it is another matter
It was just a down and dirty run through in a junk room!

Check this cool "Murph" 33"scale (!) - not familiar with the (US) brand and the seller is going for a big vintage price on it but its design is right up my alley. All of these mid-60's designs were spawned by the 1958 Fender Jazzmaster, and 1962 Jaguar / Bass VI but they altered them enough to make them different. (and all thinner too) The lower bout looks a lot like the Del Rey but even more exaggerated. Cool angled string-stop!
1960's MURPH Squire Electric Bass Guitar w/ Original Hard Case #26447 | eBay
View attachment 2818323

Oh my gosh, is that thing cool or what?! Wonder what they sounded like?

 

[JIO]

I've owned or co-owned a few commercial studios in the past 25 years, as well as being a studio musician. I know full well what I 'should' do, but taking the time and effort to do it is another matter
It was just a down and dirty run through in a junk room!



Oh my gosh, is that thing cool or what?! Wonder what they sounded like?

Probably a bit bassy considering the pu placement if both pu's engaged. Lower pu only maybe more into P-bass territory.

 

[JIO]

Here's yet another Jazzmaster/Jag inspired bass from the 60's. (Egmund)

 

[Reedt2000]

here's a Kent & a Decca. Both do some cool things with pickguards and control plates

 

[Jon Clegg]

View attachment 2818440 here's a Kent & a Decca. Both do some cool things with pickguards and control plates

So much going on with this one: cool shaped control plate with inverted strat jack, rocker switches, unique pickup covers and cool side-bar fret markers.

 

[dukeorock]

So many of these designs from that era speak to me...many just went a little short on the upper horn, so neck dive is a thing :/

 

[JIO]

So many of these designs from that era speak to me...many just went a little short on the upper horn, so neck dive is a thing :/

Most all were short scale and super light so that was less of an issue. Also at that point in time, being critical of ergonomics/balance was only for a professional level instrument. These were all targeted at the growing entry-level musician who were just teens.

 

[Reedt2000]

So many of these designs from that era speak to me...many just went a little short on the upper horn, so neck dive is a thing :/

True but many were 30" & 32" scale so it didn't matter as much

 

[JIO]

View attachment 2818441 here's a Kent & a Decca. Both do some cool things with pickguards and control plates

My first bass was a MIJ Stadium (also badged St George) and was closer to a Jazzmaster/Jag style but was a full scale (34") bass. It looks similar to this Kent but with a more minimal pg.

 

[dukeorock]

True but many were 30" & 32" scale so it didn't matter as much

Totally get that!

 

[dukeorock]

My first MIJ bass was a Stadium (also badged St George) and was closer to a Jazzmaster/Jag style but was a full scale (34") bass. It looks similar to this Kent but with a smaller pg.

You have insanely great taste in basses

 

[JIO]

You have insanely great taste in basses

maybe a general insanity leads to that

 

[dukeorock]

Check this cool "Murph" 33"scale (!) - not familiar with the (US) brand and the seller is going for a big vintage price on it but its design is right up my alley. All of these mid-60's designs were spawned by the 1958 Fender Jazzmaster, and 1962 Jaguar / Bass VI but they altered them enough to make them different. (and all thinner too) The lower bout looks a lot like the Del Rey but even more exaggerated. Cool angled string-stop!
1960's MURPH Squire Electric Bass Guitar w/ Original Hard Case #26447 | eBay
View attachment 2818323

Now I really want that bass

 

[Jon Clegg]

Then there's this '65 Magnatone on my local Craigslist:

 

[dukeorock]

Then there's this '65 Magnatone on my local Craigslist:

View attachment 2818519

So cool!

 

[JIO]

Then there's this '65 Magnatone on my local Craigslist:

View attachment 2818519

Have always loved that hs shape! It looks even more crazy on their guitars. That was the thing in the early days of guitars - really adventurous hs shapes. Most guitars now look so generic and the same. The red body looks like a gum-drop! Like it could be chewy!

 

[Old Blastard]

Funny that all those years ago I was playing a MIJ hollowbody and dreaming of a Fender Jazz. Now everything looks like a Fender and I dream of hollowbodies.

 

[dukeorock]

Funny that all those years ago I was playing a MIJ hollowbody and dreaming of a Fender Jazz. Now everything looks like a Fender and I dream of hollowbodies.

Same here

Would love to hear your Crickets one day!

 

[RBS_Johnson]

So many of these designs from that era speak to me...many just went a little short on the upper horn, so neck dive is a thing :/

A lot of the later MIJ basses also had super light tuners. They were junk plastic for the most part, but they added very little weight to the headstock.

 

[dukeorock]

Took my Drake to a rehearsal tonight. So happy to have it back!

The drummer I often play with owns a bike shop, so we practice there a bit

Really love playing this new body shape and the bass still sounds like the big, growly rock and roll bass it's always been. Bandmates love the new look!