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retrovibe

#22
I missed the chance by about 4 hours to buy one of the original Vantages several years ago. It was a hideous shade of metallic Army green with black trim and hardware, and I loved how it looked.
This was when the word on the street was that the Retrovibe business was going under, and there were only about 6 or 7 Vantages left in stock (and only one bile-metalflake green).

I'm glad to see company stuck around. And I have to wonder if he still has paint samples left from that green... I'm working on a couple of projects... and I wonder how bad/good a real 4001 would look in that color...
 
#27
kodiakblair said:
@Josh Thatguy

There's one of those metallic green Vantages for sale in the UK just now,could be your 2nd chance:)

@infraviolet

What do you have in mind for the Zygote ? Hmm plenty room for a 3rd MM, add a Kahler, respray white.
Oh no what have you started :D
Click to expand...
I'm sure I'd add a Kahler if I had the cash if I got one, but I'm talking about mods to instruments I already own, like adding a Kahler to my main Jazz Bass and active electronics to my Warwick.
 
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#29
Gilmourisgod said:
The Vantage Ric inspired bass is just too cool, the best "take" on a Ric I've seen, and well outside trademark infringement (though I'll bet Hall would love to squash it anyway). If he got an Indonesian or Korean company to crank them out, and a U.S. distributor, they'd sell like hot cakes.
Click to expand...

I believe he has them fabricated in China. [citation needed] :bag: :whistle:

Could you imagine if Rondo got to be their North American distributor? Zygote me, Baby!! drool
 
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#30
My avatar is of my black original Vantage. Jazz looking neck and headstock with block "inlays". The twist to the body ala Jazz bass is great. I wonder if he got trademark pressure from Ric or Fender. As much as I like the new models, I like the originals ( like mine ) better. The only thing I'd have done differently would have been 2 single coils rather than then humbucker... partly just for looks..

But I love that bass. It's a keeper and gets comments by musicians. I like the Evo a lot too.
I'm in the one in/one out club of collecting now. And I'm currently getting rid of one to get a Line 6 Variax. One of these may be next. I highly recommend them and think they are unique and well worth the cost.
 
#31
This is great seeing interest in the Retrovibes from North America.

Malak the Mad is correct ,all the Retrovibes are made in China then shipped to David in the English town of Bath
for set ups and sales.If you fellas have ideas how David can get them States side or even reduce the shipping costs I'm
sure he'd love to hear them.

Let me be clear here I'm in no way connected with Retrovibe ,I'm just like Scottkarch in thinking there's something special about them.
I was given a Retrovibe beanie hat once ,when I emailed asking if that was me an endorsee now the reply was " You're Bald and it's cold in Scotland.Just wear the hat ":D
 
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#32
Hi Guys,
I heard about the thread and thought I should introduce myself.
I'm David, the guy behind Retrovibe basses and I am most definitely looking for US distribution so if anyone has any ideas or contacts over there then please feel free to pass on my details or get in touch directly.
A big thank you to David and Scott who are long-term happy customers and supporters of my basses. It is always gratifying when people are happy to stand up and say good things about you and it is much appreciated.
Feel free to email me or message me directly if I can answer any other questions.
David
 
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#33
Bassbadger said:
Hi Guys,
I heard about the thread and thought I should introduce myself.
I'm David, the guy behind Retrovibe basses and I am most definitely looking for US distribution so if anyone has any ideas or contacts over there then please feel free to pass on my details or get in touch directly.
A big thank you to David and Scott who are long-term happy customers and supporters of my basses. It is always gratifying when people are happy to stand up and say good things about you and it is much appreciated.
Feel free to email me or message me directly if I can answer any other questions.
David
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Bassbadger,
Thanks for posting, had no idea you were a member here! I wish I had some business connections to hook you up in the states, your designs are really fresh and original updates on classic forms, and your prices are reasonable. The standard model these days seems to be subbing out manufacture to Mexico, Indonesia, or China, which I imagine is a bit of a daunting process, let alone getting a US distributor. I wish you every success.
 
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#37
kodiakblair said:
@asdfgh

You've quoted me but I'm unsure why ? Any chance of letting me know so I can respond:)
Click to expand...

He accidentally added his text ("How are the sounds on the super P?") into the middle of the quote.



OP: I have a Retrovibe Vantage V4 and I love the thing, it's both a unique-looking and unique-sounding bass. It's got a thicker Fender-style neck profile, so if you're used to thin, fast Ibanez-style necks it will take some getting used to. The pickups are powerful and ballsy as hell, they're great on their own (and there are lots of tonal options) and with a fuzz pedal in the chain can get really gnarly. The bass is a for-sure keeper for me!
 
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#39
CatSplat said:
OP: I have a Retrovibe Vantage V4 and I love the thing, it's both a unique-looking and unique-sounding bass. It's got a thicker Fender-style neck profile, so if you're used to thin, fast Ibanez-style necks it will take some getting used to. The pickups are powerful and ballsy as hell, they're great on their own (and there are lots of tonal options) and with a fuzz pedal in the chain can get really gnarly. The bass is a for-sure keeper for me!
Click to expand...

I had a Squier Telebass which was fine, and a Precision or two over the years without issue.
 
#40
Sorry Asdfgh.

I never spotted your question till Catsplat pointed it out:) I don't really know what else I can add to my comments
in post #4. You get a strong punchy P bass, a lovely soloed jazz bridge tone and the MM burp.That's with the mini toggle
switch fitted,it's not a standard feature on the bass but as David will fit it free labour it's worth talking to him about it.

As you're used to a P neck it'll pose no problem. Catsplat's not joking about the MMs being powerful,got the fright of my life
switching from a Curbow with Barts to the Evo,Man they're loud:D
 

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