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SD Curlee intl melting liberty bell

raslroy

raslroy

Apr 27, 2011
83
24
DTLA
#1
Just got this bass and its in need of serious TLC to bring it back to life. From the tiny bit of info i can find it seems they were made in 76'. This info tells me intl models were done in Japan, is this correct? Also was the liberty bell done for 1yr only? Are the liberty bells worth anything, if so how much? Ebay is of no help atm. Appreciate any help & pics coming tomorrow. Thanks! :help:
 
#2
raslroy said:
Just got this bass and its in need of serious TLC to bring it back to life. From the tiny bit of info i can find it seems they were made in 76'. This info tells me intl models were done in Japan, is this correct? Also was the liberty bell done for 1yr only? Are the liberty bells worth anything, if so how much? Ebay is of no help atm. Appreciate any help & pics coming tomorrow. Thanks! :help:
Click to expand...

Apparently, they have a big following in Belgium, for whatever reason. I have #786, which was made in the US and has a big DiMarzio pickup with a coil tap. Its output is so hot that it overdrives the input of any amp I have run it through. Unfortunately, the truss rod slips and doesn't do any good for any length of time. At some point, I'd like to make it right but taking it in to a local shop would be pretty expensive, even if I took it to a show that's owned by someone who worked his way from cleaning to plant manager at SD Curlee. He knows these as well as anyone but he's also really busy.

IIRC, the Asian ones were made by Hondo and they were pretty decent but I haven't seen many of them.
 
#4
Photo 32.jpg
 
#10
1958Bassman said:
Apparently, they have a big following in Belgium, for whatever reason. I have #786, which was made in the US and has a big DiMarzio pickup with a coil tap. Its output is so hot that it overdrives the input of any amp I have run it through. Unfortunately, the truss rod slips and doesn't do any good for any length of time. At some point, I'd like to make it right but taking it in to a local shop would be pretty expensive, even if I took it to a show that's owned by someone who worked his way from cleaning to plant manager at SD Curlee. He knows these as well as anyone but he's also really busy.

IIRC, the Asian ones were made by Hondo and they were pretty decent but I haven't seen many of them.
Click to expand...

I have another curlee , the melody maker body, with the same problem. trying out putting some weight in the back of the neck to try and strighten it out. hopefully it will work as a repair would cost as much as the bass is worth...
 
#13
I live in Curlee town. Their factory was less than 2 miles from my home. There are load of USA basses still around this area. There were several bell models made including a few made right here. I've seen them at vintage shows upwards of $300. Their other basses usually sell in the $150 to $175 range
 
#14
wow gm60466...i thought these basses delivered more $ in decent condition, ie sd curlee wiki stating "By 2008, interest had increased and the value raised accordingly; between $500 and $800." Maybe prices are lower b/c you live in "curlee town" or we can play the blame game and say prices went down with the economy
 
#17
raslroy said:
wow gm60466...i thought these basses delivered more $ in decent condition, ie sd curlee wiki stating "By 2008, interest had increased and the value raised accordingly; between $500 and $800." Maybe prices are lower b/c you live in "curlee town" or we can play the blame game and say prices went down with the economy
Click to expand...

It's not Curlee Town or the economy. Prices on Curlee basses have always been low. That wiki posting is pure fantasy. I've never seen one sell for more than $300.
 
#20
raslroy said:
interesting. so why is birdsong making them again and what would make someone pay that much for one when a used curlee can be had for a few hundred? just wondering & thanks for the input everyone
Click to expand...

There could be several reasons - Birdsong's owner is an SD Curlee fan? Birdsong got the rights to the name for short money, and is now able to cash in on the vintage craze without a major investment?

Though I'm not sure Curlee is the right name to cash in on, as Curlee instruments are known for having quality problems. Perhaps Birdsong's owner feels he can do it right?
 

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