Silvertone Revolver LB-11 - the $100 'authentic' P Bass

[Bass V]

if there was ever a new bass on the market that deserved it's own TB Club it would be this delite, as in lightweight, yet a search brings up 0 even tho I've mentioned it briefly and deserves an honest mention. such a perfect P will eventually either become very popular as a new standard purchase or highly sought should production soon cease, incredibly these can currently be found new as a $200 starter pack. I'd suggest snagging 2 right now. in the week since getting my own oxidized mess in a sweetheart deal including a free TNT amp I've tried not to convince myself that had I just bought a $x,xxx vintage Fender P instead I'd still be singing the same hosannas, but I can't get enuf of this beauty, I'd be telling the world I nailed the real McCoy. whoever is responsible for such a faithful replication has serious experience in what made a great Fender, it's a budget mirror of the Fullerton product AND sports a super sweet moderate neck / nut for those adverse to classic P chunk. did I mention 0 dead spots and tons of string to body resonance? as a mod platform it would be near impossible to beat even if we're talking plywood bodies, just forget those silly $67 green woods when the same money can get you vintage perfection. I was stoked to have old strings come as part of the pax (my favorite bonus when buying a used bass) and without much of a cleanup, setup, or tuneup, I was convinced of a real sleeper in my hands. surprisingly it's just kept getting more impressive, I also lucked out in getting the Johnny Cash black finish / pickguard which looks far better than the others I've seen, matching headstock, baby! but the clincher is the sound, the TONE is there, any basic upgrades can only emphasize a good thing. I've got a cruddy black bent bridge waiting to drop in to complete the look but it's too good now with a higher mass to risk messing with.
seriously, for a Franklin how can you pass up trying to prove me wrong and winding up with a new #1?

 

[Stephenmeeker13]

I just bought two of these used on Facebook Marketplace. One got rounds and wiring and a gfs pickup and is a tone monster, and the other is stock at the moment with a set of flats and some foam at the bridge. I am in love with both of them, especially the necks. One is outrageously light and the other is about average weight. But I scored both basses, the practice amps that came in the kits, and a dinky behringer 90 watt combo all for 100 bucks. Couldnt pass it up to save my life!

 

[Pazelaya93]

If either of you have the chance, a video file of the tone would be fantastic.

 

[Stephenmeeker13]

If either of you have the chance, a video file of the tone would be fantastic.

I'll see if I can make a video today and post it for ya. Maybe Ill even throw some dirt on it too for a lil more oomph. I'll go no sansamp, with sansamp, and then some dirt with each bass so you get a solid feel for it

 

[Bass V]

I just bought two of these used on Facebook Marketplace. One got rounds and wiring and a gfs pickup and is a tone monster, and the other is stock at the moment with a set of flats and some foam at the bridge. I am in love with both of them, especially the necks. One is outrageously light and the other is about average weight. But I scored both basses, the practice amps that came in the kits, and a dinky behringer 90 watt combo all for 100 bucks. Couldnt pass it up to save my life!

a 2fer! gotta love it! indeed, the necks are Fullerton perfection, I still await a set of flats...
congrats on your score, looking forward to a sample cos there's virtually 0 decent to document these fine basses.

 

[Stephenmeeker13]

Let me know if this works. I'll grab the interface today and do a good di sound sample instead of the video.

 

[Stephenmeeker13]

Ive actually got some metal drums with bass I recorded with the stock pickups and rounds before I switched everything up that used the sansamp di. Ill post that when I do the other samples as well

 

[rtslinger]

Yup I have had one for years gig it all the time
video of it in action

 

[nabilhuakbar]

I put an EMG GZR in mine, so it's not the best indication of what the natural tone is like, but I'm genuinely considering putting the stock parts back in just to see.

 

[Killing Floor]

Fun fact, they're more money on Reverb.

 

[Stephenmeeker13]

Btw
I noticed that the stock pickups were very different from each other as far as resistance. One was 7k ohms and the other was 14.5k ohms

 

[Bass V]

Yup I have had one for years gig it all the time
video of it in action

please forgive my belated thx for posting what is not only a testament for the viability of this bass but proof again why bass is the Boss, you kicked ass there!

Btw
I noticed that the stock pickups were very different from each other as far as resistance. One was 7k ohms and the other was 14.5k ohms

thx for the update, rather significant, probably audibly noticeable. from the same production era?

 

[rtslinger]

Thanks as mentioned I still gig with it

 

[tactileson]

Sorry to necro this thread (I'm new here, hi!). I have one of these basses I grabbed off Reverb for like $100 (after reading on here how many people like them). I'm blown away by it. However, I'm looking to replace the bridge with something more substantial. I'd like a high-mass bridge if possible. I'm wondering if there are any bridges out there that would fit as a drop in without drilling? I don't mind drilling if I have to, but a direct replacement would be preferred. I've looked online but am having trouble finding something that measures correctly for a drop in replacement. If anyone knows of any good bridges (high-mass or not) that would be a direct replacement for the Silvertone LB-11 I'd appreciate it! Thank you!

 

[inframan]

Anyone know what the nut width is on these? I'm considering one as a rehab project but its currently nutless.

 

[definenredefine]

Anyone know what the nut width is on these? I'm considering one as a rehab project but its currently nutless.

*snicker*

 

[definenredefine]

I like the headstock on these, especially the beveled natural bit along the bottom edge.

 

[rtslinger]

Anyone know what the nut width is on these? I'm considering one as a rehab project but its currently nutless.

here you go

 

[inframan]

thanks!

 

[rtslinger]

I have working on setting up all my bass and getting them gig ready, I moved this one up on my list since reading this post. After measuring the nut width for someone today, I went to check the tuning since it has been in the case for a while. And it is spot on grab the capo and check the neck and it is good? String height 5/64 intonation perfect never issues with the electronics and today was no different. I have basses that cost 10x this one does and after a winter in my lower level of my house something always needs a little tweaking. Plug it in and played through about 5 songs it still amazes me what a great tone this thing has and when I bought it for my kid with the bundle it was 149.00 us. Not sure why it is always looked over as a great starter but rarely if ever do you see people gigging one and that is a shame, but I have been gigging this one for years and never has it ever let me down.
Not sure if since I bought this one early on if the build quality has changed? But this is always a fun bass to play. Yeah everything is stock