• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Soviet Tonika Bass - Exploded (Pic Heavy)

#142
=

5811030083_b2c5390182_o.jpg
[/QUOTE]

bassbenj said:
Controls are Vol/bass/treble.

When I say series/parallel/off I mean pickup to pickup. For example if you put two pickups in series mode it wires those two pickups in series. If you put the third in series mode it puts all three pickups in series. if you put the third one in parallel, then that third pickup is placed in parallel with the two that are already in series. Etc. I posted the diagram some time back to the pickups/electronics forum. Nobody seemed interested in the idea. Here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

(takes .pdf viewer)

The pickups are two wire so there no option to put each one in series/parallel like say a G&L.
Click to expand...


what is that????

I like it
 
#146
My very first bass was Tonika, exactly the same as in the first post of this thread. Me and my buddy found it in school hall junkroom, as well as the old electric guitar from the Eastern Gemany, called Musima. My buddy played a guitar a little, so after that we talked with our music teacher in school and decided to try playing some tunes. So I learned to play on this beast and after that i do not afraid of playing ANY instrument. :)

There are some enthusiasts here in Russia, who are constantly discovering and restoring these old Soviet-era axes (from the USSR and Warsaw Pact countries) to the playable condition. You can check out some interesting photos following this link: Invalid Link Removed
It's mainly in Russian, but there are some cool photos there. :)

Here is a video for a guy, who wanted to know if the three pickup bass would be good for metal:
 
  • Like
Reactions: JimmyM
#149
Dang that is weird and wonderful. I don't think its made of wood, it's actually pure hardened Marxist Revolutionary Zeal, with a coating of blackened Patriotic War Martyr Blood. As such, your snarky comment about it's relative merits as a playable instrument are entirely beside the point.
 
#153
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: vmabus
#155
adasphodel said:
My very first bass was Tonika, exactly the same as in the first post of this thread...


There are some enthusiasts here in Russia, who are constantly discovering and restoring these old Soviet-era axes (from the USSR and Warsaw Pact countries) to the playable condition. You can check out some interesting photos following this link: Invalid Link Removed
It's mainly in Russian, but there are some cool photos there. :)

Here is a video for a guy, who wanted to know if the three pickup bass would be good for metal: ...
Click to expand...

Sounds a lot like a Danelectro Longhorn (with the bass turned up a bit). Does to me anyway. Way cool!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Iristone
#158
AltGrendel said:
Translation:

Greeting Comrade. You are agreeing that this is fine example of Soviet Workers Tonika Bass Guitar for making the Peoples Music. It has made of the finest qualities of wood that could be found and as was celebrated with much vodka for the cheerfuls musics that are be made during creation of.

You will enjoy playings this fine item which is the envy of the Amerikan Proletariat.

Or Else.
Click to expand...

Funniest thing I've read in a looooooong time! Well played, sir! Well played!

arsie said:
Looks like the neck plate is a replacement/replica/imitation. The 3M sticker made me laugh.

No.1 thing I love about it is the binding that runs the length of the fretboard. 2nd thing is the headstock that matches the pickguard (The Kremlin frowns on changing pickguards).

The crack in the neck pocket (2 bolts OMG!) and the ??? style pickups are my concerns. Looks like it can be turned into a real player. The 10 position switch is a good example of the drawbacks of a planned economy. "I am sorry, the 10 position switch was made for the Space Programme, and we have 12,324,562,124 left over, you have to find a way to use 7,423 of them. "
Click to expand...

But of course, in Communism everyone is equal. Can't have a single person showing individuality by changing their pickguards.

And that pickup winding is AWESOME!!! A bar magnet with wiring, inside insulations not even wrapped tightly around the magnet. I'm sure that even basic electricians could come up with something like that.
 
#159
adasphodel said:
My very first bass was Tonika, exactly the same as in the first post of this thread. Me and my buddy found it in school hall junkroom, as well as the old electric guitar from the Eastern Gemany, called Musima. My buddy played a guitar a little, so after that we talked with our music teacher in school and decided to try playing some tunes. So I learned to play on this beast and after that i do not afraid of playing ANY instrument. :)

There are some enthusiasts here in Russia, who are constantly discovering and restoring these old Soviet-era axes (from the USSR and Warsaw Pact countries) to the playable condition. You can check out some interesting photos following this link: Invalid Link Removed
It's mainly in Russian, but there are some cool photos there. :)

Here is a video for a guy, who wanted to know if the three pickup bass would be good for metal:
Click to expand...


Well now i want one.
That grind is freaking insane.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back