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What's our Holy Grail?
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- holy grail les paul
There is no bass "Holy Grail" that compares to the '59 Sunburst. This is why:
Primarily, it isn't as much about the instruments, as it is about the players who used it. Who are the bass equivalents of "Beano" era Clapton, Jimmy Page, Peter Green, Gary Moore, Keith Richards, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Kossoff, Billy Gibbons, etc? In addition, all the aforementioned players were renowned for their TONE. How many bass players are principally recognized for their tone? Jaco, perhaps. Maybe Geddy, Lemmy and Chris Squire (I guess that's 3 for votes for the Ric!!) Bass players are mainly acknowledged by their 'pocket', technique, melodic lines, etc. Most of the memorable bass players could come across, as themselves, regardless of the instrument they are playing. OTOH, you can HEAR the sunburst! The tone is fat, each note blooms until they reach their creamy sustain. If the "Grail" title were to be given based on recording popularity, then Nile Rodgers' Hitmaker would be an easy win.
So, sadly for the OP, there is no such comparison. It is Apples and Carrots.
If we were to just pick an iconic example that epitomizes the capabilities of the instrument, I would vote for an early 60s, stacked pot Jazz Bass. Or perhaps a late 50's Precision. Then again, the Ric 4001 does sound pretty unique. And then there's...
Primarily, it isn't as much about the instruments, as it is about the players who used it. Who are the bass equivalents of "Beano" era Clapton, Jimmy Page, Peter Green, Gary Moore, Keith Richards, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Kossoff, Billy Gibbons, etc? In addition, all the aforementioned players were renowned for their TONE. How many bass players are principally recognized for their tone? Jaco, perhaps. Maybe Geddy, Lemmy and Chris Squire (I guess that's 3 for votes for the Ric!!) Bass players are mainly acknowledged by their 'pocket', technique, melodic lines, etc. Most of the memorable bass players could come across, as themselves, regardless of the instrument they are playing. OTOH, you can HEAR the sunburst! The tone is fat, each note blooms until they reach their creamy sustain. If the "Grail" title were to be given based on recording popularity, then Nile Rodgers' Hitmaker would be an easy win.
So, sadly for the OP, there is no such comparison. It is Apples and Carrots.
If we were to just pick an iconic example that epitomizes the capabilities of the instrument, I would vote for an early 60s, stacked pot Jazz Bass. Or perhaps a late 50's Precision. Then again, the Ric 4001 does sound pretty unique. And then there's...
Maybe a custom color late 50s p bass? Taos turquoise or shell pink or one of the sparkle finishes
I may have actually played that Les Paul! I bought my Gibson AJ from Rumble Seat Music only a few days before they left Carmel and moved to Nashville and the owner let me play an old burst of his. Was a great guy and a great experience.
In keeping with the intent of the OP, I’d say a ‘59 ish Sunburst Precision with a tort guard and rosewood board.
I’ve played oe and it was the only time I’ve played a P basss and wanted it.
I’ve played oe and it was the only time I’ve played a P basss and wanted it.
Mr.Ace
Bass players rule!
- Sep 8, 2015
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I’d say Fodera. I finally got one, and it’s everything I could ever want in a bass.
The REAL Holy Grail would probably be Jamerson's Funk Machine or Jaco's Jazz Bass had it not been refinished and customized (ruined) by a later owner.
The closest I was ever able to come to a Holy Grail was the 1957 Precision in my avatar pic. I bought it from the late Paul Goddard, who used it on the first three Atlanta Rhythm Section albums, recordings at Studio One in Doraville, GA by The Classics IV, Joe South and many others and also on the road with Roy Orbison's Candymen. It is still all original, even with the last strings that Paul installed. He sold it to me back in 1980 or thereabouts a few years after he has gotten a Peavey endorsement deal before switching to a Ric 4001. The $750 that Paul wanted for the '57 P was the best bass deal I ever made and no, it isn't for sale.
The closest I was ever able to come to a Holy Grail was the 1957 Precision in my avatar pic. I bought it from the late Paul Goddard, who used it on the first three Atlanta Rhythm Section albums, recordings at Studio One in Doraville, GA by The Classics IV, Joe South and many others and also on the road with Roy Orbison's Candymen. It is still all original, even with the last strings that Paul installed. He sold it to me back in 1980 or thereabouts a few years after he has gotten a Peavey endorsement deal before switching to a Ric 4001. The $750 that Paul wanted for the '57 P was the best bass deal I ever made and no, it isn't for sale.
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1962/3 Fender Precision, 3-tone sunburst, tort guard, mint condition.
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- Aug 21, 2003
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A Mike Lull TP5 is mine
(shhhh....Don't tell anyone that I still play a 74 Jazz on occasion)
The Holy Grail is a vessel that serves as an important motif in Arthurian literature. Different traditions describe it as a cup, dish or stone with miraculous powers that provide happiness, eternal youth or sustenance in infinite abundance. The term "holy grail" is often used to denote an object that is sought after for its great significance.
It'd have to be a P bass, right?
If so, I'd have to go with this one.
It'd have to be a P bass, right?
If so, I'd have to go with this one.
I agree with Diegom, the lure of the '59 LP is the TONE.
Almost universally recognizable.
A parallel in the bass world would have to be identifiable for a rare tone.
Pre '73 Rickenbacker, early series Alembic (think Stanley Clarke), mebbe a Steinberger XL2.
I doubt most TBers could pick out a specific year Fender if they heard half a dozen different vintages , each playing the same part MIXED IN A TRACK.
Solo...maybe, but discerning whether it's a '57, '62, '75, or 2006 P bass that's submerged in that track, without any foreknowledge of the player, seems a pretty daunting task. They're pretty close to generic, mojo aside.
As stated previously, they weren't all winners either.
Neither was every '59 LP.
I guess in the bass world it's each to his own. JMTC
Almost universally recognizable.
A parallel in the bass world would have to be identifiable for a rare tone.
Pre '73 Rickenbacker, early series Alembic (think Stanley Clarke), mebbe a Steinberger XL2.
I doubt most TBers could pick out a specific year Fender if they heard half a dozen different vintages , each playing the same part MIXED IN A TRACK.
Solo...maybe, but discerning whether it's a '57, '62, '75, or 2006 P bass that's submerged in that track, without any foreknowledge of the player, seems a pretty daunting task. They're pretty close to generic, mojo aside.
As stated previously, they weren't all winners either.
Neither was every '59 LP.
I guess in the bass world it's each to his own. JMTC
I don't aspire to Rolls Royce anything. I like practical. But there is one bass I wish I could get from Ibanez left handed. And sadly, it will never be available as a lefty. the SR1700be. I've had a wild idea of buying one and hiring a luthier to build me a mirror image of the body left handed and just transfer all the electronics over...
This bass is only $1,200 new, not any boo-teek. But I played one in the store and it played like butter.....
This bass is only $1,200 new, not any boo-teek. But I played one in the store and it played like butter.....
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Okay I'll play along; I would have to say James Jamerson's Precision Bass, or Jaco Pastorius' Jazz Bass
Nah, if I had the kind of money to be spending 375 Gs on a guitar, I'd probably go pick it up in person.
