Why Phil Lynott?

[MultiScaleMale]

It's a Custom Shop Masterbuilt by Kyle McMillan and a limited edition. Masterbuilt instruments typically run $7-8k and then this one has the extras and some undisclosed funds are going back to the estate. So, it's a lot if you compare it to a Squier, but par for the course if you compare it to Custom Shop Masterbuilts.

 

[Wyrdlow]

I'm still waiting for the Jesus of Nazareth Custom Shop Jazz Bass, the ultimate cash grab. Complete with John 3:16 engraved pickguard and WWJD on the back of the headstock.

Wasn't it Pete Agnew of Nazareth?

 

[Joeykun]

I’m more shocked the OP didn’t know who Phil was!!

 

[Michedelic]

I was scrolling through the basses at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center and saw a Fender Custom Shop Precision Bass that was priced at $12,500. It was a Phil Lynott Signature model.

I had to Google Phil Lynott to find out who he was. Must have been before my time or outside of my musical tastes?

I know Fender Custom Shop Precisions are typically in the $5k range. This one comes in a hefty road case and includes a pair of sunglasses. But more than double the price of a regular FCS? Just curious if anyone here knows why this bass is $12.5k. Not trying to be snarky. I'm genuinely curious.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Phil(along with Rory Gallagher)was a source of pride for Ireland in the rock era. While only scoring with one or two hits in the US(but nevertheless opening up the door for a considerable following here)they were huge in the UK/Europe…another typical situation where a band has a substantial career all over the world but not in clueless America.

He was a rare icon in that he was a bass player as frontman/leader/songwriter, and then even when the guitarists came and went, there was still that signature harmony lead sound. Just like Lemmy, he was beloved in the UK hard rock, metal, and punk scenes, no mean feat as the fans were usually separate tribes. Since Xmas is coming up…


Then there was his guesting(along with Steve Marriott) on Johnny Thunders’ first album…



As for that bass, just remember what Barnum said about suckers.

 

[Grinderman]

I remember when this came out. Dunno how many were on the run, But £12K For a bass, a stencilled flight case, and the case candy? Ten Grand more than the Steve Harris model? I really don't get the Fender rationale behind that bass. And that's coming from a Philo/Lizzy fan.

Lots of silver dollars.

 

[dalkowski]

I had to Google Phil Lynott to find out who he was.

Doesn't make you a bad guy; I've had to google Nate Mendel and a few other sig-model-worthy luminaries.

Also $12.5K is a stupid price, and I don't mean stupid fresh.

 

[Grinderman]

Phil(along with Rory Gallagher)was a source of pride for Ireland in the rock era. While only scoring with one or two hits in the US(but nevertheless opening up the door for a considerable following here)they were huge in the UK/Europe…another typical situation where a band has a substantial career all over the world but not in clueless America.

He was a rare icon in that he was a bass player as frontman/leader/songwriter, and then even when the guitarists came and went, there was still that signature harmony lead sound. Just like Lemmy, he was beloved in the UK hard rock, metal, and punk scenes, no mean feat as the fans were usually separate tribes. Since Xmas is coming up…


Then there was his guesting(along with Steve Marriott) on Johnny Thunders’ first album…



As for that bass, just remember what Barnum said about suckers.

Every second these days.

 

[deff]

Since it is much higher in price than many other signature CS instruments I would guess the high price to be because it is a limited edition. I assume it was something worked out with his estate.

I'm curious though, what bass players do you normally listen to or "wouldn't have to google".

 

[rogerbmiller]

 

[Altitude]

Signature basses bait discussions that begin with “I’ve never even heard of the guy.”

Personally I’m only interested in them when they have unique design approaches the artist called for (Gary Willis’ Ibanez for example). This Lynott bass is not really that, it’s just a reproduction of a relatively normal bass Lynott played.

Interesting exercise would be to determine the spec in objective terms, take that spec to FCS without the name “Phil Lynott” associated with it, and see what it would cost to build. I bet it would be around $3500. No idea why this would cost 12 grand.

But having said that - Phil Lynott is certainly a legendary player.

 

[GodsLove66]

I was scrolling through the basses at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center and saw a Fender Custom Shop Precision Bass that was priced at $12,500. It was a Phil Lynott Signature model.

I had to Google Phil Lynott to find out who he was. Must have been before my time or outside of my musical tastes?

I know Fender Custom Shop Precisions are typically in the $5k range. This one comes in a hefty road case and includes a pair of sunglasses. But more than double the price of a regular FCS? Just curious if anyone here knows why this bass is $12.5k. Not trying to be snarky. I'm genuinely curious.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Three words: GREEDY Cash Grab!!!

This is THE ONE on the iconic Live & Dangerous album cover! BUT if you ask me, he seemed to like Ibanez more!

 

[digmeout]

Anybody have any idea what that bridge pickup is on the original that Gluvhand posted? I notice it's not on the Custom Shop.

 

[Gluvhand]

Three words: GREEDY Cash Grab!!!

This is THE ONE on the iconic Live & Dangerous album cover! BUT if you ask me, he seemed to like Ibanez more!

He only used the Ibanezes for two record/touring cycles before switching to the Roland bass.

 

[Gluvhand]

Anybody have any idea what that bridge pickup is on the original that Gluvhand posted?

It’s from a Yamaha, IIRC.

 

[Thumpin6string]

There isn't any Fender, IMHO, worth anywhere near that amount. Some people think a "signature" model was actually owned by that person.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

One of the All time greats peroid if bass line is incredible intoxicating.

 

[ELG60]

I've been a fan since the 70s. That being said, I wouldn't spend that much on a Precision, unless it was an original early 50s bass, and then I'd be stealing it at that price.

 

[G On Bass]

Maybe it's because Fender knows that Thin Lizzy fans are now older and Fender hopes some of them have enough money they'll part with to own something that reminds them of their youth, even if it's just one brand of several brands he played. Yes, I am one of those older fans, but occasionally listening to his recordings is more than enough nostalgia for me. YMMV, etc...

 

[BassyBill]

Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy - legends for a reason. If you don’t dig it, okay. It’s probably the case that the chorus of this song doesn’t apply to you.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Why get riled up over the price? It’s not bread nor milk. If you don’t think the price is appropriate, why worry about it? You know guitar shops will have a $10k model on display to make you feel better about spending $5k, $1k or $300 on your bass. And once and awhile it will sell to someone.