The Last Bass Outpost

There is not a lot of demand for Japanese guitars in Japan. They are more sought after over here.

When you visit the better guitar stores in Tokyo, it's almost all US gear.

A few years back I was semi-seeking another Yamaha SA-17. Not only did I find none (and very few Yammies) the young guys at the shops had never even seen one (I had a photo with me).

Prof Scott.

Again, showing my ignorance of many things, what does the GF designation mean?

But on a more pertinent level ..... I was lightly pondering waving in one of those new 4003 5 stringers. Maybe after the holidays. 

The 2030 convertible caught my eye, but I wonder if there's a good reason why Olivia's didn't show it as a fiver. From your experience, do you think the neck profile would handle five strings?

Thanks!

 

Very nice

Indeed!

When I was an aspiring teen, all we had were tube amps. Since I had built shortwave radios and amps from Kits, I was usually the band tech. That meant I could handle walking over to the local hardware store and using the tube tester. But I was totally oblivious to the whole concept of biasing. Nor did brands particularly matter. GE, RCA or Sylvania seemed to be interchangeable.

Flash forward to today. A "youngster" (about 26 years old) joined our firm a little while ago. Among other things, he had played both upright and electric bass in high school and college.

So this morning I brought in a shot Winged C KT-88 to display as a work of art. The new boy asked me what it was and then what it did. "Does it, like, light up?" I guess he never played a real tube amp, though he probably used a hybrid without knowing it at some points. I gotta say I was more than a little surprised.

I wonder what happens to tube amp prices when we give up playing or die off?       

Way too optimistic on the pricing. By $1000 on each at a minimum.

A very yellowed '87 4003SPC Tuxedo ($3,299) and '89 Blackstar ($4,000) on Reverb.

They seem less sought-after than ten years ago. Maybe all the Ric collectors who want an SPC have already bought one.

That's some sweet work !. Interesting about the carbon fibre rail . How's it all sound plugged in ?

A good modern Rickenbacker sound. Nothing extraordinary.

I've owned and played two or three Blackstars and at least one other Tux. This one lines up with them, tone- wise. I'm happy with it

A Fool & His Money are Soon Parted, but amazing, quality work. Thoroughly recommended.

http://kennebecinstrument.com/bringing-life-back-to-a-rickenbacker-tuxedo-bass/


It now has the best action I've enjoy enjoyed on a Rick, surpassing the brand-spanking new Blackstar I bought to take with me to Japan in 1989.  This bas is righteous! 

I'm tempted as well. But I'd need to feel it in my hands before buying.