I really have been on my best behavior lately - exercising will power, and fighting those impulsive GAS urges. There've been so many deals to be had on stuff that I've convinced myself I need, and I've managed to resist almost everything!
Well I had a relapse last week.
This is a Roland G-88 analog bass synth controller from '81. It was built by Fuji Gen Gakki, and is very close in spec to an Ibanez Musician MC-800, and apparently some other Greco-badged version. In fact, it is believed that the "GR" insignia on the headstocks of these Rolands stands for "Greco-Roland".
It is quite a nice bass actually, when used as a normal bass. Ash body, maple/mahog neck thru, ebony board, punchy single coil, 2eq active setup (don't usually go out of my way for actives, but this ones not too bad - none of that scooped-mid sound I can't stand). Came with some Chromes, decent setup, comfy slender neck.
The main reason I got it was the asking price - $275 shipped!! Holy cow! I've really enjoyed my Roland guitars, so I thought for that kinda price it would be nice to add the bass version to the herd.
I just need to track down the bass-specific floor-unit (which contains the synth guts). I did try it with my guitar synth units and it seems to function fine, but Roland made a version of the synth that was optimized for bass use.
I don't envision using this in my band, but I figured it'd be fun for recording (which I havent had much time for lately).
I'd say I'm back on the road to recovery now, but I'd be lying. Why fight it?
