The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Aussie Mark on July 20, 2010, 04:13:19 PM

Title: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Aussie Mark on July 20, 2010, 04:13:19 PM: Not Dave's cup of tea, I know, but the Dark Stars do look good on an SG shaped bass ....

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=676560

(http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=174400&d=1279477748)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Basvarken on July 20, 2010, 04:20:21 PM: The Gibson EB turns into something of a Guild JS with those pickups.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Dave W on July 20, 2010, 06:10:51 PM: Quote from: Basvarken on July 20, 2010, 04:20:21 PM
The Gibson EB turns into something of a Guild JS with those pickups.

Yep. In sound and looks.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Lightyear on July 20, 2010, 07:18:12 PM: Wonder if they have the original pickups for sale as well :P
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: uwe on July 21, 2010, 03:05:10 AM: Let's put this diplomatically: More a utalitarian look than a pretty one.

What have they done to my bass, Ma?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKN6lYU5bZ4
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: dadagoboi on July 21, 2010, 05:37:25 AM: Quote from: uwe on July 21, 2010, 03:05:10 AM

What have they done to my bass, Ma?

+1. I place a lot of the blame on Gibson for deciding to call it "SG" when they reissued it. Maybe they were deservedly embarrassed about the wacky 3 knob configuration/placement. They couldn't come up with the extra $20 or so per $1400 bass for an extra knob and a (even if fake) varitone switch? Does make an original more valuable, though.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: uwe on July 21, 2010, 06:36:11 AM: I was thinking more about the ghastly Dark Stars (don't like their visualy, never heard them) and the in this case indeed inappropriate Hipshot supertone! :mrgreen:

I'm a very big fan of the SG RI visuals (and sound), I like the three knob look better (not as cluttered as four knobs plus the varitone never made any sense to me), the TB Plus pup is more usable than true mud, the minibucker on the SG is lightyears ahead (and betterplaced) than on the EBs of yore, the three point is a nice piece of tradition even though lesser mortals here can apparently not come to grips with it :-* and everybody and his brother calls EB basses in the SG shape "SG basses" in musician circles, us trainspotters here excepted. And finally: A few EBs escaped production in the sixties with no Varitone, but a toggle switch for switching the pups in a sensible way. Jack Bruce even played one either in late Cream days or post-Cream.

That dark-starred SG RI now looks like some cheap Jap knock-off from the seventies. :puke:

Uwe (proud owner of one SG RI and two GoW SG maple flametop SG Supremes)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: dadagoboi on July 21, 2010, 07:52:58 AM: The 3 knobs and their placement bothers me more than the no vari. Visually it looks like an afterthought rather than a well considered design decision. All the rest of the "RI" is OK w/me except the name change.

For this particular pup setup I would prefer a tone pot for each pup, it's trad Gibson on an SG and gives more control over the very different tone characteristics of the wide spaced pups. Either that or a blend/vol/tone setup with 3 better placed knobs.

Did bass players actually call them SG basses before the "RI"? Or just guitard players?
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: nofi on July 21, 2010, 08:38:03 AM: i have never heard an SG shaped bass referred to as anything but an EBO. must be be a euro thing
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: uwe on July 21, 2010, 08:49:15 AM: Before I became a Gibsonite, all EBs in SG shape were "those little, dark-sounding Gibson SG basses that they call E... something or other" just like all Grabbers were Rippers and the other way around and RDs were Thunderbirds with a different name, all Explorers Thunderbirds with a more angular shape. :-[ :-[ :-[

Originally, I believe SG stood for "solid(body) guitar)" and EB for "electric bass". But while Gibson never released a guitar called SG that was not SG shape (though the first SGs were actually called Les Pauls), widely varying shapes were offered under the name '"EB". The EB 1 had a different shape to the EB-2 and that to the EB-0, -3 and 4, the SBs had an SG shape, but were not called EBs, EB-650 and -750 were different kettles of fish altogether, 'twas all very confusing. ??? ??? ??? ??? Consequently, the abbreviation EB never became identified with a single body shape while the abbreviation SG irrevocably did. Come the new millenium it only made sense to call the new EB in SG shape just that.

Of course, there should be some retribution for this. I herewith advocate that all Firebirds should henceforth be called Thunderbirds or better still "Mini-Thunderbirds". That is only fair as there are probably more Thunderbird bass players on the planet than there are Firebird guitar players (that Gibson's most beautiful guitar never caught on with guitards says everything there is to say about that simple life form). :mrgreen:
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: lowend1 on July 21, 2010, 08:58:06 AM: Quote from: nofi on July 21, 2010, 08:38:03 AM
i have never heard an SG shaped bass referred to as anything but an EBO. must be be a euro thing

I once heard a guy refer to a Jazz Bass as a "Stratocaster Bass" :o, and know several bass players who still call the Thunderbird a "Firebird Bass".
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: dadagoboi on July 21, 2010, 09:33:06 AM: Quote from: lowend1 on July 21, 2010, 08:58:06 AM
I once heard a guy refer to a Jazz Bass as a "Stratocaster Bass" :o, and know several bass players who still call the Thunderbird a "Firebird Bass".

Neither Jazz bass or Tbird players I'd wager.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: lowend1 on July 21, 2010, 09:57:37 AM: Quote from: dadagoboi on July 21, 2010, 09:33:06 AM
Neither Jazz bass or Tbird players I'd wager.

IIRC the "StratBass" guy was not a bassist, and his mental acumen was well below par to boot.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: uwe on July 21, 2010, 10:23:00 AM: Actually, I always wanted that. A Stratocaster-Bass. No joke. It must be the Ritchie Blackmore in me, but deep down inside I long for a bass that looks exactly like a Stratocaster in long scale bass size, single coil pups, tremolo, Strat input jack and all. And in white.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ib-HDT0oB3Q/SWimb6nt5bI/AAAAAAAAAGg/IU13DXjixj8/s400/RITCHIE+BLACKMORE.jpg)

Not to forget a scalloped fingerboard. All frets. All the time. :mrgreen:

I'm not aware that any Jap knock-off, boutique much less Fender or the Neo-Fenders (EBMM, G&L) ever offered anything of the like. Which is weird given that G&L at least did a credible (if neck heavy) take on the Telecaster guitar as a bass via their Asat.

Somehow, neither a Jazz Bass nor a P-Bass look like a Stratocaster to me, the P lacks any elegance of the Strat and the Jazz has a nice shape, but is too feminine. I can't even put my finger on the difference of the Strat shape to these two others, but there is one, right? ???

As much as I am a Gibson man in basses, I have this ugly subconscious bias :-[ that "real men guitar heroes" have to play a Strat. Hendrix, Blackmore, Clapton (I prefer his sound with a Strat, now crucify me Cream fans!), Gallagher, Gilmour, Nile Rodgers, SRV, Beck (in his later years), Uli Roth, Wah Wah Watson, Yngwie Malmsteen and EvH (in his early years) left an imprint no doubt. :-\ I even think that guitar heroes using the more comfortable Gibson guitar scale cheat a little, a controversial statement, I know.

Must this thread now be moved to the leper colony here that is the Fender forum? :sad: :sad: :sad: ;D
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: leftybass on July 21, 2010, 11:01:55 AM: Quote
Actually, I always wanted that. A Stratocaster-Bass.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/L30020MAIN20FULL20201020model20-20green20cream20gld20-20JPG20WEB.jpg)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: exiledarchangel on July 21, 2010, 11:40:03 AM: Quote from: leftybass on July 21, 2010, 11:01:55 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/L30020MAIN20FULL20201020model20-20green20cream20gld20-20JPG20WEB.jpg)

One friend of mine has one of those short scale Landings (unfortunately it is EMG-equipped :bored: ) and he likes it very much.
Never saw one with tremolo and/or scalloped frets, but if you ask them, they may do that. Or else threaten them with fungus invasion plans.

Here's your porn, you sick stratohead: http://www.landingbass.com/
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: uwe on July 21, 2010, 12:08:49 PM: "Here's your porn, you sick stratohead:"

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Maybe it's not such a good idea after all, some fantasies should remain tucked away in the closet: :o :o :o

(http://www.landingbass.com/Resources/L3%20-%20MAIN%20BODY%20SHOT%20-%20WEB%20JPG.JPG)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Basvarken on July 21, 2010, 12:16:34 PM: Even 7ender already thought of this concept years ago.

Well... sort of... :P

(http://vintageguitars.org.uk/graphics/bassVI.jpg)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Dave W on July 21, 2010, 02:12:02 PM: Over the years I've heard plenty of guitarists and a few bassists call the old EB-0/EB-3 an "SG Bass" -- it's to be expected. As for the current SG Reissue, or whatever it's being called this week, it was never intended to be a true reissue, they just wanted the retro look and vibe.

No reason why a Strat body can't be used for a bass. The standard neck pocket routing is narrower than standard Fender bass but you wouldn't ordinarily buy one pre-routed anyway if you want to build a bass.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Dave W on July 21, 2010, 02:17:54 PM: Quote from: uwe on July 21, 2010, 03:05:10 AM
Let's put this diplomatically: More a utalitarian look than a pretty one.

What have they done to my bass, Ma?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKN6lYU5bZ4

Have you seen Melanie in recent years? She's about 3 times the girl she used to be.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: exiledarchangel on July 21, 2010, 02:19:46 PM: Quote from: Dave W on July 21, 2010, 02:12:02 PM
No reason why a Strat body can't be used for a bass. The standard neck pocket routing is narrower than standard Fender bass but you wouldn't ordinarily buy one pre-routed anyway if you want to build a bass.

I really like the fact that Dave tries to approach Uwe's weirdo thoughts in a logical way.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: uwe on July 21, 2010, 02:48:18 PM: It's true, Dave has that caring, compassionate attitude towards me, "let's see what the demented one is up to this time, we must treat him kindly"!

Time to actually put all those Greek debts due and owing me thinks ... ; - )
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: lowend1 on July 21, 2010, 03:15:06 PM: Quote from: uwe on July 21, 2010, 12:08:49 PM
Maybe it's not such a good idea after all, some fantasies should remain tucked away in the closet

That NEVER happens at The Outpost. The membership here has the general proclivity to give in to odd impulses - and act on them. ;D
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Barklessdog on July 21, 2010, 03:22:29 PM: Like this one-

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/374mg2888lr5.jpg)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: lowend1 on July 21, 2010, 03:28:19 PM: Quote from: Barklessdog on July 21, 2010, 03:22:29 PM
Like this one-

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/374mg2888lr5.jpg)

Yeah, but that big ol' space is just begging for a third D'star...
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Dave W on July 21, 2010, 08:09:08 PM: Sorry, don't mean to rag on them too much but that LP Bass really shows off how butt-ugly the Dark Stars are.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Hornisse on July 21, 2010, 10:31:39 PM: I've always thought that type of pickup looked good only on the old Hagstrom Coronado basses and of course the Guild Starfire basses from the late 60's.

(http://i26.tinypic.com/rkr9nc.jpg)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: uwe on July 22, 2010, 12:57:11 AM: Butt-ugly is a lucid description of these gadgets.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Basvarken on July 22, 2010, 01:05:19 AM: So ugly it becomes beautiful again.
I like it.

That rail is hilarious. May come in handy if you need something to hang onto while puking?
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: copacetic on July 23, 2010, 10:20:31 PM: Chris Celinder in Denmark came up with the best looking Strato Bass not to mention in sound and feel. I've got 3 of 'em but no pics. Some others 'round 'ere must 'ave 1 or 2 as well.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Denis on July 24, 2010, 04:29:23 AM: Quote from: Hörnisse on July 21, 2010, 10:31:39 PM
I've always thought that type of pickup looked good only on the old Hagstrom Coronado basses and of course the Guild Starfire basses from the late 60's.

(http://i26.tinypic.com/rkr9nc.jpg)

Hey, does that have keyless entry? ;D
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Pilgrim on July 24, 2010, 12:21:41 PM: Given my craving for odd basses, I think Uwe may have passed his Stratbass idea along to me. But whadda I know...I think Darkstars are very cool looking!
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Barklessdog on July 25, 2010, 09:21:04 AM: Found this picture of a Hondo Statacaster bass with Tim of the old Pit?.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/LAKLAND/hondo.jpg)

An Old picture of Fred at Lakland from the Raising the Bottom Pit get together

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Musicians/fred.jpg)
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Dave W on July 25, 2010, 05:45:27 PM: Quote from: Barklessdog on July 25, 2010, 09:21:04 AM
Found this picture of a Hondo Statacaster bass with Tim of the old Pit?.

Whatever Hondo called it, the top pic is a Precision body, not a Strat body.
Title: Re: SG RI Standard on Talk Bass with dual Dark Stars
Post by: Droombolus on July 26, 2010, 12:08:05 AM: Quote from: Lightyear on July 20, 2010, 07:18:12 PM
Wonder if they have the original pickups for sale as well :P

:rimshot: Yes they were ....... I picked them up on evilBay ;D

Quote from: Pilgrim on July 24, 2010, 12:21:41 PM
I think Darkstars are very cool looking!

Don't think they will look OK on just any bass but they sound like otherworldly just the same and they look real cool on my Starfire..... they cost a bundle but they're worth every cent

(http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3913/starfireds013c.jpg)