The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Dave W on September 06, 2023, 07:44:01 PM

Title: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Dave W on September 06, 2023, 07:44:01 PM
This Walter Carter video is two years old, I don't remember seeing it before. For what it is, it sounds pretty good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wFcsH-MAn8
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Ken on September 06, 2023, 07:54:53 PM
Is that the Mandalorian instrument of choice?
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Basvarken on September 07, 2023, 04:37:42 AM
Nice video.
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: morrow on September 07, 2023, 06:30:19 AM
I once considered buying one in Toronto , it was only $1500 , but it was going to need serious restoration.

... and I was going to have to get it to Halifax.
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: uwe on September 07, 2023, 11:28:27 AM
We've had pictures of it, but never a vid with its actual sound. I'd like to hear it playing contemporary music with a nice acoustic pup.

That it was fretted was really quite a novelty then. What scale is it?
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Basvarken on September 07, 2023, 11:43:25 AM
Quote from: uwe on September 07, 2023, 11:28:27 AM
What scale is it?

Same as a 3/4 upright
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: uwe on September 07, 2023, 04:11:03 PM
41.5" then - bedankt!
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: ilan on September 08, 2023, 11:38:38 PM
https://youtu.be/eleGc_kzKkQ?si=gWI3hHziuV7W_U2p
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: uwe on September 09, 2023, 07:58:38 AM
Danke Ilan, I'm not a double bass specialist, but it doesn't really sound THAT great, does it? Not like a real double bass. And you can hear the frets, but not in a good way.

Thoughts and comments?
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Basvarken on September 09, 2023, 10:00:24 AM
Same here.
It sounds weak. Crappy even at some points.

I did not suffer any GAS when I saw that other video. But if I would have had a GAS attack, this video (with the three mando basses) sure would have cured it...
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: ilan on September 11, 2023, 02:01:53 AM
Sounds crappy to me too. I don't think it's because of the frets, as it is the body size. You need a huge body to produce and project upright bass frequencies. And a carved top, and a soundpost to move the back.

Baroque basses had frets — gut strings tied around the neck that can slide a little bit according to the scale of the piece you're playing. That was before Bach's meantone temperament tuning.

https://youtu.be/tu9MBgXJ3bQ?si=p1N98iTcYxyx4B11
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: uwe on September 11, 2023, 06:12:08 AM
Well, it's certainly an artifact.

But Gibson won't do a reissue anytime soon!  ;D
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Dave W on September 17, 2023, 10:30:34 PM
Here's a mando group witha mando bassist who reminds me of Bob Hope.

Don't know the official name of the group but that's Looyd Loar in the center.
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Chris P. on September 18, 2023, 02:20:48 AM
The guys on Talkbass right now: with which pickups can I make that Gibson Mando sound like a Fender?
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: ilan on September 18, 2023, 03:59:05 AM
Quote from: Dave W on September 17, 2023, 10:30:34 PM
that's Lloyd Loar in the center.

He must have been thinking, 'I can improve that lame giant teardrop too, how about some f-holes, violin family construction, carved top and back, oh wait... never mind'
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: uwe on September 18, 2023, 09:01:00 AM
Quote from: Chris P. on September 18, 2023, 02:20:48 AM
The guys on Talkbass right now: with which pickups can I make that Gibson Mando sound like a Fender?

Why not if that makes it better for playing Heavy Metal?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZjLjjxCO3w&t=22s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teBBfzmT7oI
Title: Re: Gibson Mando Bass
Post by: Dave W on September 18, 2023, 12:02:16 PM
Quote from: Chris P. on September 18, 2023, 02:20:48 AM
The guys on Talkbass right now: with which pickups can I make that Gibson Mando sound like a Fender?

(https://i.imgur.com/sVBBANy.gif)