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Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Dave W on May 02, 2015, 11:13:53 AM

Title: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 02, 2015, 11:13:53 AM
Expected 7/19 at American Musical. I sure don't see much of a market at $3999.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-GIB-BAV4-LIST
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: drbassman on May 02, 2015, 11:16:30 AM
I hope Gibson loses their shirts on their basses.  The new prices are just plain ignorant.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Lightyear on May 02, 2015, 12:13:39 PM
Meh - pass!
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: OldManC on May 02, 2015, 12:37:39 PM
Hey, we all know they'll sell at least one!  ;D
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Basvarken on May 02, 2015, 01:34:07 PM
Looks like a very well built Japanese bass from the late seventies / early eighties.
  :popcorn:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 02, 2015, 02:46:18 PM
Sorry... maybe I just missed something in the translation... when is a "V" bass not a "V" bass...? Not "V" shaped... only 4 strings...?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Grog on May 02, 2015, 03:01:58 PM
Nice bass, but not for me.................... I like 'em at least 40 years old if they're going to charge like that.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: veebass on May 02, 2015, 04:48:33 PM
Quote from: Highlander on May 02, 2015, 02:46:18 PM
Sorry... maybe I just missed something in the translation... when is a "V" bass not a "V" bass...? Not "V" shaped... only 4 strings...?

Me too, why is it called a V Bass?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 02, 2015, 06:56:11 PM
Quote from: veebass on May 02, 2015, 04:48:33 PM
Me too, why is it called a V Bass?

No idea why. They should have called it a U&I Bass, because U and I can't afford it.

Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 02, 2015, 06:58:07 PM
Jimmy McMillan has spoken.

(https://i.imgflip.com/kzabh.jpg) (https://imgflip.com/i/kzabh)via Imgflip Meme Maker (https://imgflip.com/memegenerator)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Chris P. on May 03, 2015, 03:10:36 AM
Yes, it's like the drawing I saw months ago. And yes. Good name. V is normally 5-strings or a V-shape, so not confusing at all....

Maybe they shout 'Victory'!' and make the V sign if they sell one? Or V for Voolish, Vreekin' Ugly?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: drbassman on May 03, 2015, 05:55:19 AM
Just another jewel in the Gibson crown of stupidity.  Why do I love this company's products.....well some of them.  Is it because they are so flawed and imperfect?  They have so much wasted potential.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: gearHed289 on May 03, 2015, 09:21:52 AM
Has the interesting combination of 35'' scale neck and 34'' scale fingerboard.  :rolleyes: :mrgreen: :bored:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Lightyear on May 03, 2015, 10:08:22 AM
What a hot mess!  Says that it has a mahogany back too?  Images clearly show the back "wings" are capped maple.  Also it claims that the body is chambered?  Where?  The lower bout is taken up with the electronics cavity and battery while the top bout is heavily relieved for the tummy cut?  Also, you have to love Gibson's laziness by using the Tbird's headstock CNC profile  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: TBird1958 on May 03, 2015, 12:33:22 PM

If I see Henry J in a crosswalk and "accidently" run him over.............

Will you all please vouch for my innocence.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Pilgrim on May 03, 2015, 01:47:51 PM
Ignore this post - it was all messed up.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 03, 2015, 03:11:50 PM
Our complaints are nothing compared to the complaints about the 2015 guitar line. Besides the +/- 30% price increases, there's the wider necks, zero fret nut, G Force tuner standard (apparently your warranty is void if you replace it with standard tuners), and the "Leo Paul 100" squiggle signature.

But if they don't sell, whether it's due to price or unpopular features, you can count on Henry making adjustments . He's not going to ride a train downhill to a crash.

On another forum, a former employee who still has contacts who work there quoted one of his contacts as saying Gibson USA only hit 30% of its sales goals for April.  If that's true, changes will come.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 03, 2015, 03:15:43 PM
Quote from: gearHed289 on May 03, 2015, 09:21:52 AM
Has the interesting combination of 35'' scale neck and 34'' scale fingerboard.  :rolleyes: :mrgreen: :bored:

Quote from: Lightyear on May 03, 2015, 10:08:22 AM
What a hot mess!  Says that it has a mahogany back too?  Images clearly show the back "wings" are capped maple.  Also it claims that the body is chambered?  Where?  The lower bout is taken up with the electronics cavity and battery while the top bout is heavily relieved for the tummy cut?  Also, you have to love Gibson's laziness by using the Tbird's headstock CNC profile  :rolleyes:


Don't you understand? Features like these are what makes this so unique, and well worth the price.  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: neepheid on May 03, 2015, 03:31:40 PM
Umm, if I want a modern looking Gibson bass I'd rather buy an Epiphone Toby Deluxe 4 and stick a better preamp in it.  And not because it's like a twentieth of the price (although that helps).  Sorry folks, it's not my cup o tea.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 03, 2015, 04:08:14 PM
I think I've got it... it's a typo, and they screwed up the launch date... should have been next Friday (8th May) and been called the VE bass; not for Victory in Europe but Very Expensive from Gibson...! :vader:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Grog on May 03, 2015, 04:41:07 PM
Maybe it's an expensive follow up to the Gibson IV.............

(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af119/Grog_03/Gib7_zpsezc6twvg.jpg) (http://s999.photobucket.com/user/Grog_03/media/Gib7_zpsezc6twvg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: TBird1958 on May 03, 2015, 04:43:24 PM
Quote from: Grog on May 03, 2015, 04:41:07 PM
Maybe it's an expensive follow up to the Gibson IV.............

(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af119/Grog_03/Gib7_zpsezc6twvg.jpg) (http://s999.photobucket.com/user/Grog_03/media/Gib7_zpsezc6twvg.jpg.html)


1 of each please!
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: lowend1 on May 03, 2015, 09:47:42 PM
Quote from: Dave W on May 02, 2015, 06:56:11 PM
No idea why. They should have called it a U&I Bass, because U and I can't afford it.

Around here, it's a "U" and "we" bass...
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 04, 2015, 02:01:45 AM
Might be the one person round here that will end up with one...

Maybe we could suggest counselling for his obsession... and maybe for Henry's marketing department...

(http://mediastudent.no/mmt2014/rv/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/A-Clockwork-Orange-3.jpg)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: drbassman on May 04, 2015, 05:38:49 AM
Gibson is the perfect example of marketing idiots running a company and employing the philosophy that more is always better and worth the ridiculous prices.  They need guitar players feeding the designing and outfitting their guitars/basses.  Do they really think everyone wants a self-parking car and self-tuning guitars?  Can't wait for the self-wiping toilet!!!!  What morons!
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Basvarken on May 04, 2015, 10:10:00 AM
You guys sound like these two.

(http://static.fimfiction.net/images/story_images/59131.jpg?1351128742)


To me it doesn't look like a bad bass at all. More like a boutique version of the EB.
Gibson has a reputation to live up to when it comes to giving their products silly names. It has become something of a tradition  :mrgreen:
BTW: In my opinion the EB is the best bass that Gibson has released in years.

Of course the price is way too high. But that will even out in a few months time, when they will pop on Ebay for about half...
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: westen44 on May 04, 2015, 10:39:19 AM
Quote from: Grog on May 03, 2015, 04:41:07 PM
Maybe it's an expensive follow up to the Gibson IV.............

(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af119/Grog_03/Gib7_zpsezc6twvg.jpg) (http://s999.photobucket.com/user/Grog_03/media/Gib7_zpsezc6twvg.jpg.html)

Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that. 
;D
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: drbassman on May 04, 2015, 10:47:59 AM
Quote from: Basvarken on May 04, 2015, 10:10:00 AM
You guys sound like these two.

(http://static.fimfiction.net/images/story_images/59131.jpg?1351128742)


To me it doesn't look like a bad bass at all. More like a boutique version of the EB.
Gibson has a reputation to live up to when it comes to giving their products silly names. It has become something of a tradition  :mrgreen:
BTW: In my opinion the EB is the best bass that Gibson has released in years.

Of course the price is way too high. But that will even out in a few months time, when they will pop on Ebay for about half...

Well, if I remind you of the old geezers, I'm proud to be one who knows stupidity when I see it and isn't afraid to say so!   ;D  The problem is more than price and more than just their basses.  The entire line up is becoming a bit of a mess.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Granny Gremlin on May 04, 2015, 11:09:50 AM
Quote from: Basvarken on May 02, 2015, 01:34:07 PM
Looks like a very well built Japanese bass from the late seventies / early eighties.
  :popcorn:

With a bit of Alembic in it, yeah. 
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 04, 2015, 12:31:29 PM
Quote from: Grog on May 03, 2015, 04:41:07 PM
Maybe it's an expensive follow up to the Gibson IV.............

...

But that series had a 5er, the Gibson V. And the Flying V.

And there was supposed to be a 5-string version of this new one.

Quote from: Basvarken on May 04, 2015, 10:10:00 AM
...

To me it doesn't look like a bad bass at all. More like a boutique version of the EB.
Gibson has a reputation to live up to when it comes to giving their products silly names. It has become something of a tradition  :mrgreen:
BTW: In my opinion the EB is the best bass that Gibson has released in years.

Of course the price is way too high. But that will even out in a few months time, when they will pop on Ebay for about half...

You're right. If they don't move, you'll see some store buy up the remaining stock and sell them at a steep discount, like they did with the Monkey bass and that maple/mahogany sandwiched SG Supreme.

Either it will sell well enough for them, or market corrections will happen.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: the mojo hobo on May 04, 2015, 02:20:36 PM
Quote from: Lightyear on May 03, 2015, 10:08:22 AM
  Also, you have to love Gibson's laziness by using the Tbird's headstock CNC profile  :rolleyes:

It looks like they used the whole Thunderbird neck and put different body wings on it. If it wasn't made with exotic woods it could be made a lot less expensive and maybe even be desirable.

It could have been a good and affordable bass, but apparently Henry wants to move Gibson up-scale.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: the mojo hobo on May 04, 2015, 02:27:07 PM
And passive electronics. It has way too many knobs.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: westen44 on May 04, 2015, 03:16:46 PM
On another forum, I stated I was really unhappy with the Gibson price increases--that I'd still buy a used one, though.  I received a lecture on how I didn't understand the free market, capitalism, supply and demand, etc.  I love how people can make so many assumptions when they know absolutely nothing about the person they are talking to.  The bottom line is that a company like Gibson has the right to raise their prices, but customers have just as much of a right to register their displeasure.  Prices are going to be what they're going to be depending on how much people are willing to pay for something.  I don't think anything is more basic than that.  But I see nothing wrong with people complaining about Gibson's high prices if they feel like it.  I've always liked Gibson basses, but there is no way I could ever afford what they're charging now.  It's as simple as that. 
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 04, 2015, 04:15:09 PM
Quote from: Basvarken on May 04, 2015, 10:10:00 AM
You guys sound like these two...

I have a pair of socks with those esteemed Gents on them... much cheaper than a Gibson... :mrgreen:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 04, 2015, 06:38:24 PM
Quote from: westen44 on May 04, 2015, 03:16:46 PM
On another forum, I stated I was really unhappy with the Gibson price increases--that I'd still buy a used one, though.  I received a lecture on how I didn't understand the free market, capitalism, supply and demand, etc.  I love how people can make so many assumptions when they know absolutely nothing about the person they are talking to.  The bottom line is that a company like Gibson has the right to raise their prices, but customers have just as much of a right to register their displeasure.  Prices are going to be what they're going to be depending on how much people are willing to pay for something.  I don't think anything is more basic than that.  But I see nothing wrong with people complaining about Gibson's high prices if they feel like it.  I've always liked Gibson basses, but there is no way I could ever afford what they're charging now.  It's as simple as that.

You ran into one dope. Or maybe just someone who defends Gibson no matter what.

If these don't sell, he'll see supply and demand in the free market in action.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: 66Atlas on May 04, 2015, 06:51:30 PM
Reminds me of an Ibanez.  And if that's the sort of thing you like, then you'll really like that sort of thing.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: westen44 on May 04, 2015, 07:49:17 PM
Quote from: Dave W on May 04, 2015, 06:38:24 PM
You ran into one dope. Or maybe just someone who defends Gibson no matter what.

If these don't sell, he'll see supply and demand in the free market in action.

I went back and checked.  There seemed to be a pattern in which he would get upset at people for complaining about high prices, not just with Gibson, either.  It was something that really seemed to bother him.  Finally, some people disputed some of his claims about the economy.  So he left and never came back. 
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: 4stringer77 on May 05, 2015, 12:23:22 AM
The $ bass is cool Dave. Don't call it a monkey.
This bass ain't so bad. Would have been cool to see a maple cap over the whole top and some sweet bursts to boot. The option of having lemon, antique cherry and perhaps a bourbon burst might have made the cost slightly more justifiable. Guess that would have defeated the point of using a t bird neck. Maybe it's not a V but an arrow pointing down. Makes sense because that's probably the direction most of your thumbs were pointing when y'all saw it. I'm eager to hear a buyer's take never the less.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on May 05, 2015, 05:38:18 AM
So....it's a coffee-table Rick-bodied T-Bird neck with tons of knobs and flame: it looks like Gibson is just discovering the 90's.  What market are they hoping to get with this? Modern up-market active basses are much less conservative and it's definitely NOT vintage inspired. It's like Gibson tried to go the same "evolutionary" route as their guitars and then pulled back with whole robo-tuning bit. The zero fret might have found acceptance and certainly wouldn't make THAT bass any worse. The EB's were an interesting idea, just priced out of reach for mass market (which is Gibson actually trying for or not?) until the inevitable closeouts. The EB should have been cheaper and given some time.  Maybe in 20 years, Epiphone will put out a reissue of the EB with decent quality pickups (compared to normal Epi-buckers) ala the Nighthawk.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: drbassman on May 05, 2015, 06:39:06 AM
Quote from: westen44 on May 04, 2015, 07:49:17 PM
I went back and checked.  There seemed to be a pattern in which he would get upset at people for complaining about high prices, not just with Gibson, either.  It was something that really seemed to bother him.  Finally, some people disputed some of his claims about the economy.  So he left and never came back.

You are so right about prices.  A bass is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  And that number goes up and down with the wind!  Actually, the economy and a raft of other variables regarding a bass's desirability drive the price.  As for new basses, there are hundreds to choose from and competitive prices are important if you want to drive sales.  Fender figured it out years ago.  Gibson still has their heads up where the sun don't shine.   8)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: gearHed289 on May 05, 2015, 08:52:02 AM
Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on May 05, 2015, 05:38:18 AMSo....it's a coffee-table Rick-bodied T-Bird neck with tons of knobs and flame: it looks like Gibson is just discovering the 90's.

Yup! Would look right at home in a Carvin catalog.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: the mojo hobo on May 05, 2015, 08:55:39 AM
Quote from: gearHed289 on May 05, 2015, 08:52:02 AM
Yup! Would look right at home in a Carvin catalog.

But it would be half the cost.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Bionic-Joe on May 05, 2015, 09:21:55 AM
This is the most ridiculous thing I have seen yet from Gibson... V??????
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: westen44 on May 05, 2015, 09:58:57 AM
Quote from: drbassman on May 05, 2015, 06:39:06 AM
You are so right about prices.  A bass is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  And that number goes up and down with the wind!  Actually, the economy and a raft of other variables regarding a bass's desirability drive the price.  As for new basses, there are hundreds to choose from and competitive prices are important if you want to drive sales.  Fender figured it out years ago.  Gibson still has their heads up where the sun don't shine.   8)

Well, the person I was talking to wanted prices for new basses to go up and prices for vintage basses to go down.  He seemed to be pretty adamant about it all.  He was really bitter about both situations for some reason.  As for prices going up and down with the wind, that certainly does seem to especially apply to vintage. 
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Pilgrim on May 05, 2015, 10:00:36 AM
Quote from: westen44 on May 05, 2015, 09:58:57 AM
Well, the person I was talking to wanted prices for new basses to go up and prices for vintage basses to go down.  He seemed to be pretty adamant about it all.

Then he needs to wave his magic wand and make it so, jahwohl?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: westen44 on May 05, 2015, 10:49:08 AM
Quote from: Pilgrim on May 05, 2015, 10:00:36 AM
Then he needs to wave his magic wand and make it so, jahwohl?

Yes, exactly. 
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 05, 2015, 01:25:31 PM
Quote from: 4stringer77 on May 05, 2015, 12:23:22 AM
The $ bass is cool Dave. Don't call it a monkey.
...

It wasn't a criticism. Before you joined us here, someone (eb2 Jim?) coined the term and it just stuck.

The $ TRC may be tacky. The bass was fine.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 05, 2015, 01:52:02 PM
Some names just stick, Ari, like mud (bucker) ...  that and Hellcats... ;)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 05, 2015, 03:20:25 PM
Guten Abend, I was busy and am therefore late to this cesspool of unwarranted catcalls! Martial law will now be reinstituted and to restore a semblance of Ordnung, three of the posters in this thread - randomly picked - shall be executed.  :mrgreen:

I hear y'all, but crucify me - it's not the type of bass I wet my pants for at all -, hey, at least it looks well-made with a lot of value in it. Just look at the electronics, the thickness of the fretboard, the woods interacting ... some hours of work went into this thing, like it or not, they just don't grow on trees like that.

(http://im4.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/GIBSON%2BBAV4NABC1-3.JPG)

Here's the 5er btw:

(http://im2.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/GIBSON+BAV5NABC1-3.JPG)

It's basically another attempt of Henry J's (quaintly old-fashioned) concept of what a "modern bass" (Gibsonoutique bass!) should look and be like. The Gibson Continental V

(http://www.google.de/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop_image/product/9356-gibson-continental-v-5-string-oil-finish-maple-neck-large.jpg&sa=X&ei=hjNJVeroLarC7AbIr4DgDA&ved=0CAUQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNEsSS_QDYfVMeL3jkVbn2ual01AUg)

and the 2009 Limited Run Tobias Growler (that was washed away by the Nashville flood before it was even produced in the Custom Shop as originally envisaged)

(http://www.google.de/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://images.gibson.com/Lifestyle/English/aaFeaturesImages2009/limited%20run%20big%20image.png&sa=X&ei=aDFJVbP4Jujc7Aawq4DYCg&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHHSabYBNb5OtzQ5cH83ot7bV27FQ)

haven risen from the dead!!!

Except that there is - Victory-style - more of a nod towards Gibson tradition with the mock TBird headstock (which is actually a nice touch, I think).

Hiss all you want, but I'm getting one, I'm just not sure whether it will be the 4er or the 5er. I haven't played a bad 5 stringer from Gibson yet (rare as they tend to be), so I might take another chance.

And you all know deep inside: Send this thing via a time machine back into the 60ies and you know what the players of that era would have done with their hallowed TBirds given half a chance of swapping them for this ...  :vader: :vader: :vader:

PS: The more I look at it: It has a certain sleek elegance to it.

PPS: The 4-stringer looks better, doesn't it?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: 4stringer77 on May 05, 2015, 05:15:38 PM
Come on Uwe, that black hardware totally pops on that 5 string. Only difference I see is the shades of maple and knowing Gibson, it's probably just a crap shoot, so make sure to get pics of the actual bass you're buying first if possible. Enjoy whatever one you choose. Hopefully they get you one before the brown shirts start taking over around here.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 05, 2015, 06:45:27 PM
Either one looks nicer than the Continental V.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: 4stringer77 on May 05, 2015, 06:56:15 PM
The 3 by 2 headstock does look better than the lonely G string tuner on the V.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 06, 2015, 09:02:32 AM
Quote from: Dave W on May 05, 2015, 06:45:27 PM
Either one looks nicer than the Continental V.

Those elongated skinny pups on the Continental were fugly indeed.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 06, 2015, 01:02:15 PM
Quote from: uwe on May 06, 2015, 09:02:32 AM
Those elongated skinny pups on the Continental were fugly indeed.

Also, the Continental top didn't appeal to me at all, whatever it was. I'm no big fan of figured maple tops but the V top is much nicer than the Continental.

Will you try to get Anne to autograph yours before it leaves Nashville?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: TBird1958 on May 06, 2015, 01:48:56 PM


Completists......  :-*
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 06, 2015, 02:46:56 PM
Quote from: Dave W on May 06, 2015, 01:02:15 PM

Will you try to get Anne to autograph yours before it leaves Nashville?

Dave, now you're once again giving me unspeakable ideas ... You mean she could leave a personal DNA imprint that moisturizes the rosewood fretboard (steel rod lurking underneath and all!) sufficiently for the long trip across the Atlantic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pdQ3z1Ji8U

You distract me from work.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 06, 2015, 02:49:49 PM
Quote from: TBird1958 on May 06, 2015, 01:48:56 PM

Completists......  :-*

Hear the model train chick puffing!
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 06, 2015, 05:18:33 PM
Will the five string version be called the Gibson Six... or Vi...?

Free the Three...! Free the Three...! Free the Three...!

Er... who's been randomly chosen...? :o
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 07, 2015, 04:50:55 AM
"Free the Three!!!"

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: ilan on May 07, 2015, 01:38:18 PM
It's a boutique bass with a boutique price tag. If it had an Alembic logo they would have priced it at $8K+.

I'm not sure that boutique aficionados will look at a Gibson bass - they have their own builders - but they should at least try one. I know I would if I were in the market for a boutique bass.

At least it does not have a hump or one of those hideous "organic" shapes that so many boutique basses have - a major turnoff IMHO.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 07, 2015, 02:55:16 PM
It'll be a commercial failure, of that I'm sure, Ilan. But it is probably intended as a vanity project and capability statement in the first place.

I'll never ever use all those knobs once!  :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Maybe it's the demented Stratocaster player in me that lets my gaze fall graciously on this thing. For some reason, P and J Basses never look like a Strat.

(http://www.google.de/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://www.discorsivo.it/u/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Ritchie_Blackmore-a-1024x1024.jpg&sa=X&ei=zNBLVYKoJpPU7Ab1lIHYBQ&ved=0CAUQ8wc4TA&usg=AFQjCNGi6JBlS3dlcWWen9-Wbpujxm2crw)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: TBird1958 on May 07, 2015, 04:05:28 PM


Fenders all look the same to me..........Except the ones on my Subaru  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 07, 2015, 04:15:17 PM
An iconic automobile if there ever was one and I fondled it in person!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf1VkXjxktQ
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: TBird1958 on May 07, 2015, 04:40:10 PM
Quote from: uwe on May 07, 2015, 04:15:17 PM
An iconic automobile if there ever was one and I fondled it in person!!!



You're killin' me!

  ;D  It looks like I'll be getting it a younger sister soon  :)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 07, 2015, 05:42:17 PM
Oh dear: You'll be the big brother (in platforms) she'll have to look up to!!!
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: slinkp on May 07, 2015, 10:28:35 PM
It doesn't look bad at all, it might even be a really good instrument, but yeah I think they're going to have a hard time finding an audience.
Unfortunately.  I really hope for the best. 

And honestly, it doesn't look $4k special to me either.  If I wanted something boutique-ish, with fancy-looking woods, Tobias has some astonishing looking wood selections. Not normally my thing, but some of these are really stunning.

(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/52db2345e4b02995f7e0a10f/t/54eccf15e4b0a3ebc2d09bfb/1424805655079/image.jpg?format=750w)

(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/52db2345e4b02995f7e0a10f/t/54ecd2d9e4b003ce1be11c0c/1424806630147/image.jpg?format=750w)

Okay, not a fair fight, those are probably more in the $6k range if I read the price sheet correctly.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 07, 2015, 11:01:23 PM
At least MTD (Tobias) doesn't build them with those mutant singlecut humps. But I think the top on the one in the top photo is hideous.

The Gibson V is much nicer. And less expensive. Still, Ilan is right. Most boutique bass buyers won't consider Gibson.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 08, 2015, 04:28:45 AM
Most bass players won't consider Gibson!!!  :mrgreen:

I'm not a fan of the look of those Barts on the Tobiassesss (or any other bass) though they sound fine and the active circuit isn't sterile sounding.

For some reason, the V 2015 reminds me of this here, a Löwenherz (lionheart):

(http://www.loewenherzbass.com/medien/modelle/00504/Bass_00504.jpg)

With its simple switching options.  :rolleyes:

(http://www.loewenherzbass.com/medien/manual/poti_normal.jpg)

I provides ample explanation why the crusades really didn't work out too well.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: ilan on May 08, 2015, 05:39:02 AM
Quote from: uwe on May 08, 2015, 04:28:45 AM
those Barts on the Tobiassesss
The plural of Tobias is Tobaii.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 08, 2015, 07:53:03 AM
Ilanssssessss!  :mrgreen:

(http://www.google.de/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://cdn.meme.am/instances/54933304.jpg&sa=X&ei=q79MVaiNFIuy7Qbno4HQAg&ved=0CAUQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHZNj617EGN0UcW8DhMTxgtg8G-CA)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: gearHed289 on May 08, 2015, 09:34:54 AM
Quote from: ilan on May 07, 2015, 01:38:18 PMIt's a boutique bass with a boutique price tag. If it had an Alembic logo they would have priced it at $8K+.

It would also be built and finished to perfection, with spectacular electronics.  ;) Probably with a classier combination of woods too. That Gibson is very "busy" looking to me.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 08, 2015, 01:28:09 PM
I think most of the regulars know my opinion of fancy control systems... :vader:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: ilan on May 08, 2015, 03:10:44 PM
Looks pretty straightforward to me. Volume, tone, and then the EQ section from your amp.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Blackbird on May 08, 2015, 03:11:28 PM
Needs an Opti-grab.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: slinkp on May 08, 2015, 03:54:04 PM
Are the electronics built by Moog?  Maybe it's in the GIbson tradition after all!
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: clankenstein on May 08, 2015, 04:24:14 PM
I only want one if the note stops when you bend strings.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: ilan on May 09, 2015, 10:47:19 AM
It's comparable to an Alembic Europa with a flame maple top option. I don't see less attention to detail in the Gibson bass, if anything, I see more.

You're looking at a $8,800 price tag [custom quote (http://www.alembic.com/cgi-bin/quote/quote?model=Europa&strings=4+string&direction=Right-handed&scale=Long+scale+34+inches&necklam=2+Purpleheart+neck+laminates&fingerboard=Ebony+fingerboard&surface=Fretted&fngbdwidth=Comfort+fingerboard+taper+%28wide+bridge%29&inlay=Mother+of+pearl+ovals&fngfront=No+front+LEDs&fngsd=Aluminum+side+dots&pegheadshape=Europa+inline+peghead&pegheadbevel=No+peghead+bevel&woodtop=Flame+maple+top&topmatch=Bookmatched+top&woodbody=Mahogany+body&woodback=No+back+laminate&finish=Polyester+clear+gloss+finish&bodyshape=Europa+body+shape&bodycontour=Tummy+and+elbow+contour&logotype=Bronze+logo+and+script&bridgeblock=Bridge+block&tailpiece=Bird+tailpiece&trusscov=Brass+truss+rod+cover&plate=Brass+backplate+%28for+model+electronics%29&hardfin=Polished+brass+hardware&machines=Gold+Alembic+Gotoh+machine+heads&fastener=Gold+strap+locks&electronics=Europa%2FRogue+electronics)]. That makes the V 2015 a very good deal.

(http://www3.alembic.com/img/DET_U_flamemapleL.jpg)
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: the mojo hobo on May 09, 2015, 01:12:45 PM
The market for basses costing $4000 and up is limited. If Gibson would build a V bass with ordinary mahogany or swamp ash. offer it in a few different finishes and passive electronics, and sell it for last years Thunderbird prices, it would be a success.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 09, 2015, 06:03:48 PM
I doubt if they expect to sell many.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 10, 2015, 01:08:47 AM
Are talking 20/20 sales...?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 10, 2015, 01:49:32 PM
Quote from: Highlander on May 10, 2015, 01:08:47 AM
Are talking 20/20 sales...?

If that.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 11, 2015, 12:20:36 PM
As I said: a capability statement (car makers do that all the time). If the electronics are good, they might crop up in another bass
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: eb2 on May 11, 2015, 05:27:38 PM
Well, it's a radical departure from what they've been peddling the last few years. I have enjoyed their kind-of retro recycling of EB-0 jr and EB-2 bodies with Thunderbird pups shoved in old EB covers, and their Lets Make A Bach Bird frenzy. 

The new EB left me cold though. It just screamed that they're bankrupt of ideas with basses, so they started shoving MM pups into that...thing.  Which was eh at best, but, jeez, who didn't do something like that 10 years ago? Ok - Gibson. Now this, whatever, with MM pups and lotsa baby knobs. Sure, it will look great in a copy of Guitar World from 1991. Maybe they can buy Mark King a six pack to endorse it, and he snap and pop a viral YouTube vid for it. And if I were starting a band that just didn't get ANYTHING, I'd play one and have the guitar be a Firebird X. So, if One were looking for a precedent there you go, and a great example of mental disconnect from the meaning of Roman numerals AND letters.

I am responsible for Monkey bass, and the Evertilt. So, I propose the V bass be known as the Vagina bass. I think that it probably feels good and it's fun to play with, but I don't want to spend a lot of time looking too close at it. And if you leave strings hanging on it too long they'll smell funky.

And I think you can expect to pay less for a used one.

Hello, V(agina) bass.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 11, 2015, 07:30:25 PM
Quote from: eb2 on May 11, 2015, 05:27:38 PM
Well, it's a radical departure from what they've been peddling the last few years. I have enjoyed their kind-of retro recycling of EB-0 jr and EB-2 bodies with Thunderbird pups shoved in old EB covers, and their Lets Make A Bach Bird frenzy. 

The new EB left me cold though. It just screamed that they're bankrupt of ideas with basses, so they started shoving MM pups into that...thing.  Which was eh at best, but, jeez, who didn't do something like that 10 years ago? Ok - Gibson. Now this, whatever, with MM pups and lotsa baby knobs. Sure, it will look great in a copy of Guitar World from 1991. Maybe they can buy Mark King a six pack to endorse it, and he snap and pop a viral YouTube vid for it. And if I were starting a band that just didn't get ANYTHING, I'd play one and have the guitar be a Firebird X. So, if One were looking for a precedent there you go, and a great example of mental disconnect from the meaning of Roman numerals AND letters.

I am responsible for Monkey bass, and the Evertilt. So, I propose the V bass be known as the Vagina bass. I think that it probably feels good and it's fun to play with, but I don't want to spend a lot of time looking too close at it. And if you leave strings hanging on it too long they'll smell funky.

And I think you can expect to pay less for a used one.

Hello, V(agina) bass.

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

Uwe will be so pleased!
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Basvarken on May 11, 2015, 11:23:23 PM
The pickups in the EB and the TBird 2015 are not MM pickups. At all.
Dimensions, shape, radiuses are different. And they're wired differently too.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Highlander on May 12, 2015, 12:17:20 AM
Coarse, I know, but a vagina has a use, even if it's sewn up...?

If we are looking for a name for this beastie, how about going back to the (UK) Punk era for an opinion...

... We're so pretty, oh so pretty, we're Vacant, and we don't care...

The beast is pretty to look at, but Gibson appear vacant of fresh ideas, and they do not appear to care about their market...?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Chris P. on May 12, 2015, 04:21:32 AM
I played the Löwenherz and the electronics are actually quite simple and nice to use. (although I don't like the bass and the looks). It has a seperate active and passive tone control and a switch for all six coils, which works quite nice.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: the mojo hobo on May 12, 2015, 06:21:49 AM
The EB is a good bass, it just looks funny. If Gibson had made the EB in the new V body shape with the Thunderbird headstock and the few limited finish options, they would probably still be making them.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: eb2 on May 12, 2015, 10:02:02 AM
Vacant, void, Valembic, it's still Vaginal to me.

Quote from: Basvarken on May 11, 2015, 11:23:23 PM
The pickups in the EB and the TBird 2015 are not MM pickups. At all.
Dimensions, shape, radiuses are different. And they're wired differently too.
Yes, and the Yamaha BB pups are not P-bass pups as well.  Nothing at all alike.????
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: eb2 on May 12, 2015, 10:48:21 AM
I have been so erratic in visiting and posting here over the past few years, due to personal issues more often than not involving death, so I will verbiate a tad on this thing. The Vagina.

Gibson basses over the past decade or so - maybe way back since the SGZ which I still dig oh so much - have been an underwhelming affair at best.  This is clearly a company being run by a brain trust ( of one? ) who just don't get anything.  Sure, they understand the value of the brand, and the history, and the occasional innovation.  They decided that their basses were failures ages back, and the marketplace did as well.  They were always different though, and at a time when any bass was unique and innovative, they did alright.  I think most of us agree there, and even the venerable Tbird was oddly unique in being a bizzare version of a Fender bass to the extent that it isn't anything like one unless you compare it to an EB-3.  As time went on they just were confused. 

But more and more this is a sad and rudderless ship of a company that regurgitates whatever trend or idea someone else has been taking their market share away with, and typically several years after the fact.  And a run of not exactly reissue basses.  The Vagina is undeniably a mindless reaction to everything they do not understand about basses.  Are the pups MM Stinkrays?  No, not exactly.  But clearly they are trading on that design.  And they are doing so because those got to be a go-to option to the Alembic-oid soap bars that custom bass designers used, and that Gibson aped a few years back with their black stuff.  Both well after they had become a "thing."  Kind of like the body shape, construction, electronics, and hardware.  This is a deconstruction of Alembic, MM, Fender, Tobias, maybe a touch of Villette Citron, all with a later Tbird headstock?  I don't give them that even, as to me they resurrected that idea because people here cooked up the Bach Bird.

I think this thing is not that good looking at all, but that is subjective.  What I think the collective bass world will or might see is an Alembic or boutique bass visually.  It probably is well built, and plays nice.  Just like a lot of basses - even Alembics, or the stuff being cranked out of China.  And that is a major yawn.  It's the Firebird X.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: westen44 on May 12, 2015, 06:44:08 PM
As stated, looks are subjective.  When I first looked at the bass, I was amazed how much I didn't like the way it looked considering the cost.  But the more I look at it the more I like it for some reason.  Usually, I don't change my mind so much on something like that. 
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 12, 2015, 07:17:54 PM
Rob is right, the EB Bass pickups aren't MM clones. Some of you may remember that I had Uwe's EB Bass for several months before shipping to him, and it definitely didn't sound anything like either of my MMs. Jim has a point, though. They do look enough like MM pickups that unless you're up close, you wouldn't know otherwise.

My problem with the EB Bass is that the traditional Gibson headstock looks way out of place with that asymmetrical body. The new V-Bass looks much better to me.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Grog on May 12, 2015, 07:24:20 PM
Quote from: Highlander on May 10, 2015, 01:08:47 AM
Are talking 20/20 sales...?

That can double & triple, if they get sold over & over.................


I was impressed with the EB pickups, they had major balls................
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 13, 2015, 02:41:05 PM
"My problem with the EB Bass is that the traditional Gibson headstock looks way out of place with that asymmetrical body."

So you're finally admitting it, huh?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 13, 2015, 06:25:04 PM
Quote from: uwe on May 13, 2015, 02:41:05 PM
"My problem with the EB Bass is that the traditional Gibson headstock looks way out of place with that asymmetrical body."

So you're finally admitting it, huh?

Did I say otherwise before? If I did, I don't remember it.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 13, 2015, 06:37:24 PM
We're hearing that excuse more and more from you!   :mrgreen:
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Pilgrim on May 13, 2015, 07:41:15 PM
Quote from: uwe on May 13, 2015, 06:37:24 PM
We're hearing that excuse more and more from you!   :mrgreen:

I guess CRS has set in. Except I forget what that means.
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: Dave W on May 14, 2015, 10:42:45 AM
If I ever said that headstock looked right on that body, can I claim temporary insanity?
Title: Re: At last, 2015 V-Bass photos
Post by: uwe on May 15, 2015, 04:00:23 AM
A momentary lapse of reason, Dave, nothing more.