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Messages - Dbsummers

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Gibson Basses / Re: Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: January 06, 2024, 08:26:44 AM »
The drawback to short scales is that less tension gives you less punch! I always liked the short scale for small club venues and blues atmosphere. I don't know if it was the neck woods or the pickups of the Gibson, but I liked the sounds I got from my Fender Jazz. I When I built the V bass, I was just going for the wow factor and stage [presence with Billy's 58 Korina guitar.
Jack Bruce played a short scale Gibson and sounded great.

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Gibson Basses / Re: Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: December 30, 2023, 12:19:18 PM »

Quote from: morrow on December 28, 2023, 05:48:56 AM
Welcome !
I’m intrigued by the guitar spinning gizmo !

The original spinning mechanism was rather crude. Two wooden blocks with a bolt between them and a leather harness that held everting to my body. Not very comfortable but it was just a short-term display. A year so later when Billy asked me to make two for the Top, I used something much better. I found small very thin steel ball bearing mechanism like are used for "Lazzy Susan" turntables. Bill had strap maker attached them to the mechanisms for the Legs Video. They were attached to the furry bass and guitars.










Full disclosure was given to music store where it was consigned. I'm sure the flow of information was distorted by personnel at the store or maybe the roadie with the Who came in. For years I tried to get in touch with John to give him the back story. If you are a big star this is amost imposble to do through the old school mail.

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Gibson Basses / Re: Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: December 29, 2023, 07:23:30 PM »
Quote from: morrow on December 28, 2023, 05:48:56 AM
Welcome !
I’m intrigued by the guitar spinning gizmo !
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Full disclosure was given to music store where it was consigned. I'm sure the flow of information was distorted by personnel at the store or maybe the roadie with the Who came in. For years I tried to get in touch with John to give him the back story. If you are a big star this is amost imposble to do through the old school mail.

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Gibson Basses / Re: Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: December 28, 2023, 11:41:06 AM »
How do I manage file sizes with phots? Don't see options.

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Gibson Basses / Re: Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: December 28, 2023, 11:35:25 AM »
I am new to this particular format and must have missed something on posting and replying to posts.
My post on the second V bass I included a photo of it, but it is not there. Also, don't see the reply to someone link.

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Gibson Basses / Re: Beware of the forgery
« on: December 27, 2023, 05:42:00 PM »
BFG asked Gibson to make two flying V's for the Sidewalk's to use on the three show "Regathering". Not what I would have done but i had little direct input on the bass. I had to use a short scale because of my finger spread on a couple of songs. Ted House by Hendrix.

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Gibson Basses / Re: Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: December 27, 2023, 05:32:52 PM »
My second Gibson short scale V. The one that ended up with John Entwistle.

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Gibson Basses / Re: Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: December 27, 2023, 02:33:59 PM »
My first V bass, the Fender Jazz with my custom mahogany body and psychedelic paint job.

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Gibson Basses / Don Summers' Modified V Bass
« on: December 26, 2023, 05:39:01 PM »
I built the customized Gibson V bass that was the topic of so called fake or illegitimate Flying V basses.
I bought a used short scale EB3 in late 1967 after the custom body Fender Jazz that I played was stolen from our equipment trailer at the Hendrix show in Dallas 2/16/68.
Billy Gibbons had just purchased his 1958 Flying V Gibson, and I was so impressed by the concept that I converted my Jazz to a V body. When it was stolen, I was forced into replacement mode; thus the short scale Gibson.
I can answer any questions about it or use prior to it ending up in John Entwistle's hands.


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Gibson Basses / Re: Beware of the forgery
« on: December 26, 2023, 08:44:08 AM »
Hello! I just found this site because someone sent me links to it about my Gibson V bass.
I am Don Summers, bass player for The Moving Sidewalks. In 1967 I (customized ) my short scale bass which ended up in the hands of John Entwistle and was used in the Movie Tommy.
This thread is old but I can answer any questions about the bass prior its sale to John.

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