The Last Bass Outpost

Howdy! As we all know, in the beguinning the T-bird had to have an ambassadeur. Yep, and sometimes even a whole embassy! So, as the factory was rolling, everybody thought this would be a good idea! And, as Gibson also made the Epiphone basses, and guitars, in the same factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. what could be better than making an Epiphone Embassy there!?! Said, and done. Gibson produced some 600 Embassy basses at the factory, between 1963 and -69. On this side of our newe millenium, I got my hands on two of them. Gave one to my son, and kept one to play on special occasions.

Three month ago our band, Shake Down, had a gig att Umea Guitar Museum in Sweden. A special occasion! So I brought my 1964 Embassy along. And enjoyed everything! This is us doing a CCR tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGEmn4PgKO4

Congratulations Scott! That is a piece to have. First time a laid eyes on a T-bird was in -64 when I saw one in a Hagstrom catalogue. It felt like a solid knock, to see that bass! So I wanted one from that day. But it took 20 years for me to get one. That was in -84. Around $ 600. Never knew about the -76 model, but that was what I bought. Never came in deep contact with that bass. Sold it a couple of years later. And then I discovered the Epiphone Embassy, the brother to the T-bird. Got one from -64 at a price of $ 1 000. Was worth every penny.
But of course I still long for that first model of the bird.... Congratulations, again!

That Dave's gone is really sad news for me, too. First time we got in touch was with the Dude Pit. It was fascinating to get in touch with other bass players, and I got several good ideas from the Pit, plus interesting conversations with Dave himself. I guess it must have been him who gave me info on the 1964 Epiphone Embassy bass that I just hade bought off the bass player in some american band that I've forgotten the name of. I didn't have any idea concerning that bass, just knew I loved the shape, and, as I already was used to the Gibson Thunderbird, loved the pickups. The Embassy is, by the way, a great bass, especially if you want a slim neck, and a thunderous sound.

When the Pit ended I wrote Dave to get some news about what was happening. He wrote back, and gave me the answers. So when the Last Bass Outpost started, I just felt lucky! It's so good to see so many of the old Pitters here.

But now that Dave's gone, it feels like a thread is broken. No, not a thread, but a barb wire! I salute, on this years last day, Dave for his work to bring us together. Both as a forum for knowledge, but also as a fountain of inspiration. From the far north in Sweden I say Thank you, to Dave, and all of you who makes it always feel good to drop into the net. Thanks! And to all of you: A Happy New Year!

Freddy´s the man! In any way Until the next teardrop falls...

Heinz was the German born bass player in The Tornadoes, of Telstar hit. Eddie is Eddie as in Cochran. I believe the guy from Deep Purple played guitar on the 45.

Hear, hear, Mrs T-bird! Now you're talkin!

Hey Miss T-bird! Don't even think about quitting! Forty years ago I had to stop playing with a pic, because of arthritis in my thumbs. So, you go with the flow. I re-learnt to play with my fingers, and in a short while I never thought about playing with a pic again. So, do not worry. It's all gonna change for the better. And, concerning age, forget it. In three years time I'll turn into the next-next phase before it's time for the big one - one hundred! Rehearsed with my rock band tonite. Our drummer is only sixty, so he can still shuffle out the shuffle without problems. Stuff like Junior's wailing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sc-UvEWLNM suits me just fine. Pinball wizard goes down well. Keep on keeping on! Don't look back!

As usual, a stunning piece for the bass lovers!

That's one cool mother! Nice with the framework on the head.

Yeah, that's one cool mother! Wish Epiphone could make the T-bird with one pup, the II. That's a beauty. Don't know why, but it's the one pup that gets got my attention. But I don't wanna sound too selective: The three pup Firebird got me drooling!

That Ashdown looks sharp! Nothing unnecessary. Simplicity rules. Good enough for me.

You guys are really funny! Get a lot of laughs reading your comments!

You deserve every bit of appreciation you get, Rob! That bass is a real beauty!

Love that bass!

Who would ever connect the Thunderbird with English novelty act Freddie and The Dreamers? I wouldn't, for sure. Anyway, there is this here connection. Peter Birrell on bass changed basses several times during The Dreamers careeer. And he had taste, if not dancing, but for basses. As is showed in this remarkable video from annu dazumal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUqjuAUus5Y