The Last Bass Outpost

I don't think that my 83 is a 'special' edition but it's a great bass all the same.

Thanks Dave. I'll try the .05 and see what happens.

I have a 1983 American Standard Precision. I thought that the tone knob wasn't working and so just eq'd the amp to get different tones. However, recently I tried the tone knob again and did notice a very slight change in tone. So it was off with the scratchplate to have a look. The capacitor is rectangular and orangey-red in colour. It has has a value stamped on it of .022-200DC. This confuses me as I would have expected .05. I don't think by the way the 'plate came off, and the condition under the 'plate, that anyone has been in there before. Does anyone know if Fender ever fitted capacitors of this value to their basses. I'm wondering if a guitar capacitor found it's way into the bass bin or the employee fitted the wrong one. Whatever is the case I'm going to fit an .05 cap and see what happens unless anyone here can throw any light on my problem.

Many thanks for directing me here JZumbro. This is obviously the right place to be for all things basswise.

I must be really weird. I like this bass a lot. I like the way it looks, sounds, and plays. There is no doubt that it is a good bass. If you don't like the look then that's ok. There are plenty other great basses without searching out the rare ones. I have been a P Bass player up until I got the IV and that's maybe why I like it. It feels so familiar and such a good compliment to my precisions. The headstock provides it with it's own character and look. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Well Uwe you certainly don't disappoint! You obviously have a well-justified reputation for having in-depth knowledge of the low end. Many thanks for the story of the IV!

Oops! I've just read the rules for the forum which states that there should be no pictures of girls with basses. Many apologies to the moderators but it's the only photo I have that shows the whole bass. The others showed different angles but not the whole thing. Not a very good start!

Thanks Phil for your helpful info. I don't really mind any 'poor man's T-bird' quips. I think this is a great bass in it's own right. It feels very comfortable to wear. It's very well balanced and plays superbly.

Thanks for the replies and info chaps. I should perhaps clear up the story behind the photo. It's definitely not me holding the bass. The photo was taken by a bass-playing pro photographer who can call upon various nice young ladies to make his photos look rather splendid.

Thanks nik. I would like to know some factory setup details i.e. radius/truss rod/action. I have set the bass pretty much to my liking but would like to know the factory settings. Some historical stuff might also be good to know such as years of production and how many were built.

I have just bought this Gibson IV Bass (1987) and have been trying in vain to find out a bit more about it than just the basic details. I was directed to this site so am hoping someone here knows a few things about the IV Bass.