31
Other Bass Brands / Re: Incoming Hollow Body, '66 Harmony H-22
« on: December 08, 2016, 03:04:50 PM »
Yes a real breather.
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32
Gibson Basses / Re: Replacement tuning keys for late-'60s EB-0
« on: November 24, 2016, 11:37:44 AM »
I have an al original '69 EB-0 with the original Japanese squared off keys. I'm thinking of swapping them out for some Schaller or Gotoh keys myself. Not worried about modding it up.
33
Gibson Basses / Re: 'New' Gibson Pickups
« on: November 16, 2016, 03:27:35 PM »
Oh, I always thought that 90% were tourists...!?
Yes, Your description of the difference between the DeGravy and TB+ hits the nail on the head so to speak.
Yes, Your description of the difference between the DeGravy and TB+ hits the nail on the head so to speak.
34
Gibson Basses / Re: De Cola pick ups for TBIV
« on: November 16, 2016, 11:53:02 AM »
Good idea there. One thing I have noticed at least on the '15 TBIV's with the De Cola's is ..I guess you might call it 'chorus effect'. Once you go beyond the 12th fret you get this chorusy (there might be a more accurate term that I am not aware of) effect. It might be due to the powerful magnets in the pickups or something. But t it definitely is a different world when you get up there on the fretboard. If that's the cause (the same thing on the 3 I've tried now) there needs to be some lowering of the pups. Have not ever played the other Gibsons with the DeCola's so I can't testify to that as the cause.
35
Gibson Basses / De Cola pick ups for TBIV
« on: November 15, 2016, 12:54:51 PM »
I have 2 Gibson TBIV's. 2006 & 2007. After being impressed with the 2015's 2 additional features 1st the pickups and 2nd the Babicz bridge, I'm thinking of saving some money by inserting these 2 features on one of my TBIV. From what I can tell you can just drop in the Babicz bridge into the 3 point. I do however not see how to obtain the De Cola pickups..Also would need the switches to Switch to the single coil options. Anyone here know how to get the DeColas?
36
Gibson Basses / Re: Would you buy a copy of the Gibson Bass Book?
« on: November 15, 2016, 12:45:10 PM »
Yes.
37
Gibson Basses / Re: 'New' Gibson Pickups
« on: November 12, 2016, 12:19:51 PM »
So does that mean Gibson will not have any Thunderbirds or SG basses in their catalogue? Wow! I wonder what they have up there sleaves?!
38
Gibson Basses / 'New' Gibson Pickups
« on: November 10, 2016, 11:57:49 AM »
Yesterday I played a 2015 Gibson Thunderbird for the first time. Please note that I do have a 2008 TBIV which I do like. However this one with the Music Man looking pickups and the Babicz bridge did ring some bells. I rather liked it and the little switches(which I usually hate) did give some nice sound options that were refreshing, possibly because I am so used to the + pups on my TBIV and Supreme.
It also seemed the neck profile was ever so slightly wider which did not bother me. One of the appealing things to me on the TBIV's was that thin neck profile which suits my smaller fingers. Actually the '15 did not remind of any T Bird of any era at all. But that did not bother me. I have 2 very nice Precisions and one of them might have to be sacrificed for one of these '15's. I also noticed when I first saw the '15's about a year and a half ago ago hanging up in several music shops around the Bay Area , they did not catch my interest with those pups and little switches. However not after playing one.
It also seemed the neck profile was ever so slightly wider which did not bother me. One of the appealing things to me on the TBIV's was that thin neck profile which suits my smaller fingers. Actually the '15 did not remind of any T Bird of any era at all. But that did not bother me. I have 2 very nice Precisions and one of them might have to be sacrificed for one of these '15's. I also noticed when I first saw the '15's about a year and a half ago ago hanging up in several music shops around the Bay Area , they did not catch my interest with those pups and little switches. However not after playing one.
39
Rickenbacker Basses / Re: They'll go to great lengths to avoid the use of the word SUNBURST
« on: November 07, 2016, 12:17:48 PM »
Ilan, that's why I have a Carlo Robelli. Matsumoku made in 70's. Still stock. I know, I know. But they were craftsmen/fanatics down to the last detail and the only corner cut was bolt on.
41
Other Bass Brands / Re: Jim Cairnes Colt Bass
« on: October 07, 2016, 11:23:54 AM »
Are you 'just satin' or should we stay tuned. We are in the spot here if you think about it...
42
Gibson Basses / Frightening new Gibson Basses
« on: September 26, 2016, 11:49:18 AM »
So frightening the pictures might contaminate the entire outpost site. I do have a feeling however Uwe might find some justification.
43
Other Bass Brands / Mid 70's-early 80's Japanese
« on: July 29, 2016, 03:54:48 PM »
As my business is based in Japan but live in California, I spend a good amount of time in the land of the rising sun. One of the perks of that is that I get to see crazy collections of musical instruments there. Even going into guitar stores there can be daunting when you see full lines of new and used models of American, German, English and of course Japanese. Recently visited a collector who had many Gibson, Fender, Hofner and Rickenbacker guitars and basses from the mid '70's-early 80's. Along with them were their Japanese counterparts from the same period made by Fuji-gen, Matsumoku etc. most of them matched right up and even surpassed their Ametican counterparts. Yes this was a low point in American quality but still interesting. Seeing Yanaha(Fender) Jazz & P's with Birdseye maple necks and beautiful woods was a surprise. I'm not sure Rickenbacker was at low period in quality during this period but several of the 4001 clones (Carlo Robelli!) were uncannily similar in every aspect in terms of quality wood, finish, balance and sound. I don't know how they engineered the pickups but puttin and playing them side by side was a pleasant surprise. They nailed it. That were bolt on necks and besides that and the Ribelli name on the headstock, keys you wou be hard pressed to question the quality. The Robelli Were lighter and better balanced neck vs body as well. They eventually will publish a book with detailed pictures, specs and total history of the manufacturing and the legal issues that came up. I told them they should do an English translation as well.
44
Rickenbacker Basses / Less 'Hefty' Rick neck profiles
« on: July 22, 2016, 01:22:52 PM »
I cannot find my copy of Paul's book at the moment. I'm interested in what Rick bass models and years had a slimmer or jazz like profile. Most are too beefy/hefty for me. I do recall playing a few that did not have the heft.
45
Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs / Re: Zer0 Glide Nuts
« on: July 18, 2016, 11:34:50 PM »
After listening to that cats video I offer apologies all around for even bringing the notion of zero fret. No excuses for finding ourselves there. I actually found the topic from Stew Mac, but I'll take the blame.