Fender Japan Billy Sheehan tribute bass?

hieronymous · July 22, 2011, 10:28:35 PM

I know there are some Billy Sheehan fans here. Well, every now and again I troll around the Japanese websites, especially Ikebe, to see what Fender Japan is offering. They have a lot of stuff that isn't available over here, and Ikebe seems to get some stuff made especially for them. This one looks like it's modeled after the Wife: http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/shopping/goods/goods_detail.php?offset=48&category_id=2&sub_category_id=19&brand=70&view=1&count=12&sort=1&search_status=1&id=186165

Thoughts?

Highlander · July 23, 2011, 02:52:51 AM

Needs some "ageing"...

ilan · July 23, 2011, 06:08:45 AM

Very tastefully done. Sheehan-ized enough to give the unique sound but without unimportant details (broken pickguard etc. not to mention a lame signature) that could make the player look like a 13 years old fan.

godofthunder · July 23, 2011, 06:25:54 AM

Billy's has a Ash body and was originally sunburst. Back when I went to see him play the bass had a lot of finish on it.

bassvirtuoso · July 23, 2011, 09:22:20 AM

Well Mr. Big is pretty popular in Japan (compared to America), so this could make sense...

hieronymous · July 24, 2011, 01:31:50 PM

The notes do make the connection with Billy Sheehan, and also point out that it doesn't have the upper frets scalloped, also it's just mono output. I kind of like it but I would prefer separate outputs for each pickup...

godofthunder · July 24, 2011, 04:06:17 PM

Looks a lot like my trib. to Billy

hieronymous · July 24, 2011, 07:15:28 PM

Two more pickups and it would look like your new one!

SKATE RAT · July 24, 2011, 08:27:51 PM

damn, Scott. how many basses do you have?

godofthunder · July 25, 2011, 05:12:15 AM

Quote from: SKATE RAT on July 24, 2011, 08:27:51 PM
damn, Scott. how many basses do you have?

it varies, as many as 50 right now I am at about 35.

Pilgrim · July 25, 2011, 09:06:06 AM

Quote from: godofthunder on July 25, 2011, 05:12:15 AM
it varies, as many as 50 right now I am at about 35.

[Faint gargling/strangling noise from here...]

Dave W · July 25, 2011, 11:02:48 AM

Quote from: Pilgrim on July 25, 2011, 09:06:06 AM
[Faint gargling/strangling noise from here...]

You're not exactly short of basses yourself.

jumbodbassman · July 25, 2011, 12:20:01 PM

I am convinced you are a closet fender fan

godofthunder · July 25, 2011, 01:02:39 PM

Quote from: jumbodbassman on July 25, 2011, 12:20:01 PM
I am convinced you are a closet fender fan

lol I might be. I have always admired their rugged simplicity and certainly many of my favorite bassists have used them with great results. I still struggle any time I pick one up but that doesn't stop me from trying. My '75 walnut fretless P is about the only one I can make sound good

Pilgrim · July 25, 2011, 03:13:56 PM

Quote from: Dave W on July 25, 2011, 11:02:48 AM
You're not exactly short of basses yourself.

HEY! I resemble that remark!