wElL, tHeY bUiLt At LeAsT oNe!

uwe · August 23, 2011, 08:04:05 AM

Isn't that mandatory as a SOAD member?

I'm not knocking them. I think they have an immediately recognizable style and that is something. But a whole concert of their music would possibly be a bit much for me.

Dave W · August 23, 2011, 08:04:18 AM

Quote from: uwe on August 23, 2011, 05:15:03 AM
I don't see anything wrong with it. Like the Blackbird, it's a bass for people attached to the artist. And if you like Shavo, you'll like this bass. That is what signature instruments are for. ....

If they only built one, maybe they misread the demand.

There's nothing wrong with it other than the stupid aLtErNaTiNg bullshit. Maybe the fans who like that sort of thing don't buy artist models.

uwe · August 23, 2011, 08:31:28 AM

They have certainly been dragging their feet on this. Henry J. can be difficult on signature models and endorsements as Metallica learned when Gibson demanded that for a planned line of Gibson signature models, Hetfield and Hammett would have to totally cease playing their beloved ESPs in public - something which mutatis mutandis ESP does not require them to do regarding other brands under the current ESP endorsement rules.

But if there was a real falling out between Shavo and Gibson, he probably wouldn't be playing their product anymore. Given the success of the SOAD reunion tour, however, it is pretty much high time to finally release it! There are enough SOAD fans out there to sell a few and it's not like Henry will have to construct a new plant in Nashville for it. An Epi version of it would probably make sense too considering how popular SOAD are - to use a Henry J phrase - among "youngsters".

TBird1958 · August 23, 2011, 09:02:38 AM

As I said, I like this bass, would I buy one? Maybe.

The reissue issue being completely separate, yes I wish Gibson would give us a nod or two in that direction as well - Then I guess we could all bitch about how much they cost vs. the originals

uwe · August 23, 2011, 09:06:25 AM

Mark, the conundrum for you, of course, is how chrome hardware and pups would hardly contrast on that bass ...

But what wouldn't I give for seeing you with a braided goatee!

TBird1958 · August 23, 2011, 09:24:25 AM

No goatee...... in my teens and '20s I had a bad version of George's porn star 'stache tho

If I got the bass, I'd actually try to leave it stock, I like the headstock size and lack of onlay - it's different. I do collect for fins

Barklessdog · August 23, 2011, 02:02:13 PM

QuoteI don't see anything wrong with it. Like the Blackbird, it's a bass for people attached to the artist. And if you like Shavo, you'll like this bass. That is what signature instruments are for. I saw it on a hanger at the Frankfurt fair, the silver-grey appealed to me, but the vintage-large headstock looked strangely out of place (I find the smaller headstock of modern birds more proportionate to the body).

But the guitarist played & wrote 90% of the recorded music on a P bass.

The silver grey appealled to the "German" in you.

I really liked the simplicity & modern take of the studio bird, but again that never took off either. I think no matter what they do it ends in failure, the Charlie Brown of the bass world -like the Chicago Cubs, try as they may, it always ends up in failure. That is part of their charm.

TBird1958 · August 23, 2011, 02:11:59 PM

Quote from: Barklessdog on August 23, 2011, 02:02:13 PM
I really liked the simplicity & modern take of the studio bird, but again that never took off either. I think no matter what they do it ends in failure, the Charlie Brown of the bass world -like the Chicago Cubs, try as they may, it always ends up in failure. That is part of their charm.

Pretty much says it all - thus when you go looking for that "something different" i.e., not 7ender you become a Gibsonite

uwe · August 23, 2011, 06:19:11 PM

I know, their diguitartator of a banjo player plays almost all the parts in the studio and then on an instrument of that brand which may not be mentioned. But Shavo is the darling of the fans and has forged an image with his Birds.

Doomed to failure, yes. But like all natural disasters it breeds new life everytime.

The Fender bass is the cheerleader captain dating the hunk from the school football team. Which pimply, neurotic, slightly overweight teenager with a lisp and glasses would want to date her?!!!

Psycho Bass Guy · August 24, 2011, 01:37:07 AM

BTW, notice in the lap pic, his 'pitchfork' trussrod cover decoration bears more than a passing resemblance to the Epiphone logo?

Barklessdog · August 24, 2011, 06:11:09 AM

QuoteBut Shavo is the darling of the fans and has forged an image with his Birds.

Talk about bad timing though, they should of released it while the band was hot.

uwe · August 24, 2011, 06:14:28 AM

He was a demanding customer. Gibson built four prototypes in sequence for him until he was satisfied.

Dave W · August 24, 2011, 09:49:00 AM

Quote from: Barklessdog on August 24, 2011, 06:11:09 AM
Talk about bad timing though, they should of released it while the band was hot.

Because that's what Gibson does. The first Nikki Sixx signature model came out years after Mötley Crüe's prime. Even the Angus Young SG was well past AC/DC's prime.

It takes Henry years to figure out what the "youngsters" like (even if they're not that much younger then he is), and by that time they've moved on.

uwe · August 24, 2011, 09:54:20 AM

True, especially as the Shavobird does not seem like a radical departure from the tried and trusted concept.

Psycho Bass Guy · August 24, 2011, 03:10:44 PM

I anxoiusly now await the Krist Novoselic padded signature bass.