John Birch Flying V Bass

Hörnisse · October 12, 2012, 04:05:45 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/John-Birch-Flying-V-Bass-rare-Jacks-Mannequin-/140866122723?pt=Guitar&hash=item20cc4673e3

Highlander · October 12, 2012, 04:41:57 PM

This beasties a long way from home...

Big_Stu · October 12, 2012, 05:11:52 PM

It's a gorgeous machine OK, but I can't help wondering whether the high action/neck angle hasn't been caused by all that wood being taken out of the body and what's left is bending under the tension.

Dave W · October 12, 2012, 06:51:04 PM

USA shipping only, he'd probably do better in the UK where JB is better known.

Here's his video.

Basvarken · October 13, 2012, 05:48:34 AM

Maybe he should mention a few more times that it's a cool bass...

Big_Stu · October 13, 2012, 06:02:59 AM

Quote from: Dave W on October 12, 2012, 06:51:04 PM
USA shipping only, he'd probably do better in the UK where JB is better known.

Strangely enough the US does have the largest collection of John Birch guitars owned by Greg Dorsett of Rock Stars Guitars, but his mind is set on SG variations (at least a dozen that I've seen) and parts.

Quote from: Basvarken on October 13, 2012, 05:48:34 AM
Maybe he should mention a few more times that it's a cool bass...

Most unusual thing about it is that it's an ordinary layout, most John Birch guitars or basses have some kind of effect, tap or option built into it; which is maybe what was once if that huge empty cavity, though you can easily spot in the pics where it's been machined out far more than was intended.

godofthunder · October 13, 2012, 06:17:03 AM

What? Did he say its good for Jaco stuff

?

Dave W · October 13, 2012, 09:25:05 AM

Quote from: Big_Stu on October 13, 2012, 06:02:59 AM
Strangely enough the US does have the largest collection of John Birch guitars owned by Greg Dorsett of Rock Stars Guitars, but his mind is set on SG variations (at least a dozen that I've seen) and parts.

....

I wasn't aware of that. Still, it's fair to say they're little known here.

Big_Stu · October 13, 2012, 09:55:46 AM

Yeah, he comes over hunting for them quite regularly & has an English agent here looking for them too. Many a time I've been looking for a JB part only to be told that Greg got their before me, especially in the Birmingham area where Birch was based.
I've told him about a couple that I've spotted in shops which he's gone on to buy, this was the last one (a Gibson customised by John) a previous bass was lost in transit from Denmark to the USA.
But for the main part you're right, John Birch is a UK & to a lesser extent European thing.

godofthunder · October 13, 2012, 10:42:14 AM

Dorsett was very curious abiut my Jim Lea bass....................... especially where the pickups were coming from

Big_Stu · October 13, 2012, 12:56:53 PM

He traced me and made me an offer for it ........ it was such a tough decision!

Highlander · October 13, 2012, 01:28:54 PM

Doesn't sound that great after listening to the clip - very curious to know what is under that rear scratchplate - also sounded very fret-buzzy...

Big_Stu · October 13, 2012, 01:35:49 PM

Quote from: HERBIE on October 13, 2012, 01:28:54 PM
very curious to know what is under that rear scratchplate

Usually nothing, it was one of JB's quirks - an allover scratchplate to prevent buckle-rash, causes a lot of static crackling from rubbing against the player unless it's earthed.
Never understood it myself, if it doesn't show the finish what's the point of it being there?

Dave W · October 13, 2012, 04:43:37 PM

That is one lovely SG.

gearHed289 · October 13, 2012, 11:27:58 PM

Quote from: Big_Stu on October 13, 2012, 01:35:49 PM
Usually nothing, it was one of JB's quirks - an allover scratchplate to prevent buckle-rash, causes a lot of static crackling from rubbing against the player unless it's earthed.
Never understood it myself, if it doesn't show the finish what's the point of it being there?

Yeah, exactly. It's like - "Let's put a bunch of screw holes in it and cover it up completely so the finish doesn't get f'd up." $:-\$