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Topic: Ampeg Baby Bass--ON HOLD |
Matt Berg
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 13 Jan 2012 1:23 pm |
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Using my two eyes (ice and ibuprofen), and making some bridge adjustments to minimize playing effort, I have gotten back to where I am able to play this sucka, so let's consider this one on hold for now. I may post a follow up about blending the pickups over in electronics in a coupla days, and would appreciate some input...
Thanks, ya'll.
OK, I have developed some hand problems and I need to get rid if this and a Dano electric. I would consider trading for a 70's maple board Jazz Bass or some other relatively thin necked electric basses such as a Vox Phantom, Guild Starfire or ???? I'm also looking for a single coil 12 string electric guitar and would consider D-8 lap console steels too. Or who knows what. I am not going to post a cash price right away, or post to bass player boards until I see what interest there may be here on the SGF.
So here's the deal on the baby bass. I've owned it for at least 20 years. The original neck (which I can include) cracked at the heel, and I repaired it to no avail, so I purchased a replacement neck from Ray Ramirez. I had the neck made without the usual "hump" that accommodates bowing as I play pizzicato. The original electronics are intact and functional, but one metal discs that the feet of the original bridge rest on are missing. I cannot locate the original bridge (will include if it can be found), but I have replaced it with a cello bridge and one of those V-spring Fishman pickups that fits in the scroll and a preamp. Actually it would be possible therefore to take feeds from both sources and blend them to good effect. The original electonics, as beloved by Latin players, sound thin and nasal. The Fishman is warm and rich. It's strung with a new set of LaBella 7710 tape wound baby bass strings. It has a nice custom made bag.
I will try to post photos of the instrument this weekend. The overall condition is excellent with a few very minor cosmetic dings.
Last edited by Matt Berg on 30 Apr 2012 5:10 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Matt Berg
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 14 Jan 2012 4:08 pm
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A few pix fpr openers.
This is where the pin is that holds the neck to the body. The halves of the body shell are not separating as can happen with these.
You can see the Fishman transducer as well the cello bridge resting on the discs for the original electronics. I have a Fishman preamp, or there are a few available that allow you to blend a couple of inputs.
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Matt Berg
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 15 Jan 2012 1:52 pm More Photos
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Some detail shots... |
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Walter Killam
From:
Nebraska, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2012 8:01 am Ibanez Saber Bass?
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Hi Matt, it's not on your list, but would you be interested working somekind of trade on an Ibanez Saber Bass (SB900)? I have an extra in "jewel blue" that is in good, but played condition. I've never found a bass with a thinner faster neck, and it is very easy to play. The Saber's have active electronics and are very versatile tonally speaking.
PM me if you are interested.
_________________
Mostly junque with a few knick-knacks that I really can't do without! |
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Matt Berg
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2012 10:46 am Re: Ibanez Saber Bass?
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| Walter Killam wrote: |
Hi Matt, it's not on your list, but would you be interested working somekind of trade on an Ibanez Saber Bass (SB900)? I have an extra in "jewel blue" that is in good, but played condition. I've never found a bass with a thinner faster neck, and it is very easy to play. The Saber's have active electronics and are very versatile tonally speaking.
PM me if you are interested. |
Hi Walter,
Thanks for letting me know about the bass. Ibanez was certainly in the vanguard of design when they made that piece, and active Bartolini's were always a great option when changing out the orignal p'ups on a Fender. And I have a weakness for blue instruments, too.
Just to put a level on my expectations, I'd put a cash value on my instrument of around $1650. This is based on the fact that it has some established player mods, and is right around where they actually sell (as opposed to asking prices of double that number). A little cheaper than a Columbian repros, too. (Anyone actually seen one of these in the flesh?) If you prefer all original, one from the late Jess Oliver's estate's opening on ePay @ $2K right now.
Matt |
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Walter Killam
From:
Nebraska, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2012 11:44 am
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Hi Matt,
I would not expect this to be a straight trade, the Sabers are moderately rare but do not price in the range of your ampeg. That said, I don't think I can make up the difference in cash for what you are looking for in terms of value, I also have a Zager Zad 50 (also fast & easy to play acoustic guitar) which combined with the Saber would bring my trade value to around $1000. Mull it over, if you don't get any better offers we might still be able to make a deal!
Thanks and good luck!
_________________
Mostly junque with a few knick-knacks that I really can't do without! |
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Matt Berg
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2012 12:17 pm
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| Walter Killam wrote: |
Hi Matt,
Mull it over, if you don't get any better offers we might still be able to make a deal!
Thanks and good luck! |
Always considering a deal! |
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