| Author | Message | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 718 Registered: 9-2002 |
In my weekly Internet trolling, I ran across a used Series One at The Low End. It's a high-end bass store in Murfreesboro, TN, next door to Nashville. (www.thelowend.net, click on USED and scroll to find it, lots of good pics). So I thought I'd go check it out for anyone here that may find it or be interested. Here goes: 1977 Series One, s/n 77-615, stamped atop the peghead as they were in this vintage. Original hard case, orange fur. Original, small, 'blue box' power supply with 5-pin cable, works fine. Both show their age, but no obvious abuse. I'm useless guessing the woods, but it looks like a 'two-stripe' neck in maple/purpleheart. Maple cores in the wings, '2 cover' brass doors in back. I'm guessing maybe myrtle top and back, peghead faces and lams to match. NOT a black ebony fingerboard, but very 'stripe-y' like Macassar, looks way more brown than black. MOP ovals. Pre truss rod cover instrument with single truss rod. Wood and finish basically in great shape for its age: No wear-through or big dents or gouges. Clear satin finish overall slightly yellowed as you'd expect, but handsome. Of course a s/n search would show the build woods. Traditional, narrow, Jazz Bass type neck. Frets fine, action fine. Overall weight not heavy, felt very average for any brand bass. Definitely long scale, I'd know that reach to first position blindfolded. Standard Series One layout: Selector on lower horn, neck vol/tone/Q and bridge vol/tone/Q. Everything works as advertised with power supply and cord. Test drove it through tube preamp /Crown /Schroeder cab and heard no obvious buzz or pot scratch in a fluorescent-lit room. I'm not experienced enough to know if this Series has been updated under the hood or not. Only the hardware will need work. Brass bridge is pretty crusty, will probably salvage but may not be pretty without a lot of work, if ever. Couldn't see the top of the sustain block real well, but would not imagine it's much different. Bird tailpiece was cleaner, but it's under finish. No big scratches or dents in brass back covers. Little brass plate under selector pretty rough. Gold Schaller M4s are a little pitted. But nothing that was unreasonable for 30 year old brass parts. New keys, bridge, and bird, and this would be an amazing looking axe for its age. I know these 70s basses are special to some of you, and this is one VERY clean example with a working small power supply and case. I'm certainly no expert, but I can say it looked, felt, and played clean for me. I like to go see the ones that turn up in the neighborhood so I can report to the Club what I found, rather than hope that the website isn't a trap! You can contact Brian Barnett at (615)691-0110 or thru the website. J o e y | ||
| bassdr
Member Username: bassdr Post Number: 73 Registered: 10-2004 |
Joey, I think that top wood could be Koa, it looks alot like my Flame Koa Essence. Michael | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 831 Registered: 6-2002 |
Funny, I would say it looks more like the non-flame "watermark" koa on my Spoiler. | ||
| llobsterbass
New Username: llobsterbass Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2004 |
The top might be flamed myrtle, which to my eye looks like a cross between koa (color) and flame maple (figure). In other words, gorgeous. My 78 Series I has a flame myrtle top, and I've seen a few others. | ||
| llobsterbass
New Username: llobsterbass Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2004 |
Just looked at the pix, I'd say the top is myrtle. Dang, that's a lovely bass. Good thing I finally got my Series I, otherwise I'd be reaching for the checkbook and eating macaroni for a few months! | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 725 Registered: 9-2002 |
Isn't is strange how once you find an axe you've long been looking for, once you get it, then SEVERAL more pop up? J o e y | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 726 Registered: 9-2002 |
Isn't it strange how SEVERAL more basses turn up after you finally found the one you'd been looking for? J o e y | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 259 Registered: 12-2004 |
Isn't it strange that there's an echo?  Brad | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 389 Registered: 2-2005 |
Stranger still still the echo paraphrases itself. Keith | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 601 Registered: 11-2004 |
Guys, I really need the laughs tonight. Keep them coming. Rich | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 263 Registered: 12-2004 |
When the echo starts to psychoanalyze itself, then we'll know we're in trouble. Maybe this is a direct result of Joey getting a call from the guys in black helicopters. Brad | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 727 Registered: 9-2002 |
Helicopters ers ers ers ers ers ers . . . . . WHAT echo? J o e y |
