| Author | Message | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 480 Registered: 12-2003 |
If anyone sees any MINT late 70's/early 80's BC Rich Bich's or Mockingbirds (preferably Koa) at a guitar show or store, please let me know. The Chicago Guitar Show is coming in September. I'm hoping to find one there. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1275 Registered: 3-2004 |
You mean six string guitars, not basses, right? I used to own a Bich back in the late 80s. It was a custom job (but not for me) in quilted maple with the cloud inlays on the fretboard and maxed out electronics. The neck was factory ordered ultra-thin and I couldn't get it to hold a setup here in New England, so I traded it away. Those things appear around here from time to time, so I'll keep my eyes open. Koa was pretty popular back in those days, too, so you could get lucky. -bob | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 481 Registered: 12-2003 |
Sorry for that important omission. Yes, I do mean six string guitars...not basses. Jonathan | ||
| gtrguy
Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 69 Registered: 9-2004 |
They are great guitars. I have a mint '77 BC Rich Eagle guitar. The active electronics don't seem to do much other than add a volume boost. Good Luck and good hunting! They are out there. Dave | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 927 Registered: 9-2002 |
Doc Levine: Whilst doing one of my semi-monthly forays into the wonderful world of Ed Roman, in his Used Bass section, there are SEVERAL 70s BCs. You can link into it from ALEMBIC's dealer page. Reading his 'Rants' page is just priceless. J o e y | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 482 Registered: 12-2003 |
Joey, If those basses were guitars, I'd buy 'em both! Up until last year Ed Roman had 2 beautiful MINT koa Mockingbird guitars in stock ('77 and '78). I kept putting it off. Oh well... | ||
| tom_z
Senior Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 432 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jonathan - check out http://www.miamivintageguitars.net/ They are an Alembic dealer and their inventory shows a few vintage BCs. Peace Tom | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 483 Registered: 12-2003 |
Tom, Thanks. I'm familiar with MVG. There's another place I've looked at recently - www.solidbodyguitar.com. I love the Koa Mockingbird from Miami, but was reluctant about the $4500 price tag site unseen. I'm way too picky for that. Plus, $4500 seems a bit steep regardless. SBG has a beautiful birdseye maple for only $3000. But, from the pictures, there doesn't seem too be much figuring. I'm looking forward to the Chicago Guitar Show in September. And I'm always checking the 'bay. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| gtrguy
Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 72 Registered: 9-2004 |
Prices are not as high as you'd think for them. I follow the prices. The vintage book puts them under 2K. Eagles and Mockingbirds are the same guitar except for the body wings. Older Seagulls are very similar, except the earlier ones had Guild humbuckers and later ones had the Dimarzios (sp?) that the Eagles and Mockingbirds had. They play better than anything else I own for action. Good luck, Dave | ||
| sarsicus
New Username: sarsicus Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2006 |
I love these guitars too-these are mine. 79 Shorthorn and 80 Custom Order Longhorn. Both Koa except the longhorn has a maple neck. I'll be at the Chicago show this year too, maybe I'll bring 'em out. | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 488 Registered: 12-2003 |
I'm really hoping to find one at the Chicago Guitar Show. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1515 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jonathan: Good luck. The San Rafael show seemed like it was 98% Gibsons, Fenders, and Martins. All the dealers think guitar players all want the same thing and don't want anything unusual. Maybe they're right. It may be the same phenomena that explains the abundance of bass players around these here parts. Good luck and look closely. I almost walked right by the "maybe Irwin" guitar. Bill, tgo | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 489 Registered: 12-2003 |
Bill, This is precisely what I'm afraid of. There's a lot of beautiful and quality-made instruments out there that just seem to slip through the cracks. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 937 Registered: 9-2002 |
Yes, but I just LOVE it when they 'fall through the cracks'. I'm just not one who wants the same thing everyone else does (I've NEVER owned a Fender). So when I can buy at laugh out loud prices because 'it's one of then FUNNY basses', I'm more than happy to take it off their hands. As long as these clowns keep paying 10 grand for clapped out 60s Jazzes, I'll be happy. It utterly is beyond me when the Fender, Gibson, and Martin reissues are better and far cheaper. Martin has never made better guitars than it does now, and Fender and Gibson have certainly reissued every conceivable take on their heirloom models. And you never have to worry if it's actually counterfeit! J o e y | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1524 Registered: 7-2004 |
Joey: I agree that the prices fetched by some vintage Fenders, Gibsons and Martins are utterly irrational. But I must take issue with your claim that the current Martins are the best ever. My '53 D-28, with a wonderfully tight, straight grained Brazilian Rosewood back and Adirondack Spruce top, even beat to hell with numerous cracks and repairs, still sounds noticably better than any new Martin I've heard. And this isn't even a pre-war model with the old scalloped bracing (though it will soon get it's braces shaved as part of an extensive restoration). Bill, tgo | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 943 Registered: 9-2002 |
Side by side, that's certainly true and very subjective, but . . . what would a brand new one sound like in 53 years? I realize that's a very arcane question. I still think that taken as a whole, Martin's never made better guitars. And to be brutally frank, they'd better, as Bob Taylor has ante'd in and upped the stakes considerably for every major acoustic builder out there. To me, all of my axes are players. As electric instruments, I really don't attach a glossy-eyed romance to them. Don't get me wrong, I certainly love them and take good care of them. But ultimately they are tools to me. And they need to be invisible in front of me. I will NOT fight the action, wrestle with electronic noise, cuss a bass that won't stay in tune. So from that standpoint, new or lightly used works for me. I can not imagine 50 year old wiring, those old, pot metal bridges, not to mention the wierd sets that necks can take over that period of time. And the prices are beyond me: If I had 10 grand to pay for an old Jazz, I'd be on the phone to Susan in a heartbeat! I love to see the old axes, but I'd be very surprised (VERY) if I ever considered buying one for serious use. I'm certainly in a VERY small minority, but it's like leaving Nashville for LA in a stock '57 Chevy: Being THAT cool could not over-ride my fear that this old girl won't make it. I'd like my new Vette in red, please. J o e y | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 490 Registered: 12-2003 |
I hope the Chicago Guitar Show answers my prayers b/c these things seem to be as scarce as hen's teeth! Other than Solidbodyguitar.com (a bit over Blue Book) and Miami Vintage (WAY over Blue Book), I can't find a vintage Bich or Mockingbird anywhere. Plenty of green acrylic ones to be had, though! I realize they're making money, but it seems to be a real a shame what's happened to that company over the years. Keep your eyes posted fellas. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| sarsicus
New Username: sarsicus Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2006 |
Here's a shot of my two mocks and my old Moonstone-  | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 494 Registered: 12-2003 |
Jim, Longhorn AND a shorthorn...I hate you with every fiber of my being! Just kidding. Stunning instruments. I'm truly jealous. | ||
| sarsicus
New Username: sarsicus Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2006 |
Jim? My name is Sarsicus.... That Mock II at solidbody use to be mine. The all Koa one. A little beat up but kinda rare. Here's the crazy thing-I've seen this exact Mock II in 2 different "Vintage Guitar Price List/Blue Box'" guides and a BC Rich article/advertisement. The wood grain on the neck is a dead giveaway, very unique. He has it priced twice of what I paid for it, and it played like poop but it is kinda rare. That maple mock is WAY overpriced-totally plain jane maple. The guy at Miami Vintage does not know what he's talking about at all-I emailed him twice and spoke with him on the phone about the "prototype" he has for sale. He still hasn't really changed his ad and it's very misleading. Keep looking for them, just realize there are probably 500 other fanatics searching for the same thing...they're out there but you gotta know how to find them. | ||
| sarsicus
New Username: sarsicus Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2006 |
By the way-don't buy a vintage BC Rich from Ed Roman. He has been caught building new handmade BC Richs and stamping vintage serial numbers on them. The koa mock with the gold hardware on his site is a prime example of how good his fakes are, and the details to spot when looking for a fake. Big gold hardware guy. I almost got duped on a doubleneck seagull that was sold as a 79. If I didn't scrape the solder of the one pot that still had its numbers I wouldn't have noticed that the guitar was made in 2004. Be careful with vintage BC Rich...but when you get the right one you will enjoy!  | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 495 Registered: 12-2003 |
Thanks for the advice. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1288 Registered: 3-2004 |
I thought Ed bought out all of the in-progress guitars when BC Rich stopped production 20-ish years ago. I remember his CT store being absolutely packed with unfinished BC Rich guitars. Lots of really nice neck through bodies routed for pickups and ready to finish. | ||
| sarsicus
New Username: sarsicus Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2006 |
Yeah-he bought the Class Axe body blanks. Class Axe was the Japanese company BC Rich sold their right to after 1989. Ed would finish these post 89 body blanks and reserial them with pre 1985 serial numbers and sell the as vintage. He's also been known to add binding and cloud inlays to deluxe models to make them supremes, to turn neck through imports into vintage USA models. Stay away from his BC Richs. | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 496 Registered: 12-2003 |
Okay, you seem to be our resident BC Rich expert. Forget the claim about Rick Derringer and the ridiculous price tag. Do you think this is really a vintage 1977? http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-LIKE-NEW-B-C-RICH-MOCKINGBIRD-SUPREAM-GUITAR_W0QQitemZ150022453326QQihZ005QQcategoryZ33035QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem | ||
| sarsicus
New Username: sarsicus Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2006 |
No, this the actual guitar I was talking about from Roman's site. It has been up for awhile at $4000 and the seller reduced his price. There are a lot of giveaways on that guitar. First it is not a supreme, it is a deluxe. A BC Rich is only supreme if it has a bound ebony fretboard with cloud inlays, sometimes a bound headstock as well. Unbound Rosewood boards and diamond inlays mean deluxe, dots mean standard or II series. The R inlay is abalone which BC Rich never used. The nut should be white bone which it is not. Grover was making imperial tuners with a "bullseye" gear housing, not this flat one. I haven't seen a ton of BC Rich-bought about 10 in the past two years and kept two, but it is extremely rare to have gold hardware on a regular deluxe model. It is, however, one of Mr. Romenz "aftermarket" trademarks. The truss rod cover, cavity plate, and output jack plate should all be made from the same material. From 74-late 82 BC Rich used gravoply, a black and white layered plastic material. After 82 the switched to either a black anodized metal or brass. This guitar seems to have the black metal with a brass output jack which is extremely inconsistent with a BC Rich with this serial number which puts it around late 1978. Do you know the serial number stuff? From inception in 1974 to about the end of the 1st quarter of 1978 the 5 digit serial number worked perfectly for the company. YY/XXX setup means you can make 1000 guitars a year and still have the first two year indicators be accurate. When demand and production increased in 1978 not only did the serial number system become obsolete in terms of a build date indicator, Bernie Rico Sr. opened up a second shop in Tijuana, Mexico to handle the demand. Put it this way, my longhorn is 82191 with an estimated build date of 1st quarter 1980, my shorty is 81243 and has a build date of july 1979. You kinda have to estimate your year of birth for the old BC Richs. What's your number, I'll tell you when it was built. To get back to this Koa mock-besides the hardware, nut, and inlays being totally wrong, the strap buttons are new, the case is script logo and that thing is CLEAN!! Another big indicator is the knobs-they weren't using black top hat knobs like this until late 81-82. A BC Rich with a number below, say 83XXX would probably have the silver tops knobs like I have on mine, no way would there be top hats. Plus the varitone switch, which is suppose to have a chicken head knob has a top hat as well!! That thing is a big mess, he's had it up on his site for years and I think some goof ball bought it and is noe trying to recoup. The reality is that the vintage BC Rich build technique was supposedly one of the easiest ways to build a handmade guitar. The BC Rich South workshop in TJ still exists and has been building the handmade guitars for Class Axe BC Rich, Bernie Rico Jr Era BC Rich, HHI BC Rich, Bernie Rico Jr. Guitars, and Abstract Guitars. They make 'em in Mexico, assemble them in the states and sell them for US labor prices. These talented Mexican luthiers often sneak a few out the backdoor and finish the guitars themselves and sell them as vintage for a month's salary. There are probably a few guys still building today that used to build for BC Rich back in the glory days. If you know how to build this way you can make a new one and sell it as old. Dealers count on the inconsistencies of the old shop and lack of records to dupe a player into thinking he's getting a vintage guitar. Be careful-don't touch this one. That Black/Red one up on ebay now is pretty rare and cool, and very clean. It is a Tijuana template mockingbird, and not an Elmonte CA template mockingbird which is why I'm passing. The last koa shorty I saw in ebay without any issues went for about $3700, the prices have really escalated in the past few years for the translucent finished BC Richs with highly figured woods. Be patient, you will find the right one. Expect to pay between $1800 and $2300 for it. Let's see some pics of that bird you got! | ||
| 57basstra
Advanced Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 226 Registered: 4-2005 |
I had a chance at a B.C. Rico once and let it pass. Wish I hadn't. (Message edited by 57basstra on August 15, 2006) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1557 Registered: 7-2004 |
If you read between the lines, and assuming the story were true, then the conclusion is that Rick Derringer rejected this guitar. Boy, that would sure give me confidence if I were a potential buyer! LOL Bill, tgo | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 11 Registered: 4-2006 |
Rick rarely played off the shelf mocks which is what this appears to be. Most of his Mocks were smaller with thinner necks and custom electronics. He's played Stealths most of his BC Rich career anyways. I wouldn't believe a word of that auction. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 966 Registered: 9-2002 |
THANKS, sarsicus, for sharing your knowledge of BCR's with us. This is the great thing about this particular forum, the interchange of knowledge without a bunch of posturing or frayed nerves. Seems like there's always somebody who really knows the particular question at hand to help us out. I understand Bernard Rico passed on a while back, and it's a shame this is one more case where the name keeps going based on the original reputation through a widening circle of hands who can't continue the original magic. J o e y | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 497 Registered: 12-2003 |
I'll second that notion, Joey. And so my search continues. And yes, thanks Sarsicus for the very helpful info. I'm sure I'll be bending your ear should I find a Mock to buy. I actually bid on a '79 on ebay. It went for over $2100! Plain maple no less. Makes me scared of what a nicely figured Koa Mock will fetch. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 12 Registered: 4-2006 |
Yeah, the times are changing for sure regarding these instruments. I think the days of getting one cheap because the dealer thinks it's ugly and pointy are over. I do think that American handmade guitars from 74-85 are the next big thing-Alembic, BC Rich, Olivo, Moonstone, John Birch, Hyak-these are all to me the perfection of the handmade equation. To put it in perspective, I bought both my mocks for $2000 a piece. To a lesser extent the dealers didn't know what they had-the store who sold me the shorthorn didn't know the rarity of that shape variant, and the dealer who sold me the longhorn had no idea that BC Rich made only a handful of Mocks with a maple neck and koa wings. I got these less than 2 years ago and the prices have skyrocketed since then. Keep lookin-you will find one and they make great investments if they're clean and original. Wait for the right one-like I said I've bought about 10 in the past two years and kept only the best two. Good luck on the figured Koa though-very rare and very sought after. Here's another angle of my shorty-check the fiddleback koa   When you find one you like don't hesitate to contact me and I'll check it out for you. Good luck! | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 498 Registered: 12-2003 |
You're killing me with these pictures! | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2006 |
I'm proud of them-and I really feel that due to the rarity they should be shared with everyone who has an interest in them. I'm sure you have already, but if you haven't you should check out Terada's site bcrich.net and look through the "Vintage File" section of the site. You'll get a massive crash course on the external and internal details to look for. After that stop by Neal Moser's forum at mcs.acidpit.org. He's the guy who invented the original BC Rich gonzo electronics and the Bich. There are a good amount of BC Rich nuts over there that can offer a wealth of information. I'm gonna try to go to the Chicago show and bring these with me. I'll see you there, let you check these out. When is it this year? | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 939 Registered: 7-2002 |
I've seen a few in the $1990-5500 range. Late 70s early 80s models. I used to have a Koa Mockingbird bass about 14 years ago. Nice player, though I was not fond of the electronics. Valentino | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 969 Registered: 9-2002 |
OK, so this afternoon I'm across the street at Sam Ash/Nashville and there's a clear finish, Quilt-top Mockingbird that says BC Rich NJ Series. It this a downmarket version? Two cream humbuckers but only three knobs and a pickup switch, not the BUNCH of knobs I see on sarc's or as I remember them. So what's an 'NJ Series'? J o e y | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 208 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hey Val, why did'nt you get some Alembic electronics outfitted in it? BTW, A Guitar Ctr. near me had a mid '80's N.J. Bich with a tag of $5,000.00!! My guitarist and I saw that and laughed our asses off. We knew there was no way that Japanese Rich's would command that kind of bread. So it sat for about a year then it was gone. I don't know if or how much it was sold for. I did find out through one of the salesmmen that a guy brought that guitar in to sell, so the manager at the time cut the guy a check for $3500.00!! He thought that the N.J. stood for New Jersey and apparently had no idea it stood for Nagasaki, Japan. He was subsequently relocated to another store for he had done many deals like this and it hurt them very, very badly. Oh boo hoo! if there is any Gtr. Ctr. employees out there I make no apologies, YOU KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT BUSINESS! Also, the Bich was in great shape but not worth even $500.00. Get Down!!! | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 701 Registered: 11-2004 |
A friend of mine has about six B. C. Rich basses including one that he says is the seventh bass they made. He doesn't play anymore but is hanging on to them. A couple of years ago he was in his basement and noticed water dripping on the case of #7. The latch was rusted shut. When he finally got the case open the finish was attached to the case lining and just separated from the bass. He sent it off to be refinished (still waiting). He was heartbroken but what can you do at that point? Rich | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 940 Registered: 7-2002 |
That never even entered my mind at the time; I did not even know Alembic made replacement electronics. Plus the Mockingbird was not the most comfortable shape to play for me. A bit like a standard point or omega...first position was further away than I liked. Loved the shape though. Valentino | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 227 Registered: 5-2002 |
Man, I love BC Rich basses. Before I got my first Alembic my #1 bass was a 78 Eagle, and I still own it and love it. Here is a great web site hosted by Neal Moser, who designed the body shapes for most of the original instruments. He also has an extensive stock of original parts, and gifs of the wiring diagrams. http://www.nealmoser.com/indexnav2b.htm | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 14 Registered: 4-2006 |
Neal designed the Bich shape as well as refining the hookpoint on the original seagull shape. A man named Johnny Go-Go from Whittier Music designed the Mockingbird, Bernie Rico designed the Seagull, Eagle, and Warlock. An employee designed the Wave, and Rick Derringer created the Stealth. | ||
| gtrguy
Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 76 Registered: 9-2004 |
I have three of them. I never understood the 'long horn' 'short horn' Mockingbird thing though. Maybe you can explain it. I also have an early 77 Eagle bass with the humbucker style pickups and have seen only a couple of others with them. Do you know more about that too? | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 15 Registered: 4-2006 |
You can see the difference between long and short horn in the pictures above. The story goes that once the original longhorn mockingbird was built Bernie strapped it on and it was unbalanced (neck heavy) They went to revise the shape and came up with the shorthorn which is slightly more balanced. The shorthorns were rare-introduced around 1977, they were only available as custom orders after 1981. If your eagle bass is a 1977 it might have the HI-A pickups. I have seen a few that were factory made with a Bill Lawrence L-500 in the bridge. Got any pics of that Eagle? | ||
| gtrguy
Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 78 Registered: 9-2004 |
Here it is. S/N under 60.  | ||
| dannobasso
Advanced Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 356 Registered: 3-2004 |
It's not Koa but I like it. Bought it new ser #84817  | ||
| dannobasso
Advanced Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 357 Registered: 3-2004 |
Close pic  | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 972 Registered: 9-2002 |
How do you like the Lawrence pickups? J o e y | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 499 Registered: 12-2003 |
Sarsicus, Chicago Guitar Show is September 9-10. I'll be there, cash in hand, doing some serious Bird hunting. Wouldn't mind a little on site help if I'm lucky enough to find a couple. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| dannobasso
Advanced Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 358 Registered: 3-2004 |
They came that way. I really like them with the taps. I put them into a few guitars over the years. A seafoam seagull w bolt on neck. Long gone no pics. Robin strat, long gone as well and a Japan strat that I'm putting a fernandes sustainer system in. So I'll have a cream L500 sitting around doing nothing. Also I love the Kahler! had that put on back in 84. I tried to buy it's twin in a bass but it was too much cash. Funny story though, I bought a Pearl white Mockingbird bass with BL pups. The neck was so flimsy that I could pull it out of tune just by playing hard. I went into Ash on 48th street and saw my first Alembic. 83 Koa Spoiler went home with me after I went back and brought more money! Danno | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2006 |
That Eagle is old and looks good-I've seen those pickups before on BCR but I can't remember what they were called. A good way to tell if a BC Rich is pre 78 is by the switch setup-back then instead of a dual sound switch for each pickup they had just one switch for both, hence that bass only having three mini toggles intead of the four on mine. Pretty cool bass-Mahogany but I bet that finger rest is not original. That's a sweet Mock-that electronics setup is factory and pretty rare, as well as the BLs. I have L-510 in my Moonstone and it screams. It's a player with that Kahler, but I bet it's pretty sweet. Baseball bat neck or thinner? Jonathan-I'll do my best to be there on the 10th-I bet the goods will be long gone by then, but who knows. I'll bring a mock or two for you to check out. | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 17 Registered: 4-2006 |
N.J. means Nagoya Japan, but I believe the new "classic NJ" are actualy built in Korea. | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 210 Registered: 11-2005 |
I stand corrected! I knew it was from Japan though and those are'nt worth tree bark! | ||
| alembic_doctor
Junior Username: alembic_doctor Post Number: 28 Registered: 8-2002 |
Has anyone seen any Double Neck Biches around? I once had a Double neck 4 and 8 String Bich Bass and I'd love to own it or another one again. This one was in a custom Anvil Case with a big bumper sticker on it that said "BURY MANILOW" Would also Like 6/12 Bich Guitar | ||
| alembic_doctor
Junior Username: alembic_doctor Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2002 |
BTW. Guitar Showcase in San Jose recently purchased Neil Schon's old Mockingbird. Complete with his strap. Right now it's listed as "Not For Sale" But I'm sure that the right amount of $$$$ would make make Gary part with it. | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 18 Registered: 4-2006 |
There is/was a doubleneck bich on ebay right now-89XXX serial is something around 85-86. Pretty sweet. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 977 Registered: 9-2002 |
Sar, I'd hazard a guess that those Eagle pickups are passive Schallers, built as drop-ins for a standard Gibson pickup ring, IIRC. J o e y | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 212 Registered: 11-2005 |
Bass Emporium down in Austin, Tx.( www.bassemporium.com ) had a double neck Bich bass posted on it's site for a while. I don't know if it sold or not but it was up there for a long time. It's hard to sell something like that as only a small amount of us weirdos exist that would have something that unique. Yes, it was a 4/8. Big Bottoms anyone? | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2006 |
That doubleneck bass went to England and I think fetched close to $8000. Pretty rare one, they estimate that only 35 doublenecks were ever made during BC Rich's golden years. | ||
| fc_spoiler
Advanced Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 262 Registered: 5-2006 |
A double neck BC Rich bass... reminds me of Spinal Tap, Big Bottom! (Message edited by fc_spoiler on August 20, 2006) | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 283 Registered: 2-2003 |
Speaking of Spinal Tap and double necks, IIRC, that bass was two 4 string necks.... I would have loved to seen the expression on the face of the person taking that order! "You want what?!?!?"..... JP | ||
| fc_spoiler
Advanced Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 266 Registered: 5-2006 |
I wouldn't be surprised if it was Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer)who ordered that bass... Fits Spinal Tap perfectly! -LOL- On the commentary audio track of the DVD he says he sold that bass and is looking everyday on ebay to get it back. | ||
| 57basstra
Advanced Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 284 Registered: 4-2005 |
Our little local music store has a B.C. Rich acoustic.(It has an'R' on the headstock and B.C. Rich inside, I think I remember BW 4000)...it does not look new....20 years old at least, I'd say. How rare are these? | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1031 Registered: 6-2002 |
Edwin van Huyk, who runs the Dutch Alembic distributor Bass Connection, has a 1980 BC Rich Eagle in stock. (Message edited by adriaan on August 30, 2006) | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1032 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here's the picture:  | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1033 Registered: 6-2002 |
And here's the flipside:  | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2006 |
The doubleneck bass had an 8 string on top and a 4 string on the bottom- The acoustics are very rare if in good condition. They were made until 1980 and discontinued when the Nachos Campos, BCR's only acoustic luthier, passed away. That eagle bass looks god-very common though. I think BC Rich made a lot of Eagles, mostly basses but quite a few guitars as well. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 538 Registered: 2-2005 |
Adriaan, If it is the "Bass Connection" why do I see all of those guitars in the shot. Heresy! LOL Keith | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1583 Registered: 7-2004 |
Well, exxxxxccccuuuuuuuussssssseee me! Bill, the guitar one | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1034 Registered: 6-2002 |
Edwin of the Bass Connection can be excused - how many store owners have their own Signature line with Alembic? Come to think of it: how many guitar players? | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 21 Registered: 4-2006 |
jalevinemd- Did you go to the show today? I saw three vintage Richs there-a hookpoint seagull, the one with the double stamped serial number on gbase.com. What a piece of poop. Another booth had a very cool tobacco burst longhorn mock with a rare maple wing/koa neck configuration. I remember seeing it on gbase.com from Rumble Seat for around $2100, the current dealer had it tagged at $3699. Room to move and definetly the cleanest of the show. It expect you could get it for under $3000 cash, maybe $2750-$2800. He also had an all koa shorthorn mock just like mine but with an unbound rosewood board with cloud inlays. Pretty beat up, no repairs, and pretty rare. He wants $3999. Crazy, not worth the loot. Hope you get to check them out, I brought in my Moonstone and Shorty and had some fun. I gurantee those guitars will be there tomorrow the way they got them priced. Good luck. | ||
| drjenney
Member Username: drjenney Post Number: 76 Registered: 11-2004 |
http://www.gbass.com? I tried to see the pics, but couldn't log in. Instructions in Chinese(?). | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 22 Registered: 4-2006 |
Nah doood-- gbase.com not gbass.com-is that gangsta bass? | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 507 Registered: 12-2003 |
Sarsicus, My daughter and I went to the show today. I checked out the Shorty and the Longhorn. Didn't see the Seagull. We got there at 10:05, so it may have arrived later. I was apalled by the asking prices. The Longhorn was very clean. Just not what I'm looking for. I'd also never heard of that reverse wood configuration before and wondered if the guy had it backwards. Through the stain it was difficult to tell. Neck felt like butter, though, and the action was nice and low. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| sarsicus
Junior Username: sarsicus Post Number: 23 Registered: 4-2006 |
I was there early too....had the Cealed Kasket shirt on...whatever. They ain't cheap anymore, it seems like the good ones are like needles in a haystack. The three I saw today have been around for awhile, just passing from dealer to dealer. The combo on the longhorn was part of a run of instruments built for Hollywood Guitars. My longhorn is another example. Instead of the usual Koa/MapleStringer/KoaNeck/MapleStringer/Koa and Maple/RosewoodStringer/MapleNeck/RosewoodStringer/Maple, the instruments commissioned by Hollywood guitars had the rarer koa/rosewoodstringer/maple neck and maple/rosewoodstringer/koa neck. The grain on the neck of the longhorn at the show is unmistakeably (sp?) koa. Was very very clean too. I can't believe the increase in price over the past two years, I'm glad I've got mine. | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 509 Registered: 12-2003 |
The owner of one of the guitar shops here in Chicago put me in touch with a friend of his who had a near mint '78-79 maple Mockingbird. I'm having a trusted luthier take it to showroom new. I should have it in the next month. I'll post pics. Regards, Jonathan | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 284 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hey I just wanted to post my 79 Mockingbird, Trans red with Kahler tremelo! not that I use it, but I still think its cool that it has that  I actually just picked this bass up recently and Im very glad that I did, I wont be selling it anytime soon.   - Tom | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 515 Registered: 12-2003 |
Here's a picture of the '78 Mockingbird I bought. I'll post more photos once this beauty is in my hands.  | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 287 Registered: 2-2003 |
Congrats! the more of these I see the more I like them ... http://bcrich.net/index_e.html Check out the "Vintage File" when you have a chance lots of eye candy. - Tom | ||
| foth
Intermediate Member Username: foth Post Number: 119 Registered: 12-2004 |
My first bass was a Mockingbird. That curved bottom made it the most comfortable sit-down-and-play instrument. | ||
| johnnywiz
New Username: johnnywiz Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2007 |
Sarsicus, I'm impressed with your knowledge re: BCR... Hours of searching brought me here, and it's looking like you may be one of less than a handful that may give a solid answer to my query... I bought my koa / maple stringer Eagle Bass new in 1977 or '78. If asked at gun-point I'd go with '78, but I'm not 100% certain. [give an old root hugger a break, it WAS the 70's, ;-) ] My question is this... I cannot locate the serial#, anywhere... Based on your previous numbering histrionic post, would it be safe to ASSume that it IS a '77? The electronics are identical to the M'bird shown above with one exception... The 3 knobs are Gibson style, i.e. plexi tops, #'s 1-10 towards the bottom, but visable from above. FWIW, not seeing much activity re: this thread, so if I may be a bit of a P.I.T.A. kindly reply via email: jack_wiz at yahoo.com Thanks very much | ||
| johnnywiz
New Username: johnnywiz Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2007 |
Attaching a few shots for reference. Hope this help in dating my Bass. Thanks all.     (Message edited by davehouck on March 16, 2007) | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 238 Registered: 5-2002 |
I've got several BC Rich basses from the late 70's/early 80's, including several Eagles. They are really great and under-rated basses, IMHO. Yours looks like a stock Eagle from the late 70's or perhaps early 80's, although it's probable that the knobs are not original. The lack of a serial number is puzzling, though. BC Rich instruments from that time have the serial number stamped on the rear of the headstock, approximately where they would be located on a Gibson guitar or bass. One theory that would explain the missing serial number is this: in the late 80's or early 90's BC Rich got out of the business of making high end instruments for a while and sold most of its remaining body and neck blanks to a couple of dealers who then assembled a few instruments out of those leftover parts. Perhaps yours is one of those, though I doubt it as most of the "leftover" instruments have ornate inlays and don't use DiMarzio P pickups like yours. |
