| Author | Message | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 234 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi, Just found the thread on VCs from the April achive. I own 3 VC 4 strings - two with Rosewood veneers, the other maple. All under 10 lbs - great ebony boards. The pickups on the earlier models through 81 have selectable pole configurations by pulling 3 of the 4 volume and tone controls. Later models had dual toggle switches to change poll configs. Also, I do think the knobs on the 8 string could be original. With the exception of the tuners, all parts were made by VC, but later models had 3rd party plastic knobs with a white line and plastic back plates in place of the earlier brass plates. A few early models had ebony madagascar tone and volume knobs. They made 3 models - single pickup, double pickup and double pickup with active electronics - rare. 8 strings and fretless versions were also made. The earlier basses had a beautiful truss rod cover at the bass of the neck which is an ebony continuation of the fretboard with two screws which lifts out - you can't even see it - later models have the semicircle plastic cover. Hope that helps. Look closely at the second picture below and you'll see the extended cover on the maple bass and the semi circle on the rosewood. Joe Veillette and Harvey Citron have indicated that a total of 225 basses were made between 1976 and 1983 when they closed the business. I'm in the market for and 8 string and have some great basses I would consider trading or would pay cash. Todd  (Message edited by toddharris on July 01, 2010) (Message edited by toddharris on July 01, 2010) | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 235 Registered: 7-2008 |
Here is a youtube link to me playing and singing Kid Charlemagne at a gig with the maple VC. Search B Side Bandits for more links and other cool basses. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFeRCxoKBLY&feature=related | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 236 Registered: 7-2008 |
Here is a shot for our members - fair is fair, 2 to 2! The maple Alembic is a 74, the Walnut is a 75, both shorties.  | ||
| tmoney61092
Advanced Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 386 Registered: 9-2008 |
thanks for the info Todd, do you know how much VC's usually sell for? ~Taylor | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 243 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi Taylor, They are extremely undervalued when one considers that only 225 were built and the quality of the instruments. The price depends on the model (3 types of 4 strings) condition and build. They have not been particularly expensive - the one above (the rosewood one) is available now for $1700 and has several laquer cracks on the back of the neck. I have purchase 5 over the last 2 years and paid between $900 and $1800 - all were passive electronics and 2 pickup models. | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 256 Registered: 7-2008 |
Just added my first 8 string (owned by Jon Siegler and the keyboard player from Blondie) and a six string owned by Gino Marcello of the Good Rats  |
