three

these are incredibly simple and straightforward - no noticeable latency and no negative impact on tone. Gigged one last week and was very impressed

Just wow! That top is amazing. Have to wonder where Alembic get it from (though one does pay for it!)

Love Chris' work and the colour on this is wonderful!

Wow, really don't see many of these around - looks to be in fantastic condition too. Where are you based? Most of these seem to be in the north west

I've owned a good number of Celinders - beautiful instruments all - £2k is a very good price IMO (especially in the current climate!)

Thanks both for your help - I don't think the problem is connected with the original re-fin as it didn't arise until recently - the bass was fine for about 30 years. There could be a connection with the re-foam - maybe the new foam is having a reaction? I'm not sure about this as the bloom occurs with the bass in a different case, Also, there doesn't appeR to be damage to the finish - the bass still has a vibrant shine when the bloom is washed away (though I'm not keen on using hot soapy water to clean a bass!) I think
I'll clean it this week then leave it out of a case to check if the bloom appears. If it's some form of component gassing, the air circulation should prevent or reduce blooming. It's a bit of an odd issue - a shame too, the finish is really lovely! Thanks again, much appreciated and further ideas welcome!

Hi all,

I'm hoping that somebody with technical expertise (or serious creative talent) can help here.

I have a Gibson Ripper, massively customised and re-finished 35 years ago by the inestimable Ted Lee (the man responsible for Phil Manzanera's red Firebird amongst many other magical finishes). In recent years, I've noticed that the finish develops quite a heavy, dull, powdery and slightly sticky bloom or film over almost all of the instrument when stored it's case. The latter is a heavy, aluminium flight case and was re-foamed around 5 years ago. I've tried the bass in other cases and the same issue occurs. The only way to remove the bloom/film is with hot soapy water - not ideal. It is impervious to standard polish and guitar cleaners. I've read of bass electronics (pickups, active circuits) and even ageing metal parts 'gassing' (I.e., emitting fumes) and causing problems with finishes, imparting a dull film. The tuning pegs are a little tarnished but are the originals. The finish itself does not appear to be damaged in any way - it remains beautifully rich, vibrant and clear under the film. This bloom is a real shame - it makes the finish look matte rather than gloss - the bass is beautiful (please see images) and the finishing work is amongst the best I've ever seen. Any ideas as to cause and remedy gratefully received - it may be that the bass needs to live outside it's case, or that some components need change, or just a feature of an ageing paint job. Thanks in advance - I know we have many experts in the community

Still some of the best carving I've seen! Incidentally, some brilliant images of Stump at a recent exhibition in Birmingham (backstage at Burberries)

Looks lovely! Might be worth adding your location

Is the original pre available? The East is probably one my least favourites (though I know many adore them, I've had plenty and got rid). An astounding looking bass at a great price

Sounds like 'B' width then - my prefrerence (if not 'A')

What's the weight of this - I had an absolutely gorgeous '76 in natural but it was unbearably heavy?

I just cleaned and oiled the board, and re-strung mine today - what an absolutely beautiful instrument. I had a really good look at how these are put together and the craftspersonship is spectacular - every inch of the bass has received extremely detailed attention in the build process. Somebody will be delighted with this.

Sounds glorious in the video

My 'go to' bass - beyond fun (but a professional instrument of the highest quality). Do I need two...?

HI, I can probably get you some images later in the week - I can also measure and possibly trace, depending upon what you need.

Such a beautiful bass. However, and without becoming too Lacanian, I suspect that recent events in the UK have implied even greater distance between desire and fulfilment - certainly the case for me

Absolutely beautiful, the necks on these are just fantastic - I wish I had the money

Excellent taste in basses, more questionable with respect to lager. Both of these basses sounded immense at the Etihad (at least from where I was), though clearly with some processing. I'd concur - I'd say pretty clean and unmolested Fenders from around '73 to mid '76.

Amazed this is still around - these usually sell for £600 and up (mine went for considerably more). Given exchange rates, that anybody in Europe should be haggling sounds almost exploitative. A beautifully built, ultra hi-fi, versatile, articulate and muscular amp. I have no need for this but consider it to be Basschat's biggest bargain

Ah...I looked it up and it's a known problem on mkIV and V amps. ECI is 'earth continuity indicator'. There's a short thread from 2009 - I can't post a link but if you search 'ECI error warning on Trace Elliot GP11 Mk' it should appear. Looks like a tech fix but not a very big deal

Apologies if this is a daft question, but what is the ECI light?

Cheapest I've ever seen one of these - absolute bargain!

apologies, I didn't see the refin detail!

This could be Morocco Red from the Fender a International colour series. There's some debate re: commencement dates, but I've seen Internationals advertised from '79 onwards - one of our Fender experts might be able to help? The International colours are wonderful IMO, especially Capri Orange (but if the advertised bass is Morocco, it looks lovely)