probonopublico

Wow, that takes me back. I bought one of these in 1977 to replace a Carlesborough 1x18”. I was young and strong and thought nothing of carrying it upstairs. Now I would need oxygen to do that. Best bass sound I had was with this and a Custom Sound amp. Here it is in 1979

The neck was straight when I got it back The truss rod may have been adjusted by the guy who put new strings on it and gave it a minor set up (also a retired music shop owner). Luckily, the guitarist who had it all those years used to own a music shop in the 1970/80's so he knew how to take care of guitars. In fact it was him I bought the P Bass from in 1977. And the guy who set it up sold me the 73 Ricky. Very incestuous in Hull, even the KitKats have 6 fingers.

Yes, I'd forgotten about that, the related 'swappers remorse' and pit of the stomach feeling when you suddenly remember it. It was a 1973 with case and was a joy to play, I bought it second hand from a guy who was in an Eagles tribute band and wanted to be Randy Misner. My first bass was a Hondo copy, Chris Squire was a bass deity then, I suppose he still is. I lost one of the bridge saddles in 1977 and it took 3 months to get a replacement from Rickenbacker so in the meantime I bought a 73 Precision, put round wounds on it and became JJ Bunnel (can you see a pattern here). When I got the replacement bridge I swapped it for the Curlee about two months after. This is the one remaining picture of it from 1976. Behind is a Carlsborough 1x18" which weighed a ton and was eventually replaced by a Peavey 2x15". The picture was sent by the guy on the left who made his way to London, played sax with Joan Retailtrading and then saw sense and took up the bass. He made his money writing for some name acts just before Napster destroyed composing fees.

It's a curious design. It's a straight through neck that finishes at the bridge and I think it helps keep the neck in place. I suppose you could call it an elongated pocket. I've taken the plate off so you can see. The non screw hole at the front goes straight through to the truss rod recess.

uk_lefty is right although he missed out the smell of fish. I'm not too popular round these parts for my views on Hull. Although it did give me the opportunity to appear naked in the Guardian. I once worked in Ilford for 2 years to get away.

Yes, you are right I've been listening to Vampire Weekend too much. and Busted re Elgar - quite the best radio program ever.

There may be a second chapter to this story but it's all still in the air at the moment and you will appreciate that if it doesn't come off I'll end up looking like a bit of a Charlie.

I suspect it still has my sweat on it from 1988, All of the relic was done in the 80's. Same for my 73 P. I didn't really care if they got dings in them days. Playing them now though it's like putting on an old glove. Particularly the P. In my last job I used to say to my manager - I've got a bass older than you, in fact I bought it before you were born.

Yes, we played there for a year. Something happened every other week. One time the pub emptied into the car park. We followed and found that they were confronting two local scroates who were removing car wheels. Magically, the landlord had found a supply of baseball bats and their ford fiesta got a bit of a pounding as it made off. The faux indignation of burglars was a joy to watch.

Yes, you are right. I noticed when I got it back that the bridge is off centre between the two narrow light stripes.

A bit of a saga this one. In 1988 I finished my playing career. I was never going to make it and the residency in a pub on Hessle Rd (Hull reference) where the audience was mainly sex workers, burglars who wanted to fence gear and Norwegian sailors. I thought it’s time to call it a day. I was playing with a guitarist and drum machine and had two basses. A Fender P to play at the pub and another which I left at the guitarist’s house for rehearsals. So, one night in April 1988 (I remember as that famous Yorkshire song Reet Petite had just been re-released) I left a rehearsal never to return. The bass was left with the guitarist. It went out of my mind as I got a proper job and career. Fast forward 33 years and whilst I’ve resumed playing (acoustic guitar – yeah I know) I met up with a friend who knew the guitarist. He’d mentioned the bass and to cut a long story short I rang the guitarist (who at 75 does lighting and PA’s) and arranged to collect it. It’s been untouched apart from moving 6 times with him. His missus kept on nagging him “when are you going to give that bass back? Why does it move with us every 6 years?” It’s moved from Hull to Lincolnshire to Sheffield. I was in my 20’s last time I saw it. I acquired it new in 1979 by swapping a jetglow 4001. I’m now 63. He put a new set of strings on it and had it set up. As you can see it needs a bit of cleaning (where there's brass there's muck) and some screws are missing. It may be me getting old but it weighs a ton, much more than my Fenders or Rick. Still sounds good. I’ll post when I’ve got it back to it’s former glory.

Thank you gentlemen, there looks to be some hope. The Netherlands looks interesting, I could go out and pick it up. Being a second hand instrument I suspect there will still be the import nightmare and documentation. I can get to the Netherlands quite easily and cheaply

Thanks for that Pete, yes very nice. This is torture, with every performance the urge gets stronger. Even if I find one, I then have to go head to head with the wife. And not in a good way.

Thanks Marc, I am impressed with them. I had a 3/4 size and it wasn't much smaller than a full size and a pain to transport. So when it fell over and the neck came off I got rid and didn't replace it. Although, playing with an early music band a fretless doesn't look the part. I went on the site and although they have dealers everywhere none have it on their on line inventory. I've mailed the makers in USA and will let you know how I get on. Do they come with a pickup>

Brilliant, it is many thanks petebassist. I just need to find somewhere to get one in the UK.

I want one. You can see it on this PMJ video (get your eyes off Morgan):

That James Martin from Coldplay. His recipes are rubbish as well. And Coldplay are pants with or without him. I'd rather listen to Wigfield - more talent.

I stopped playing in 1988 for 27 years. I started again but refreshed all my gear. Today after clearing out the loft hatches I rediscovered this. I mostly play 8 and 6 strings now and have a small bass combo. Not surprisingly (and disappointingly, the rig doesn't sound so good. I'm not sure if it's the cab (a Peavey 15" black widow) or the amp. I've nothing else to try then through. I've taken a shot of the front, rear and a clip of the sound. I thought it may be the valves but before I get some and get rid does anyone have any ideas? Trim.mp4

I must agree with you there. Very few know them anyway. It's a loss but even if I like their music I'm not moved to grief. If they're old then they have probably lived the worth of 10 of our lives so good luck to them. Just think if the first words you hear when your born are "It's a boy Mrs Kilmister"