The Bass Doc

No scale drawings I'm afraid but there's some good info available from guys called Fly guitars in the States - just Google it - the pictures have been useful for my project. Try not to get too bogged down with scale detail because the more you study the different styles of the EB3 range the more you will realise Gibson themselves were pretty approximate with things like scratchplate shapes, pickup positions and control spacings. If I can be of use in any way concerning the sort of advice that comes from my 'trial and error' experience I would be glad to help (maybe by P M if we think we might bore the backside off forum members)

I didn't realise you were 'router experienced' - in that case go right ahead and maybe publish the progress on here. I'm in the process of converting a 'dog' of a 1965 EBO to EB3 specs - the scratchplate and backplate are easily made if you have a scroll saw. Good luck!

I would definitely go with a recognised guitar repairman - a router in inexperienced hands can be lethal, not just a danger to you but one slip and you could end up with a Mi.. Wa... instead of a Mike Watt's

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='436995' date='Mar 17 2009, 10:41 AM']Nice piece of history there, Doc. I assume you still have the bass?[/quote] The bass in the picture was already in Leo's workshop - the one I owned at the time was a 78 Sunburst Stingray and I got his autograph on the owners manual - still have it. Unfortunately sometime after the visit I fell on hard times and had to sell the bass to a friend but on the basis I could have first option back. When he later got in touch it was to say the bass had been stolen - I'll always regret parting with it as it was my 'ticket' to meeting Leo having won the competion by buying the bass in the first place. In the 'not many people know this' category the first batch of Stingrays were issued with tapewound strings

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='436727' date='Mar 16 2009, 10:32 PM']May I say you looked like a young Kevin Spacey.[/quote] I now look like Kevin Spacey's grandad

The correct answer is Vox Symphonic 1962. I realise that most of you knew that but were too busy having fun with some offbeat comments so I have decided everybody gets the prize which is the attached copy of a photograph entitled "When Leo met Howie" [attachment=22161:IMG_0002.jpg] This was taken in June 1979 - that's me when I had something resembling a hairline and a waistline - all gawn now. And in case you're wondering, yes I did get his autograph (it looks a lot like the headstock logo) but that cannot be part of the prize.

I'm not sure it's a lady - look for the hidden message - 'L is a mann'......

Arsenal 3 (Oh I forgot it's my competion)

Heres an example of an invisible neck repair - well I say 'invisible' but if you hold it it up in a certain light and use a magnifying glass you can just make out a hairline crack. A prize may be awarded to the person who correctly identifies the make and approximate year of the neck. [attachment=21872:DCFC0424.JPG]

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='431307' date='Mar 11 2009, 10:16 AM']I wonder what the neck joint is like? See you a-rind.[/quote] Good point WoT, never been one to mince your words have you?

When discussing the amount of meat on a fingerboard it sugests that it may have been butchered. A stroll down to see those chaps at Smithfield Market would be adviseable as they may be able to supply a particularly close-grained piece of steak to use as a replacement fingerboard. The only other option I can think of is perhaps a cut of pork but this should only be considered if you wish to achieve a sound similar to say Stu Hamm or Tony Bacon. And remember - keep practising those chops. (coat at the ready)

To Marcus, I see I made it into your chart at No 6 - if only your tea had been ready earlier I'd have been saved the embarassment of saying 'Ta very much'. You're right to mention the connection between myself and Donald 'Duck' Dunn as I overheard someone recently say I was a Mickey Mouse bass player. Anyway you're no mean performer yourself - next time we get together you must demonstrate your thumbing and pull-off technique and, if we've got time, you could also show me your particular style of playing the bass. I normally end missives of this type with kisses on the bottom but perhaps I'll save it till we meet again in the flesh Cheers pal

Congrats to Messrs. Tyne and Hunt on organising a splendid afternoon. The event was well named as apparently residents in the neighbouring houses were ready to bash the living daylights out of any bass player who stepped outside unaccompanied. Here's to the next one....

[quote name='wmsheep' post='422531' date='Mar 1 2009, 06:32 PM']Doesnt the "Webright" stamp on the neck pertain to early/mid 70`s necks?[/quote] Yes but the odd thing about that is 70s necks would have a 'cambered' fingerboard as opposed to slab. Also the shot of the back of the headstock proves it's never been fitted with anything other than reverse Klusons - the later 'fan shaped' heads only line up with 3 out of the 4 holes so it would show a fifth hole for each head. I'm begining to think it's a repro neck with a fake (oooh sorry Erik) pencilled date. Be careful about showing any interest in his sister - could be fake i.e. a bloke dressed up

[quote It's the morrow! [/quote] Sshhh... Warwickhunt thinks it's 1st April

Neck could still be real, pegs definitely re-issue - worm and cogs too 'busy'-originals are more 'spare' in that department (does that make sense?). Truss rod adjust nut replaced with hex - hopefully with correct thread. Re-fin would explain the strange laquer behaviour. This guy has some cheek to say he 'no sell fakes'. You know what? if he told me he was a liar, I wouldn't believe him.

[quote Are the filled in screw holes on the neck normal? [/quote] Nope -that's where they've filled in the holes that lined up with the original 60s body and made new ones to suit what I think is a much later one. I'm pretty sure the neck is an original although most likely re-finned at some time. The rest of it - Naaah

Good job Phil Lynott (Gawd rest 'im) wasn't around to hear that - there is NO playing style that should be outlawed - otherwise we would not have had the innovating talents of so many pros who have different ways of playing to get 'their' sound

I know this model fairly well and confirm the pickups will have a reasonably healthy output for passive performance. If you can carry out the work yourself - fine, but if you need any help and can make it to Newcastle I could do the necessary for a small fee

Some good spots there guys - there's one that does it for me though - the bridge pickup is back nearer the bridge in the style of 70s Jazzes. I've had enough Pre-CBS examples through my hands over the years to know that pickup should be closer to the edge of the control plate - something they get right on most repros!

70s Ibanez Roadsters/ Blazers can perform bloody annoyingly well against the real thing

Oh, how could I forget?.........who?

I shall phone Yanna Marrigan int marnin and see if he fancies it - there might be a ferry from Holland to enable him to arrive in time

[quote name='Eight' date='Feb 24 2009, 06:57 PM' post='418647'] Is that being too cheeky of me though? Its like ringing and asking them to work their day off. Or trying to slip through usual appointment/shop processes. Yes that is being cheeky and you shall be rewarded for your cheek - I'll be happy to carry out a set-up unless Dave Wilson beats me to it. It would help to know what bass you have so that I can carry the right tools. I guess if you've bought it from HarryPotter it may be a Quidditch J-type fitted with Hogwart Super Slinkys? My usual rate will apply even though it will be a Sunday - the exception would be that it would be free if you were female and bore a striking resemblance to Elle McPherson. If however the resemblance was to Jodie Marsh I wouldn't touch it (apparently Ms. Marsh has many bruises on her body where men have indeed touched her with a 10 foot bargepole) See you Sunday