electra Bass

[daz]

I was watching the Old Grey Whistle Test, dvd boxset last night. One of the bands was[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argent_(band)"] Argent[/url], who performed the famous "God gave rock and roll" track in 1973 (this was the original, before Kiss carbon copied it. It was written by the singer from Argent's brother. I'll bet he's made a few bob from it over the years?) . The guitarist had an electra guitar, which holes in it. Like the one pictured below on the left, ....Or at least i thought he did untill I saw the two pics side by side. the original with Russ Ballard on the right appreas to have [i][size=4]a Fender neck [/size][/i]? Can anyone shed any light on this ? I have just re looked at the DVD and indeed the one Russ Ballard uses appears to have a Telecaster neck ? Can anyone shed any light onto this little puzzle. Was it a mutant Fender /Electra ? Or was it a lobotomized Fender with a Telecaster neck and holes made in the body of a Fender? The horns certainly do not match, do they ?



The guitar was of great amusement of the comentators Mark Ellen and David Hepworth on the additional extras commentary track. "its a piece of cheese with holes in. Ho Ho" etc etc. The guitar above in yellow, was not surprisingly nicknamed 'the cheese'.

I have just now seen its twin brother, in bass format. The [b]Royal Electra Bass[/b]. Here is a pic. II would still love to know about this bass, even if it wasnt the brother of one that the guy from Arbent used, as it just looks so mad. Maybe that was a reason he possibly had it copied to a Fender ??Maybe he loved the style, but tried one and didnt like the tone, or just couldnt get on with it.



I was wondering if anyone can tell us more about it and has anyone used or ever own one ?
more pics of bass [url="http://www.kevinchilcott-luthier.co.uk/private/electra-bass.htm"]here.[/url]

Edited October 14, 2011 by daz

[RhysP]

"God Gave Rock & Roll To You" was written by Russ Ballard, who was the singer/guitarist for Argent, not his brother!

His guitar with the holes in is a heavily customised Fender Strat with a Tele neck, not an Electra, Royal or whatever.

Edited October 14, 2011 by RhysP

[EdwardHimself]

Sorry I can't be of any assistance on this topic but I personally love that swiss cheese look!

[Gust0o]

No idea on this one; not a sausage. In terms of the "Swiss cheese" look, I remember a few BC Riches going down the same route.

[Guest]

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1318670879' post='1404937']
No idea on this one; not a sausage. In terms of the "Swiss cheese" look, I remember a few BC Riches going down the same route.
[/quote]

Yeah, when people got fed up of the neck dive, having to lug round awkward cases and chipping the horns, they got out the power drill I reckon

[Lorne]

I've played that Royal Electra bass a few times, many years ago when it was in SWAG in Plymouth, played great, wish I'd bought it now.

The Royal Electras appeared around the same time as the B.C.Rich Black Hole guitars, which were basically ST III's with holes drilled them, One of the BCR designers said they never saw the Royals and Kevin (Mr Royal) said he never saw the BCR's , so great minds think alike

[RhysP]

[quote name='Lorne' timestamp='1318725810' post='1405668']
One of the BCR designers said they never saw the Royals and Kevin (Mr Royal) said he never saw the BCR's , so great minds think alike.
[/quote]
I bet they both saw Russ Ballards Holey Strat though.

[daz]

Talking of Rod Argent. The band he was in prior to Argent, was [b]The Zombies[/b]. (they had a big hit with [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She%27s_Not_There"]She's not there[/url]) They are touring soon, and fortunately for me one of the places they are playing at is in Wrexham, not far from me, On 17th November. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/158065-duff-mckagen-touring/"]see here [/url] if you are interested.

I wonder if he will have [i]that [/i]guitar with him?

Edited October 17, 2011 by daz

[lemmywinks]

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1318856669' post='1406918']
Talking of Rod Argent. The band he was in prior to Argent, was [b]The Zombies[/b]. (they had a big hit with [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She%27s_Not_There"]She's not there[/url]) They are touring soon, and fortunately for me one of the places they are playing at is in Wrexham, not far from me, On 17th November. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/158065-duff-mckagen-touring/"]see here [/url]if you are interested.

I wonder if he will have [i]that [/i]guitar with him?
[/quote]


They also did the rather excellent "Time of the Season" which is well worth a listen. In fact the whole Odyessy & Oracle album is pretty good.

[RhysP]

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1318856669' post='1406918']
I wonder if he will have [i]that [/i]guitar with him?
[/quote]
No he won't, as Russ Ballard is nothing to do with The Zombies.
Their singer is the rather fantastic Mr. Colin Blunstone.

[Cosmo Valdemar]

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1318601704' post='1404229']I was watching the Old Grey Whistle Test, dvd boxset last night. One of the bands was[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argent_(band)"] Argent[/url], who performed the famous "God gave rock and roll" track in 1973 (this was the original, before Kiss carbon copied it. It was written by the singer from Argent's brother. I'll bet he's made a few bob from it over the years?) ][/quote]

Kiss didn't 'carbon copy' it - they covered it, slightly rearranging the music and considerably changing the lyrics - dropping the bits about loving Cliff Richard.

[yorick]

The pink holey Royal Electra was made for Pepsi Tate of Tigertailz. I think they had an endorsement, as the guitarist used the guitar version. Very nice quality instruments, very reminiscent of Jackson/Kramer.