andydye Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1349599317' post='1828007'] [IMG]http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m496/h4ppyjack/Basses%20CURRENT/Fender%20Precision%201957%20CURRENT/IMG_8202H.jpg[/IMG] I was born on Saturday 29th December 1956, so all the basses made in my "year of birth" had already been made by the time I was born. So I bought an April 1957 Precision as being the closest I could get. As a bonus, as near as I can make out this bass came from the same batch as Bill Black's ... [/quote] That's a thing of great beauty, wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvia Bluejay Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 If I tried to find a Warwick from the mid-60s I'd be doomed to failure, so I won't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Weren't Eko basses made in Florence? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I would love to own a bass of my birth date. So does anyone know where I can pick up a nice [b][i]1951 Precision Bass[/i][/b] on the cheap? I can go up to £250! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockfordStone Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 as a 1984 kid, think id like a Wal bass from that year... i doubt ill be able to afford it tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I'd be hard pushed to find anything from '62 that I'd actually want...no Fenders, Ricks or Gibsons for me I'm afraid... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1349600840' post='1828032'] I'd be hard pushed to find anything from '62 that I'd actually want...no Fenders, Ricks or Gibsons for me I'm afraid... [/quote] Hofner? Gretsch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Not a lot of choice for 1960, and as all the music I play these days requires 5-string basses, nothing I would use. The fist bass I bought - a Burns Sonic - was in production in 1960, but the features on mine, rosewood fingerboard and fully adjustable bridge put it later in the production life - more like 1962. The problem with most of the more interesting instruments from this time period is that production details are almost non-existent and a lot of them are nearly impossible to date with any accuracy. If I could find something with proof that it was made in 1960 I'd consider a Burns Artist Bass, a 2-pickup Mosrite (if that version was in production in 1960) or anything by Wandré. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1349603522' post='1828076'] Not a lot of choice for 1960, and as all the music I play these days requires 5-string basses, nothing I would use. The fist bass I bought - a Burns Sonic - was in production in 1960, but the features on mine, rosewood fingerboard and fully adjustable bridge put it later in the production life - more like 1962. The problem with most of the more interesting instruments from this time period is that production details are almost non-existent and a lot of them are nearly impossible to date with any accuracy. If I could find something with proof that it was made in 1960 I'd consider a Burns Artist Bass, a 2-pickup Mosrite (if that version was in production in 1960) or anything by Wandré. [/quote] My first bass was a Burns Sonic too, but with maple board, I paid £15 for it in 1967, and it was already well and truly used, and the paint on the back was almost completely worn away through buckle rash. At a guess, I would say that it had been around for some time, possibly as early as 1960. I swapped it a couple of years later for some fishing tackle, but really wish I still had it now for sentimental reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvia Bluejay Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1349599775' post='1828018'] Weren't Eko basses made in Florence? [/quote] I remember the name but didn't remember where it was made - Wikipedia helped: [quote] [b]Eko[/b] is an Italian manufacturer of electric guitars, [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel-string_guitar"]acoustic guitars[/url] and similar instruments, catering to professional level and manufacturing largely for export. It is located in [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recanati"]Recanati[/url], [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marche"]Marche[/url]. Their products include [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_guitar"]classical guitars[/url], [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12-string_guitar"]12-string guitars[/url], [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch_top_guitar"]arch top guitars[/url], [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_guitar"]electric guitars[/url] and [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_bass_guitar"]acoustic bass guitars[/url]. Eko guitars gained high popularity during the rock'n'roll craze of 1960s, becoming the largest guitar exporter in Europe. Their electric models were often highly ornamented with pearl, featured 3 or 4 pickups and recognizable "rocker" switches for pickup selection. The acoustic models were popular in country and folk rock bands of the late '60s. The best-known models of '60s include:[list] [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_400_Ekomaster&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko 400 Ekomaster[/url] ([url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Jaguar"]Fender Jaguar[/url] shape with flat-top, [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagstr%C3%B6m"]Hagström[/url]-style control panel), [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_500&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko 500[/url] (Fender Jaguar look-a-like), [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_700&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko 700[/url] (original triple-cutaway design with "hockey stick" head), [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_290&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko 290[/url] (also known as Eko Barracuda, semi-hollow flat-top electric), [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_Rokes&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko Rokes[/url] (rocket-shaped electric, made popular by an Italian pop band of the same name, The Rokes) [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_Kadett&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko Kadett[/url] ('67 original double cutaway with characteristic long "horns") and [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_Ranger&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko Ranger[/url] (the best-selling Eko product, acoustic in 6 and 12-string version). [*][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eko_995&action=edit&redlink=1"]Eko 995[/url] (violin bodied 4 string bass wildly popular in the late 60's) [/list] Eko also produced guitars for Vox in the '60s,in the USA they were distributed through LoDuca brothers of Millwauke Wisconsin. In the UK the instruments were imported by [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rose-Morris,_London&action=edit&redlink=1"]Rose-Morris, London[/url].[/quote] I must admit that I still prefer Warwicks, though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1349604118' post='1828090'] My first bass was a Burns Sonic too, but with maple board, I paid £15 for it in 1967, and it was already well and truly used, and the paint on the back was almost completely worn away through buckle rash. At a guess, I would say that it had been around for some time, possibly as early as 1960. I swapped it a couple of years later for some fishing tackle, but really wish I still had it now for sentimental reasons. [/quote] I've still got mine. [IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/BigRedX/DSC01541-2.jpg[/IMG] As you can see it's hardly in original condition either. The finish had already been stripped when I get it, and the scratch plate had been drilled for two extra controls plus another jack socket, none of which were wired to the rest of the guitar electronics. All the replacements/modifications I've done since have been to keep it in a playable state. I love the sound of both Tri-Sonic pickups on together. Did your's have a fully adjustable bridge or a simple wooden one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Sausage Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='Wooks79' timestamp='1349564912' post='1827875'] I'm hoping one day to have a '79 precision, but I dunno if it's gonna happen. [/quote] I'm 1979 too but i prob want a jazz. However, there are two 1979 P bass's on Ebay they are only £999 and £1275 respectively, you may as well get both [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-FENDER-PRECISION-BASS-GUITAR-BLACK-REFINISH-/390470991687?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item5ae9e27f47#ht_600wt_1111"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-FENDER-PRECISION-BASS-GUITAR-BLACK-REFINISH-/390470991687?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item5ae9e27f47#ht_600wt_1111[/url] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Precision-Bass-USA-1979-/140854397492?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item20cb938a34#ht_726wt_1111"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Precision-Bass-USA-1979-/140854397492?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item20cb938a34#ht_726wt_1111[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1349604549' post='1828099'] I've still got mine. As you can see it's hardly in original condition either. The finish had already been stripped when I get it, and the scratch plate had been drilled for two extra controls plus another jack socket, none of which were wired to the rest of the guitar electronics. All the replacements/modifications I've done since have been to keep it in a playable state. I love the sound of both Tri-Sonic pickups on together. Did your's have a fully adjustable bridge or a simple wooden one? [/quote] Mine was just the standard Sonic model I believe, and I'm sure it had a metal adjustable bridge. But it did sound good at the time, although I suppose it would do, as it was my first ever bass! Here's a picture of me playing it in 1967, the guy at the back was an american over on holiday, who we got to know and I think he is playing an EKO 12 string, if my memory serves me correctly, and I remember that it sounded great. And just look at my [b][i]flower power kipper tie!!! [/i][/b] We were all around 15/16 at the time, and sadly we all went our separate ways, and I never played again until about six years ago at the age of 54. Maybe we should start a thread featuring pictures of our first ever bands? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1349606069' post='1828122'] And just look at my [b][i]flower power kipper tie!!! [/i][/b] [/quote] I'm more impressed with the braces ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1349608615' post='1828156'] I'm more impressed with the braces ... [/quote] You were not meant to notice them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamPodmore Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I had one. A '95 Squier Affinity, but i sold it in bits as it was a pile of sh*t due to it's mistreatment in life. Liam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnozzalee Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='alstocko' timestamp='1349570028' post='1827919'] What was good in '92? Not much. [/quote] '88 Seems like a terrible year too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Sausage Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1349616272' post='1828290'] You were not meant to notice them! [/quote] Braces are back in now pal! Your ahead of your time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerryc Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1349565257' post='1827877'] 1952 = no chance. [/quote] Know the feeling, 1950 = even less chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I recently came back from the states, and i had a few dollars floating around in my pocket. So what do i spend it on? A '57 Precision ? [url="http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-precision-bass-1957-see-through-blonde"]http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-precision-bass-1957-see-through-blonde[/url] Or a '57 Chevy 2 door post ? [url="http://www.myhotcars.com/1957-Chevrolet-2Door/Used-ClassicCar/Livermore-CA/0/2307490/Details.aspx"]http://www.myhotcars.com/1957-Chevrolet-2Door/Used-ClassicCar/Livermore-CA/0/2307490/Details.aspx[/url] But will more than likely go with this. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLESH-AND-THE-SPUR-1957-COWBOY-WESTERN-BOOT-Movie-Poster-POSTCARD-13BMP-/290785943811?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b4316103#ht_838wt_1139"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLESH-AND-THE-SPUR-1957-COWBOY-WESTERN-BOOT-Movie-Poster-POSTCARD-13BMP-/290785943811?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b4316103#ht_838wt_1139[/url] Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alstocko Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='Schnozzalee' timestamp='1349618884' post='1828326'] '88 Seems like a terrible year too [/quote] The bass dark ages Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 [quote name='sshorepunk' timestamp='1349568386' post='1827906'] That is the impression I got when Imspoke to Martin at the Gallery! Pictures of the 65 J are needed at this point! Tony [/quote] Here you go, as you can see, it's been played a little: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshorepunk Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 That's nice, really nice! You should give me a shout should you ever decide to move that on! Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Well, luckily for me '86 is fairly recent so there's plenty out there. A nice Yamaha BB or Ibanez would be nice. Fenders were dreadful in the mid 80's so no thanks, but maybe something like a Squier? One day when I can afford to own more basses than I need to I'll get an '86 something! Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lojo Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 69 so I might be cheaper to buy a 96 and turn it upside down Be nice to own one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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