GB Spitfire 5 - SOLD! £1350 Lowestoft

[carlsim 55]

I'm putting up for sale this gorgeous GB Spitfire 5 String. I picked this up in a trade recently as I didn't get on with my 35" scale Lakland and it confirms it for me, I have been playing 34" scale for such a long time that I find the transition uncomfortable and therefore I won't play it. Not only that, for some reason I seem to have entered a real vintage phase... who knows where that will take me.

From what I understand, this has some history on Basschat. The person i got it from got it from here so I know it has had at least 2 previous owners on here. It does have a few knocks and dinks but Pete who owned it before me, sent it to Bernie and had the neck completely refinished, the electronics serviced and updated plus a general overhaul. I believe he spent just over the £300 having this done.

So, the neck is immaculate. Pretty much as new. The body does have some dinks and marks and I have tried to photograph them, but to be honest with the natural, lacquered finish they certainly aren't obvious. It's a great player and an amazingly built bass. Top sound capabilities, very versatile and like many basses of this ilk, modern sounding. Having said that, I did manage a cracking precision type sound the other day.

Typical GB build with Bernie's electronics and pickups. It has the battery indicator which is really useful. Quilted maple top, the birds eye on the neck and fingerboard is absolutely gorgeous and with the refinish, it really looks special. If I was keeping it I would look at having the body refinished... it would look like new and I had quotes between 200-300£ to have this done. At this point it would be worth a lot more in my eyes. Priced on Bernie's website, it would, in Pete's words, "be the thick end of 3 grand" so feel free to have a look on his website.

Feel free to ask any questions and I will answer them as best as I can. I haven't owned it long and a P bass is on it's way to me soon so it does have to go - damn GAS! Case wise, I don't have the official case but currently it is in my GruvGear Sliver gig bag. A deal could be arranged to include that (it is a pricey bag), you could post an empty case or I can try and find something locally to send it in. Postage should be around £30 fully insured. I'm happy to consider trades (34" basses please) and have no real idea what I would consider so feel free to throw ideas at me. I would definitely consider something funky colour wise (no Jazz basses though - I have a Sei which covers that) although something with a P or Jazz pup at the neck with a MM at the bridge could be good. I do love a Stingray... 4 or 5 string... who knows! Obviously a cash sale is also great! I would also be up for a partial trade with cash as well... 

Edited June 11 by carlsim
Price drop

[carlsim 55]

Any interest? - really looking for a trade - SR5 possibly with some cash or something interesting 34" scale of similar nature and value...

[carlsim 55]

Some interest but nothing so this is very much available. A few questions I should have included in the description:

Weight - a smidge over 9lb (this was calculated using bathroom scales so not 100% accurate) - it feels very similar to my Sei Jazz which is a shade under 9lb...

I have included pics of the bridge spacing - 19mm and some enquired about pickup size so I have added those pics as well.

Cheers!

[andybassdoyle 150]

Surprised this is still here Carl. It's a stunning neck and bernies basses are simply quality in every department. 

Tough times for everyone right now I guess. 

Have a bump from me 

Edited May 15 by andybassdoyle

[carlsim 55]

Cheers mate - it's a great bass and a pain that I'm not getting on with it. 

To be honest, if it doesn't sell I will give it more of a trial when gigs start back again... you never know!

How's all with you in Norwich? Keeping yourself entertained?

[andybassdoyle 150]

Norwich remains an entertainment mecca despite lockdown!

[davebass66 16]

Ah this used to be mine many moons ago! Lovely bass 😍 and great to play. 

Hope it find another good home 

[carlsim 55]

To be honest if it doesn't go to a good home it will stay with me! Every time I look at the as I think ... " Is it the right thing?" 

Time will tell!! Glad it served you well!

6 hours ago, davebass66 said:

Ah this used to be mine many moons ago! Lovely bass 😍 and great to play. 

Hope it find another good home 

 

[bubinga5 1,014]

Im surprised this has not gone.. Deal with Carl with total confidence. I miss the Sei dude.

[carlsim 55]

Ha! It's the one thing I won't let go of now... I love that bass. So versatile, so playable. 

The GB is definitely on the same par, perhaps a bit more hifi... It's just the 35 scale I don't get on with...

How are you mate? Still got your GB?

 

[bubinga5 1,014]

Yeah all good. I dont have that instrument any more. I loved the spitfire but a Lakland 5594 outclasses it in many ways. Would love to see the P bass that you have acquired .?

[carlsim 55]

I was after a YOB '76 Precision... But had to settle for a US made Highway 1... Saying that, it sounds like a P, plays like a P and with work minor work, will look like a mid 70s P!

I gonna try and vintage up the maple on the neck with some amber tinted lacquer... No idea how that will turn out!

[carlsim 55]

Price.drop bump!

 

[carlsim 55]

I have seen something I would like so would accept £1200 plus delivery...

[4000 1,177]

Wow, fantastic price. Bargain!

[carlsim 55]

It is... Seems a shame to let it go so cheap but needs must! Plus I think the current climate doesn't help.

It was for sale in the Bass Gallery a while ago for £1500 so it is a bargain! 😜

[4000 1,177]

I have a feeling I may have played it when It was there. 

[carlsim 55]

Can't tempt you???

[visog 327]

I've got one of these and they're great! Ridiculous playability and electronics. All down to you! GLWTS.

[bubinga5 1,014]

Dont let this GB go for that Carl. Jeez. !!

[carlsim 55]

I am considering my options I must admit...

I really want a funky solid colour though... Surf green or lake placid blue... Would it be sacrilegious to repaint this??

[greenolive 95]

It’s a great looking bass for sure , I personally think it’ll look cool in surf green with the Birdseye neck & no pick guard.

GLWTS or Refinishing job 👍

[carlsim 55]

I must admit, surf green does really appeal. I have seen surf green and a tort scratch plate which looks great. 

It's such a risk though, with such a pricey instrument. I might have to get creative on Photoshop to visualise it!

[greenolive 95]

Yes , def a few mock-ups to be sure! I still think sans pick guard for the win!

[carlsim 55]

Someone requested some sound samples - 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rzs7pezlhrtjs88/AADZKl75j9x0m2KEPdHAHro8a?dl=0

Please excuse f*** ups and sloppiness... no gigs and very little practice for 10 weeks takes its toll!