ash

[quote name='Big_Stu' post='1201827' date='Apr 16 2011, 02:13 PM']Yes, to the best of my knowledge - and only SGs, or odds & sods. Also JayDee SGs too TBH I did refer some guitars that I saw on the 'net or in shops to him on the understanding that he's send me a mount/frame for my JB Magnum pickup; it never transpired so I've not bothered telling him of the last three SGs I saw. John Birch J1s turn up on Ebay quite often, kinda like a twin cutaway Les Paul (John told me that's where he got the idea from, at the time he built his first Les Pauls were ten-a-penny, so he hacked one to see how it looked & played - and liked it). They're very nice instruments, lighter than a LP, very wide range of tones - often with built in effects. Dave (H) Hill had a few, usually with a treble-booster.[/quote] Ok as promised here's the JB that I bought recently, it's superb to play very light and has some great sounds courtesy of the incredibly complex (and confusing to me so far) switching system. There is a master volume, tone and volume for each pickup a three way toggle switch and a three position pot - in the third position this knocks off the neck pickup. The pickup volume and tone pots appear to be double pots (like in a radio) and seem to have a cancelling effect on the tone when in the centre spot....if that makes sense. I'm used to Gibson Grabbers so forgive me! If anyone can explain I have included a pic with the back scratchplate off...... [attachment=77643:John_Birch_4000.JPG] [attachment=77644:Neck_joint.JPG] [attachment=77645:Under_the_hood.JPG]

[quote name='daz' post='1186703' date='Apr 3 2011, 01:25 PM']The John Birch bass, on ebay (seen below. Go to ebay link for detailed pics) thats a beauty. If i can derail this thread for one post (if thats ok with the Mods ?) and put this info re:[b] John Birch[/b] in this post. In case anyone does not know of whom we speak. [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Birch_(luthier)"] Here is John Birch's Wiki page [/url]its an interesting read. A left handed John Birch Ric copy circa 1975 The info on this left hooker is a page long. so anyone wishing to read up on this bass can go [url="http://www.zimbio.com/Guitars/articles/4xeoFH-FzKn/1975+John+Birch+Left+Handed+Rickenbacker+Bass"]here. [/url] John Birch famous [b]Super Yob II [/b]made for Dave Hill of slade (Below) A John Birch EB3 styled bass made in about 1976 for Jim Lea of Slade. This was made because the original Gibson EB3 that Jim Lea was using was stolen from John Birch's workshop. ([url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showuser=9089"]Big_Stu [/url] knows much more about this John Birch stuff than i do. He knows the members of Slade and I belive he knew John Birch ) (EB3 style photos By John Diggins (Jaydee)) And lastly a pic and a few paragraphs on another John Birch Ric copy [url="http://kevmoore.wordpress.com/2008/04/05/first-bass-no2-beg-steal-or-borrow-but-never-sell-your-basses/"]here.[/url] More John birch Slade guitars [url="http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/pages/gear.htm"]here.[/url][/quote] I bought the John Birch above from Ebay and contacted John Carling at John Birch guitars - a very nice chap by the way - the seller - a very helpful gent - had owned it for 33 years and the finish is original, John told me that the knobs are original too, I removed the stickers and they are similar to Ric knobs with a silver cap. The bass has a serial number under the back plate. It weighs around 8.5lbs and plays like a dream straight out of the box. I agree with Jon that the build quality is sublime and playability to my tastes is superior to any Rick or Faker I've ever played (I've had quite a few of both). So yes I'm very pleased with it!