Burns-bass

Looks like a beautiful bass, congratulations. I don’t really get the whole YOB thing, but these early 70s basses can be great instruments (well done for being born in a good year!)

Don’t deface a book! I’ve had s few books like that, always thought it was weird. I can see tab may be a distraction but if you’re properly reading it shouldn’t affect that. It never doesn’t for me anyway...

I was bored and on the Rotosound site it says that he bought it in 1960.

Not this old chestnut. My dad reckons he goal he scored in the local cup final when he was 16 was better than David Platt’s Italia 90 volley and probably only bettered by Gareth Bail’s overhead kick. I’m sure it’s nonsense, but it’s harmless enough...

I guess you have to weigh up risk and reward. A £500k guitar will need provenance, a £2500 early Fender Jazz could be purchased on eBay, with the new owner knowing nothing of its history. Bash out enough of those, and you can get away with it for years. The modular nature of Fender guitars make that a lot easier. You can base an entire fake on a couple of original bits. Personally, after having spent years buying, selling and loving vintage guitars they don't really do anything for me anymore. And, I'm sure this isn't the case on BC, but I've never met a vintage guitar dealer that can actually play. In some cases at all.

That's a really good point, and something I have experienced too.

Seems quite high. When Martin Penning shaped mine and fitting adjusters I think that was £250. And the top of my bass is pretty deformed so it certainly wasn't a simple job.

To avoid bringing basschat into disrepute this is the Musicground issue I was referring to. http://www.davidjpym.com/page459.html

Yep, I’ve heard that too! I’ve seen some amazing, investment grade guitars coming up for sale recently and the question is always: “why now?” We all love the story of a 62 jazz or 56 strat hidden under the bed for 60 odd years but the chances are so infinitessimly small, and in an age of information highly unlikely too. Anyone whose seen the stuff at Musicground knows how these things can be faked as well. Anyway, given the contribution of Fender to the US economy and culturally I’d suggest an artefact like this deserves to be in a museum!

Sound analysis, but a prototype (which didn’t go into production) is - in some cases - less valuable than the iconic basses for sale. Personally Rick I’d take a mint example (like you own) than a prototype. Any asset for investment is speculative, and this one is pretty high on that level. As are those Les Paul’s. I mean £500k for a mass produced instrument seems bonkers... (I appreciate they’re scarce, but even so it’s illustrative of a bit of hysteria in the market). If you’re investing in something then be prepared for it to go down as well as up...

Depending on where you live it may be worth more than your house!

We had this about 15 times playing in provincial Manchester pubs. All the requests were polite, so when we were picking down our PA guy stuck on the first album at ear splitting levels. It went down substantially better than our bloated prog rock!

This one has been doing the rounds for quite a while. I remember seeing it on eBay almost 20 years ago! (Was a lot cheaper then). Guess it's just a curio really.

I've had a few of these and they were available for sale new in music shops in the late 90s (when I started playing). The Fender serial number site isn't correct. You have to ask why they would bother reissuing a 10 year old guitar in 1986 anyway! I've had loads of quirky Fender guitars and basses, and the logic you assume would be there isn't.

Thanks for posting. I was aware of this which is why all my recent deals have been in person. I had a heads up from a friend too who worked as a courier, but didn’t post anything. Increasingly, the only way to deal safely is in person. Earlier this week I had someone drive all the way from Cumbria to Bristol to pick up a guitar!

I can tell you which bass sounds the best... (The Chowny!). Found out you guys use Sico Simon for your bass set ups. No wonder they all play well, that guy is a legend and an incredible workman.

That’s a great way to look at it. if Scott’s courses inspire you to pick up the bass, then they’re doing the right thing!

The videos look good (the ones I’ve seen). As someone who was a teacher before, results are all about the effort you put in. It’s a platitude, but it’s absolutely true. You can’t get the most out of these things until you’re doing one or two hours of solid, focused practice every day at least. And simply watching a video once isn’t enough to internalise a concept. The only slight gripe I have with the courses promoted by some bigger agencies and organisations is that they sell a dream that doesn’t exist. There are few studio jobs anymore, and there are a whole host of name session players already on the books. Touring musicians aren’t as in demand either so we’re churning out more and more pro-level players with few opportunities for them to make a living. It’s not Scott’s fault and this isn’t a criticism levelled at him as his courses are targeted at players of all ages and abilities, but apart from the odd success story I’ve met lots of incredible musicians that haven’t found a route into the industry and we’re training hundreds more. Anyway, a lesson with a pro player in Bristol where I am is £35. That’s money well spent. If you’re in the sticks or haven’t got a great teacher nearby, then I think this is a worthwhile substitute. But the first opportunity you get head out and play with others, because we really don’t need any more bedroom virtuosos who can’t hold down a groove.

In a private sale, I'd suggest between £2,500 - £3,000 for a refin. If it's a slab-board, then a little more than that. From a dealer, you could be paying substantially more.

Ed Friedlands walking baselines is a good start!