The Bass Doc

I've carried out this operation on a few occasions - it's not a job I would recommend to anyone inexperienced. The 57 style heads are well obtainable but the fitting should really be left to a luthier (or an experienced amateur like me!)

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='808192' date='Apr 16 2010, 11:11 AM']What's been said already... playing right over the neck is vital, IMO. Something to left-field for you all to chew on, though - the Bass Doc once told me one of the best ways to get an URBish tone is to solo the bridge pickup(!), crank the volume and play over the neck. Of course, I assumed him to be mad.. until I heard him do it. By jove, he was right.[/quote] You omitted to mention rolling off of the tone on the bass whilst leaving the amp settings quite trebly. As for my mental state, I should point out that I'm schizophrenic - and we're both mad.

It's a dot neck so I reckon that makes it an early 4001, not a 4003. You see you have know these details to be an excerpt like me.

80mm x 43mm.

[quote name='nollaig' post='806036' date='Apr 14 2010, 01:45 PM']I'm in the process of having an antique camel(!) bone nut fitted to my OLP MM2.[/quote] You might find there's a bit of a hump in the midrange.

[quote name='Doctor J' post='804854' date='Apr 13 2010, 01:35 PM']I thought it was so the bridge pickup would finally reside under the bridge pickup cover, whereas it sticks out with the 60's positioning. The pickup is closer to the bridge too, so not sure if it's a simple re-alignment.[/quote] I have an original 1962 Jazz and the cover does indeed hide the pickup. As indicated above, both the pickup and bridge moved back so the same spacing applied in relation to the pickup being covered.

Legend has it that CBS simply got their jig in the wrong place in the 70's and both the pickup and the bridge took a backward step - hence the need for a longer length bridge screw for the G string.

I believe 'B' because I believe I've seen a picture of him with a test bed 'skeleton' where he slides a plugged-in pickup to whatever position seems right.

The tonal characteristics will certainly be determined by the speakers you link it to. It will be equally capable of warm vintage sounds and 'up front' slap response with the selected cab(s) dictating the final outcome.

GK 1001 RB II can be made available to try if required - next gig not till 25th April. H.

Tried using a credit card but it was refused.

The earth wire from the cavity should re-appear under the bridge - maybe corroded away judging by the state of the bridge?

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='798539' date='Apr 7 2010, 11:37 AM']If any of you have Burman stories, particularly involving Gregg that he might not remember, feel free to share too.[/quote] As a frequent visitor to Gregg's place I may know too much. Not particularly gear related, but he could be asked about the time he experimented going without sleep at night. His lovely (and long-suffering) wife Margaret may not remember that period with any fondness.

[quote name='bumnote' post='798523' date='Apr 7 2010, 11:26 AM']what about some of leos pens?[/quote] Ssshhh.....I've already got 'em.

That's fascinating CK. We can't ask Bumper Brown for any info 'cos he died a while ago. If that cabinet still exists, it is likely to be occupied by a family of illegal immigrants somewhere in Newcastle's West End.

Quite right Beedster. For the asking (starting!) price I would want original finish, original frets, case candy and possibly a couple of Leo's original screwdrivers to be included.

I'd like a closer pic of the control plate to see if the 3 screw holes are shaped to accept pan head screws or countersunk - if the latter, it's a replacement. One alteration that would be amenable is the price, in a downward direction.

I reckon the '93 stamp is by the guy who did the re-fin/re-fret in that year. Everything else seems 'in order' but I would need to have it in my mits to verify further. Bridge certainly looks a bit too clean.

Bridge and machines - no problem, cheapies in abundance. Truss rod tweak? Can be done 'on board' but crucial to use the right allen key. Replacement t/r nuts again readily available. H.

If I turned up at a gig with that, I'd be as welcome as a 'tits out' chant at a nun's funeral.

I once had a fellow bass player tell me the bass sounded great when listened to in the toilets. So I invited all of the audience to go there for enhanced enjoyment.

And I think you know where to come for cheapie parts. H.

The neck has most likely been heavily re-finned as the decal is not period correct - it should have some design/patent nos. under the main wording. Clay dots can look whiteish in very bright light which is what is present in the pics. The chrome covers are likely more modern replacements. In particular the one over the pickup is 'arched' whereas the period correct one would have a definite 'bent leg' shape. Looks OK otherwise (quality re-fin on the body) but the price is not that far off an all-original.