Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

electra Bass


daz
 Share

Recommended Posts

I was watching the Old Grey Whistle Test, dvd boxset last night. One of the bands was[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argent_(band)"] Argent[/url], who performed the famous "God gave rock and roll" track in 1973 (this was the original, before Kiss carbon copied it. It was written by the singer from Argent's brother. I'll bet he's made a few bob from it over the years?) . The guitarist had an electra guitar, which holes in it. Like the one pictured below on the left, ....Or at least i thought he did untill I saw the two pics side by side. the original with Russ Ballard on the right appreas to have [i][size=4]a Fender neck [/size][/i]? Can anyone shed any light on this ? I have just re looked at the DVD and indeed the one Russ Ballard uses appears to have a Telecaster neck ? Can anyone shed any light onto this little puzzle. Was it a mutant Fender /Electra ? Or was it a lobotomized Fender with a Telecaster neck and holes made in the body of a Fender? The horns certainly do not match, do they ?



The guitar was of great amusement of the comentators Mark Ellen and David Hepworth on the additional extras commentary track. "its a piece of cheese with holes in. Ho Ho" etc etc. The guitar above in yellow, was not surprisingly nicknamed 'the cheese'.

I have just now seen its twin brother, in bass format. The [b]Royal Electra Bass[/b]. Here is a pic. II would still love to know about this bass, even if it wasnt the brother of one that the guy from Arbent used, as it just looks so mad. Maybe that was a reason he possibly had it copied to a Fender ??Maybe he loved the style, but tried one and didnt like the tone, or just couldnt get on with it.



I was wondering if anyone can tell us more about it and has anyone used or ever own one ?
more pics of bass [url="http://www.kevinchilcott-luthier.co.uk/private/electra-bass.htm"]here.[/url]

Edited by daz
Link to comment
Share on other sites

"God Gave Rock & Roll To You" was written by Russ Ballard, who was the singer/guitarist for Argent, not his brother!

His guitar with the holes in is a heavily customised Fender Strat with a Tele neck, not an Electra, Royal or whatever.

Edited by RhysP
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1318670879' post='1404937']
No idea on this one; not a sausage. In terms of the "Swiss cheese" look, I remember a few BC Riches going down the same route.
[/quote]

Yeah, when people got fed up of the neck dive, having to lug round awkward cases and chipping the horns, they got out the power drill I reckon

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've played that Royal Electra bass a few times, many years ago when it was in SWAG in Plymouth, played great, wish I'd bought it now.

The Royal Electras appeared around the same time as the B.C.Rich Black Hole guitars, which were basically ST III's with holes drilled them, One of the BCR designers said they never saw the Royals and Kevin (Mr Royal) said he never saw the BCR's , so great minds think alike

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Lorne' timestamp='1318725810' post='1405668']
One of the BCR designers said they never saw the Royals and Kevin (Mr Royal) said he never saw the BCR's , so great minds think alike.
[/quote]
I bet they both saw Russ Ballards Holey Strat though. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Talking of Rod Argent. The band he was in prior to Argent, was [b]The Zombies[/b]. (they had a big hit with [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She%27s_Not_There"]She's not there[/url]) They are touring soon, and fortunately for me one of the places they are playing at is in Wrexham, not far from me, On 17th November. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/158065-duff-mckagen-touring/"]see here [/url] if you are interested.

I wonder if he will have [i]that [/i]guitar with him? :)

Edited by daz
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1318856669' post='1406918']
Talking of Rod Argent. The band he was in prior to Argent, was [b]The Zombies[/b]. (they had a big hit with [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She%27s_Not_There"]She's not there[/url]) They are touring soon, and fortunately for me one of the places they are playing at is in Wrexham, not far from me, On 17th November. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/158065-duff-mckagen-touring/"]see here [/url]if you are interested.

I wonder if he will have [i]that [/i]guitar with him?
[/quote]


They also did the rather excellent "Time of the Season" which is well worth a listen. In fact the whole Odyessy & Oracle album is pretty good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1318601704' post='1404229']I was watching the Old Grey Whistle Test, dvd boxset last night. One of the bands was[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argent_(band)"] Argent[/url], who performed the famous "God gave rock and roll" track in 1973 (this was the original, before Kiss carbon copied it. It was written by the singer from Argent's brother. I'll bet he's made a few bob from it over the years?) ][/quote]

Kiss didn't 'carbon copy' it - they covered it, slightly rearranging the music and considerably changing the lyrics - dropping the bits about loving Cliff Richard.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...