Pub library - and a Fender V - 5 string bass

[The Admiral]

Out for lunch with the Mrs today and dropped into a pub we've not tried before. Landlord is a big music fan, and has a great shelf of books to read whilst drinking. I found my self flicking through a 1970s book on Fenders, and Pete Frame's Rock family Trees from 1982. (Who knew Chas from Cash and Dave used to play with Ritchie Blackmore??)

In the Fender book was a picture of a bass I've never heard of - a Fender V, from 1964, which was their first 5 string, with a 34 inch scale, but a 15 fret neck and the 'extra' string being a C. This actually gives no more note options than a standard 4 string as far as I can see, but spreads it across 5 strings!

Weird. Anyone see one or played one?

I found this on the net - from 1970 - yours for $4,000.

[skankdelvar]

Legend has it that only 200 were ever made.

IIRC a guy was trying to unload one of these in white a few years ago on ebayUK. Only time I've ever seen one for sale over here - I [i]think[/i] he wanted £2500 -£3000 for it but the details elude me.

Some more about the Bass V [url="http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2144713/For_Sale_Fender_Bass_V"]here[/url]. Myself, I'd love one but finances forbid.

[BetaFunk]

Yes i've played one.

The one i played was i understand once owned by Simon Raymonde of Cocteau Twins.

[stingrayPete1977]

Wasn't there one for sale on this very site?

[pfretrock]

There is a photo of a 1966 candy apple red V in The Bass Book (Backbeat/Hal Leonard books) similar to OP's photo but dot inlays and missing ash tray - mount holes visible.

[BetaFunk]

[quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1410630039' post='2551474']
(Who knew Chas from Cash and Dave used to play with Ritchie Blackmore??)
[/quote]
Me along with thousands of others i would have thought.

http://youtu.be/Rhn_2bQeUCg

Edited September 14, 2014 by BetaFunk

[BILL POSTERS]

Interesting read. Both better Bass players than you would think.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chas-Hodges-Chas-and-Dave-All-About-Us-Book-/111462134221?pt=Non_Fiction&hash=item19f3a931cd

[BetaFunk]

I'm sure most bass players of a certain age are well aware that both Chas and Dave are excellent bass players but if further evidence is needed.........

Dave.....
[media]http://youtu.be/xKISdd2mKzU[/media]

Chas.....
http://youtu.be/1aIft448lBA

Edited September 14, 2014 by BetaFunk

[BetaFunk]

Oh yes and did i tell you the time i played a 1960s Fender V? ...........

[wateroftyne]

[BetaFunk]

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1410793082' post='2553187']

[/quote]
Just look at those barnets. Priceless.

[BetaFunk]

If it was a Stingray instead of a Fender V i reckon this thread would be well over 300 posts by now.

[chris_b]

There was a modded Fender V for sale here a couple of years ago.

[BetaFunk]

[quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1410630039' post='2551474']
Anyone see one or played one?
[/quote]
Yes i've played one. Do i get a prize?

[BILL POSTERS]

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1411156161' post='2557172']
Yes i've played one. Do i get a prize?
[/quote]

So have I, but was a long time ago and in a girls bedroom. Dont remember much.

[BetaFunk]

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1411211878' post='2557530']
So have I, but was a long time ago and in a girls bedroom. Dont remember much.
[/quote]
I played one last year and it wasn't in a girls bedroom. I remember everything.

Edited September 20, 2014 by BetaFunk

[BILL POSTERS]

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1411212587' post='2557536']
I played one last year and it wasn't in a girls bedroom. I remember everything.
[/quote]

It was about 1974, I hadnt been playing long. I just thought it was a weird 5 string Mustang. Few, if any 5 strings about back then and to get to play a Fender - any Fender - was memorable for me.

Edited September 20, 2014 by BILL POSTERS

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1410630039' post='2551474']
... Who knew Chas from Cash and Dave used to play with Ritchie Blackmore?? ...
[/quote]

He played with a lot of people .... he was one of the Joe Meek houseband The Outlaws (played by Ralf Little in the film story of Meek)

http://youtu.be/-x3pkE0couQ

also Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, easily visible playing bass at 0.10 in this video:

http://youtu.be/CSL73EupKHQ