TheGreek Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I tend to trade quite a few basses so I don't often do these threads but I thought I should, especially following the positive way the deal went. Firstly, the Kawai F1B came from Croatia - had some reservations TBH - but the deal went exceptionally well (despite the efforts of HM C&E) and I can't thank [b]VedranPU[/b] enough for completing his end of the deal in such a positive manner. Good man, trade with him. Anyway, the Bass. Traded this really on the advice of Nick Smith, our own Doctor of the Bass. I'd seen his which he highly rated but had recently sold. There is the obvious Alembic styling which I like and the timber sandwich of Ash/Mahogany/Ash is very pleasing on the eye. It's the single Humbucker model ([i]the F11B is the more desirable, dual p/up, model - but could I find one?[/i]) and a 3 way switch which, I think, does Parallel/Series/Active. Tones through my TE 7215 are fat and deep, just as I like it with plenty of range in the tones. It is happy doing the super fat Rub-a Dub Reggae tones as well as the sickeningly thin trebly tones favoured by some. The F1B is small bodied and well balanced, no signs of any neck dive whatsoever and Vedran had the action set up nice and low, again just as I like it. Weighs in at well under 10LBs and features Schaller style machine heads and a brass high mass bridge as standard. Playability is great, lovely slim fast neck reminiscent of a jazz and a RW board with 22 frets. The bass is finished in, I believe, Poly which will need to have a meeting with some wire wool for the desired satin feel finish. Because of the small body the bass arrived in the smallest bass case I think I've ever seen AND all the case candy (allen keys, truss rod spanner and labels) - not bad for a 30+ year old bass. The previous owners had clearly valued this bass as I can't see any significant damage that would suggest it's age. Vedran sent the bass with .45 steels - I prefer a thinner string and have been playing Status Nylon Tapewounds (40-100) for the past year or so - the steels will have to go - I can see that this is going to feel even better with my normal string of choice. Anybody want the steel strings FOC? PM me. Great bass - I would recommend buying one but I might be after another so if you see one on eBay or Gumtree don't get involved!! Pics to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixGubbins Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Can't wait to see the pics. You've got me interested 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Look forward to seeing the pics Mick. Will you bringing this one along to the bash? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 27, 2016 Author Share Posted May 27, 2016 (edited) New Toy? What do you think?? Now wearing Status Nylon Tapewounds. Here's some pics [url="http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/FairfaxAikman/media/Kawai/SAM_0740_zpslv1huyrm.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/FairfaxAikman/media/Kawai/SAM_0740_zpslv1huyrm.jpg.html"][URL=http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/FairfaxAikman/media/Kawai/SAM_0736_zpsjopuetlp.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q639/FairfaxAikman/Kawai/SAM_0736_zpsjopuetlp.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/url] [URL=http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/FairfaxAikman/media/Kawai/SAM_0737_zpscv5xpsub.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q639/FairfaxAikman/Kawai/SAM_0737_zpscv5xpsub.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Edited May 27, 2016 by TheGreek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1464367131' post='3058952'] What do you think?? [/quote] Lawn needs mowing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Sorry, lovely looking bass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VedranPU Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Did I make a mistake? :-) No, it's really a great bass... But not my cup of tea... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joebethell Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Love the chunky bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmo Valdemar Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Veeeeerry nice... I've seen a few of the two pickup versions but never a single. Let me know if you decide to sell it 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 I like that a lot! Not that I can afford to have more GAS. What's the weight like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share Posted May 29, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Cosmo Valdemar' timestamp='1464388843' post='3059212'] Veeeeerry nice... I've seen a few of the two pickup versions but never a single. Let me know if you decide to sell it �� [/quote] [quote name='Raslee' timestamp='1464506784' post='3059852'] I like that a lot! Not that I can afford to have more GAS. What's the weight like? [/quote] [quote name='Meddle' timestamp='1464522282' post='3060033'] Looks like a hot-rodded Alembic! [/quote] Cosmo - I was actually looking for the dual p/up model but just couldn't find one for sale (I bet two come up for sale in the next month). Lee - actually quite light - certainly less than the undesired 10LBs+. BTW Did you see the details for the Rick for sale I posted in the "Weird and wonderful" thread? (ooops, looks like I didn't post the link after all - must have been the "Rick free zone" prompt that stopped me. Meddle - Yes, there is more than a passing resemblance - unfortunately the electrics don't compared to those fitted to Alembics. Still a very nice Bass though, very tactile and playable. Edited May 29, 2016 by TheGreek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joebethell Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 2pickup from the 90s on reverb if that helps think it's in the U.S. Though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share Posted May 29, 2016 [quote name='Joebethell' timestamp='1464524794' post='3060052'] 2pickup from the 90s on reverb if that helps think it's in the U.S. Though. [/quote] I saw it (actually somebody posted the link to me) - by the time it gets to the UK it's nearly £1k - I've seen these sell for around £450 - I managed to resist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share Posted May 29, 2016 For those who are interested: https://reverb.com/uk/item/2235638-1990s-kawai-fiib110ks-maple-koa-made-in-japan-legit-alembic-killer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joebethell Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 Yeah it did look pricey. But as you don't see many thought I would mention it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share Posted May 29, 2016 Makes you think that the designer of this may have shares in a company that makes knobs.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted August 7, 2020 Author Share Posted August 7, 2020 Somebody expressed interest so... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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