NBD - 1985 Series 2 Vigier

[ped]

Hi guys

So you all know how much I love my Vigier basses. Especially the 'Passion' series from 85-89' which are known as the 'series II' models, that is to say they have a carbon neck thru construction with no truss rod, very little relief and super low action.

I've had the natural wood colour one for about 10 years now and it's been my #1 since I first got it, and having used it live and in the studio I know exactly what it sounds like and can rely on it for anything. Since owning Basschat (and Basstalk, Bassworld) I've seen all sorts, bought and sold a few... and to keep one instrument for that time - as seasoned basschatters will attest - is quite a feat!

I've had other Vigiers, too - namely a pair of series III basses from the 90s which have a different neck construction but critically for me a little too much relief. I really can't emphasise how low I like my action.

I've now got a second series II bass to join my old faithful. Originally I was going to modify this one to match my bass (install a modern pre-amp, Roland GK system, new pickups etc) but upon trying it at Bill's house (Basschatter and lovely bloke) I decided it would be much better to keep it standard as it left the factory in 1985/1986 (difficult to tell when because Patrice only started recording the serial numbers with #196 on 15th April 1986, and this bass is #173. My other bass is #711 from 1988)

I wasn't expecting it to be in such good condition, to be honest, hence my plan to modify it. My other bass was modded out of necessity - the pickups had been changed to something weird which we stripped out and essentially started with a 'chassis' of neck and body, which I think is the fundamental strength of these instruments.

The electronics are typical French quirkiness and were still being developed by Patrice throughout the 80s, hence you can find many variations in designs from modular pre-amps to circuit board mounted units with ROM presets (Check out the 'Nautilus' bass).

This one has a pickup switch (front, both, rear, rather than a sweepable pot), behind that is the volume knob. Underneath, a sweepable mid control (from 80hz to 5200hz) and a 15dB +/- switch. Behind that, a treble cut/boost control which I have yet to track down the technical specifics but sounds like a huge sweep around 8khz.

Pickups are two single coil Benedetti units with very powerful magnets - I need to find out more about them but when changing strings they were really tugging on the strings. They sound very open and clear. Interestingly there's very little noise for single coils when operated solo. They're an odd shape as you can see from the pics as the coil is exposed between the upper 'shelf' and the lower body which is mounted and adjusted using four allen bolts (one is missing)

The pots I really like, so much so I've spent ages trying to find out their origin to use on other basses. Turns out they are made by OKW, which I only realised when I was looking to order some new caps with white indicator as you can see two of them have worn away. Up until this point I thought they were Sifam but the caps are slightly different. They are collet fixed and nice units. Call me weird but I really appreciate a good... nah I'll lave that sentence there.

Hardware is all Schaller, I love the 3D roller bridge and there's a Hipshot D-Tuner Bill fitted as well as the original tuner in the bag. Whilst I really like the D-Tuner, I always play in D anyway so may find some other use for it. As all the gadgets are on my other bass, perhaps I'll swap it over.

Interestingly the neck is shiny (see headstock too) as opposed to the satin finish on my other bass. It's not 'sticky' to play, either - even though I don't sweat at all which is handy but could either mean I'm terribly unhealthy or maybe super healthy, who knows.

The previous owner bought it from a session payer in London who lived in a great big Chelsea townhouse and apparently there are some videos of him playing this somewhere so if he can remember he's going to send them over.

Well If you're still with me, terrific, but I assume many of you have scrolled down by now.

TL;DR: - 1985 graphite neck, really like it, it's mine now.

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[Raggy]

Very nice, cracking photos as well.

[ped]

[quote name='Raggy' timestamp='1467636259' post='3084992']
Very nice, cracking photos as well.
[/quote]

Thanks, tbh I don't have a very good camera for showing the details as the closest I can focus is 0.7m... I had to put the bass on the bed and stand over it to take the picture without getting my feet in shot or falling over.

[gary mac]

That looks like a real find, very handsome

[HazBeen]

Nice Ped!!!! Like me it looks incredible for it's age

[Kiwi]

I found a Nautilus for sale on Sunday but it was in an auction that was on June 17.

[ped]

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1467643003' post='3085075']
I found a Nautilus for sale on Sunday but it was in an auction that was on June 17.
[/quote]

I've spoken to the bloke about that one. I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure the neck on it is a series 1 (wood with brass laminate) not carbon as stated. I'm also unsure the electronics make it a Nautilus as the ones I've seen (and want) look like this

[url=https://postimg.org/image/z9lt6pnbr/][/url]

I did track one down in the states but it's a gamble if you can't play it and IIRC it had electrical issues which I'm sure would be impossible to solve!