TheG Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 One for the historians! Ok so I vaguely remember reading somewhere that in the earlier part of the 1900's someone made an amp that had a hole in its top. There was an electric upright bass and its end pin fitted in this hole so the bass stood up on its own and there was no need for a lead! I can't find this repeated anywhere! Did I just imagine this and make it up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I haven't heard that one but this is a close as I cab get: [i]In 1946, Everette Hull, an acomplished pianist and bass player, organized a partnership with Stanley Michaels under the name "Michaels-Hull Electronic Labs." Their mission was to produce a new microphone pickup that Hull designed. The pickup was fitted on the end of an upright bass and was dubbed the Amplified Peg or "Ampeg" for short. [/i] [i]In 1949, Hull became the sole proprietor and changed the name of the company to the Ampeg Bassamp Company. [/i] From the Ampeg website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheG Posted October 17, 2017 Author Share Posted October 17, 2017 Hey Chris thanks very much for your reply. I didn't mention that I thought I might be getting it mixed up with that Ampeg story on purpose. But as you have just mentioned it in your reply I think it might be wise to say I have made my story up in my head. I think it originated as your Ampeg story above and I have altered it in my mind over time. Thanks a lot for clarifying that for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 (edited) I seem to recall an early Rickenbaker that did this - very early on, late 1930’s. The upright bass sat on top of the amp case (think 5W gramophone!). Edit - yep Rickenbaker Electro Bass Viol 1936 Google the above, and you’ll get some photos 😜 Edited October 18, 2017 by BassBod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheG Posted October 18, 2017 Author Share Posted October 18, 2017 Wow!!!! So Im not going mad!!! Thanks BassPod!! Ive been doubting myself for a long time. Thats Excellent! I can sleep at nights now. Thanks Chris as well for the similar Amplified Peg info!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 There you go. Good call. We learn something new every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertbass Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 Fascinating! Looks a bit cranky today but what wonderful innovations for the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 If the amp/speakers had performed, then I guess these would have become popular ahead of the ‘51 P bass. I suspect the early 50’s Fender Bassman was a lot more effective than the 1936 Rickenbacker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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