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Posted (edited)

I’ve recently acquired three pointy headstock basses from the late 80’s and early 90’s: a Charvel 1B from 1987, a late-80’s Fernandes PJ-45 32” scale and tonight I picked up a 1992 Jackson Professional Concert XL in metallic black. All were made in Japan and I am blown away by the build quality and playability.  

As mentioned in another thread, when these were all the rage I was way too cool to own one. Fast-forward the best part of 30 years and I’m even cooler and now no longer care!

From the research I’ve done, at the time a price for these new was comparable to a Fender American Standard Bass. I was able to pick up all three for a combined price of just under £500. There are a few knocks and dings in them but considering they’re 30-odd years old, it’s absolutely to be expected. I appreciate they’re not many people’s cup of tea but I’m smitten. 

And who who says there’s no accounting for taste...

EDIT: well, I couldn’t resist a 1988 Charvel 2B that came up for sale recently. Apart from a few chips and minor dings, it’s fantastic. It needed a good clean and a set up but it plays beautifully and I’ve not seen many in metallic red (Looks a bit CAR to me).   

 

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Edited by Old Horse Murphy
  • Like 5
Posted

LOVE the Jackson!
Btw, I have red Fernandes with 4 pots (next model up from yours) which could be yours for the right price ;)

 

Posted

I have been doing the same thing for the last two years but with guitars. There is nothing like these pointy super strats from the 80s and 90s in crazy finishes. I can’t get enough of these. 

Posted
3 minutes ago, Grahambythesea said:

I know Jackson an Charvel are the same stable, but is the Fernandes too? The headstocks and truss rod covers seem identical.

No. Fernandes are an established Japanese make of some 40+ years, well known for their copies of classic instruments as well as their own designs. They also build under the Burny moniker among others....

Posted
39 minutes ago, fretmeister said:

The Jackson is reminding me of my youth when I wanted to be David Ellefson. 

I would love to get my hands on a 5 string one of these Jacksons. And blast through Rust in Peace 

Posted
On 27/09/2018 at 11:19, bassbora said:

I have been doing the same thing for the last two years but with guitars. There is nothing like these pointy super strats from the 80s and 90s in crazy finishes. I can’t get enough of these. 

I know. Unbelievably good value too. 

Posted (edited)

Another pointy addition I’m afraid. This time it’s a 1988 Charvel 2B in metallic red (not seen one before in that finish that I can recall). Again, for a superbly built instrument from Japan, I’m astounded how little these cost to pick up (cheaper than most Chinese Squiers and Epiphones I’ve seen for sale recently).

Apart from a few chips and needing a good setup and clean, it’s a lovely bass with a super neck. Sounds fantastic too. 

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Edited by Old Horse Murphy
  • Like 3
Posted
12 hours ago, Old Horse Murphy said:

I know. Unbelievably good value too. 

I have been through 7 Hamers, Charvel and Ibanez. I would really like to find an ESP and life is good lol. 

I love Hamer guitars and to find 5 string Hamer Chap bass with boomerangs would make my life complete. Sad really. 

Posted
22 hours ago, bassbora said:

I have been through 7 Hamers, Charvel and Ibanez. I would really like to find an ESP and life is good lol. 

I love Hamer guitars and to find 5 string Hamer Chap bass with boomerangs would make my life complete. Sad really. 

Never tried a Hamer but I’ve heard consistently good things about them. 

I did always fancy a Kramer Ferrington to mess around with :)

 

Posted (edited)

You are really NOT helping 😂 Please step away from the pointy headstocks and we shall say no more about it. You are making want a Jackson more and more 😲 😆

Edited by mattbass6
Posted
1 hour ago, James Nada said:

Was having the P pick-up the 'wrong' way-round for tonal reasons or fashion?

 

 

It definitely makes a difference tonally and arguably it evens the strings out. It definitely tightens up the e string sound

  • Like 1

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