Dusting off Ye Olde Arpege

[loopchemist]

Hi All

got this out of the (origional) case the other day

Still in tune !

 

Series 1 Arpege V4

Phenowood neck, brass plate, those amazing pick-ups. (buzz acknowlaged) what a bridge !

Plays so nicely

I have owned this since new

Purchased directly from Patrice in 1983 while I was working at RockBottom Music in Croydon

[Newfoundfreedom]

I've never seen one of those before.

Me likey!

[NancyJohnson]

I've always like the design of these.  I remember there was a fretless one up in the Wapping Bass Centre years ago with a brass fingerboard.  Design being one thing, a guy I knew a while back owned one and it was so badly set up, I found it almost unplayable; the neck was bowing so far forward the action was a good 1/2" at the 13th fret.  I begged the guy to give it to me for an hour to set it up, but nope, that was how he liked it. 

[ped]

Very nice indeed!! I've had two Arpege basses, a series II fretted and a series I fretless 5. Beautiful basses, probably my favourite body shape. Yours looks like it's in amazing condition. I always found the brass laminate neck really stable, I don't think i ever had to adjust my series I once I had it set up. Shame these aren't better known but for those of us who have tried one, they're a well kept secret!

Enjoy!!

[loopchemist]

Thanks to the replies so far.

In the time when these were first released I remember the boutique Bass market was really just starting to blossom. Status, Alembic, Wal, and others all threatened the mass produced status quo (not the band).

I always found Vigier to be the most playable out of the case and the sound variety for a gigging musician was fantastic. If you love a P Bass sound then buy one I have no gripe on that count, but if you are looking for more than "set it forget it" these 1980's (now vintage) instruments are great.

 

[ped]

Just now, loopchemist said:

Thanks to the replies so far.

In the time when these were first released I remember the boutique Bass market was really just starting to blossom. Status, Alembic, Wal, and others all threatened the mass produced status quo (not the band).

I always found Vigier to be the most playable out of the case and the sound variety for a gigging musician was fantastic. If you love a P Bass sound then buy one I have no gripe on that count, but if you are looking for more than "set it forget it" these 1980's (now vintage) instruments are great.

 

Couldn't agree more - and they have such a flexible pre-amp and a vast array of usable sounds. Lovely things

[I Denby]

Loopchemist.

OMG -someone with an identical bass as mine!

Bought mine in 84/85. Played it 'till '93 until it hibernated for 25 years. brought it (and me) out of retirement a few months ago.

[ped]

2 minutes ago, I Denby said:

Loopchemist.

OMG -someone with an identical bass as mine!

Bought mine in 84/85. Played it 'till '93 until it hibernated for 25 years. brought it (and me) out of retirement a few months ago.

Are you using the tuner/bypass output? 

[I Denby]

Passsive. Active is on the side

sounds cleaner when playing through that little practice amp

Edited February 22, 2019 by I Denby

[I Denby]

Ooo, hadn't ever noticed the number at the base edge of the bass. What's that mean?

[ped]

Serial number. 

[I Denby]

Does it tie in with number of basses built?

[ped]

Yep, that’s made before they started recording exact dates but thee should be a date under the front pickup. I think about ‘86?

[I Denby]

Definitely had it in 85 

 

[loopchemist]

Hey Denby

Lovely Bass.

Are we doing photos of younger men  playing old guitars now?

This must be '83-84

The Cartoon in Croydon, our regular Friday Gig !!

[JakeBrownBass]

On 22/02/2019 at 11:29, I Denby said:

Definitely had it in 85 

 

Small world. That’s my uncle Paul on keys 👋