carlsim Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 (edited) I'm putting up for sale this gorgeous GB Spitfire 5 String. I picked this up in a trade recently as I didn't get on with my 35" scale Lakland and it confirms it for me, I have been playing 34" scale for such a long time that I find the transition uncomfortable and therefore I won't play it. Not only that, for some reason I seem to have entered a real vintage phase... who knows where that will take me. From what I understand, this has some history on Basschat. The person i got it from got it from here so I know it has had at least 2 previous owners on here. It does have a few knocks and dinks but Pete who owned it before me, sent it to Bernie and had the neck completely refinished, the electronics serviced and updated plus a general overhaul. I believe he spent just over the £300 having this done. So, the neck is immaculate. Pretty much as new. The body does have some dinks and marks and I have tried to photograph them, but to be honest with the natural, lacquered finish they certainly aren't obvious. It's a great player and an amazingly built bass. Top sound capabilities, very versatile and like many basses of this ilk, modern sounding. Having said that, I did manage a cracking precision type sound the other day. Typical GB build with Bernie's electronics and pickups. It has the battery indicator which is really useful. Quilted maple top, the birds eye on the neck and fingerboard is absolutely gorgeous and with the refinish, it really looks special. If I was keeping it I would look at having the body refinished... it would look like new and I had quotes between 200-300£ to have this done. At this point it would be worth a lot more in my eyes. Priced on Bernie's website, it would, in Pete's words, "be the thick end of 3 grand" so feel free to have a look on his website. Feel free to ask any questions and I will answer them as best as I can. I haven't owned it long and a P bass is on it's way to me soon so it does have to go - damn GAS! Case wise, I don't have the official case but currently it is in my GruvGear Sliver gig bag. A deal could be arranged to include that (it is a pricey bag), you could post an empty case or I can try and find something locally to send it in. Postage should be around £30 fully insured. I'm happy to consider trades (34" basses please) and have no real idea what I would consider so feel free to throw ideas at me. I would definitely consider something funky colour wise (no Jazz basses though - I have a Sei which covers that) although something with a P or Jazz pup at the neck with a MM at the bridge could be good. I do love a Stingray... 4 or 5 string... who knows! Obviously a cash sale is also great! I would also be up for a partial trade with cash as well... Edited June 11, 2020 by carlsim Price drop 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 11, 2020 Author Share Posted May 11, 2020 Any interest? - really looking for a trade - SR5 possibly with some cash or something interesting 34" scale of similar nature and value... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 15, 2020 Author Share Posted May 15, 2020 Some interest but nothing so this is very much available. A few questions I should have included in the description: Weight - a smidge over 9lb (this was calculated using bathroom scales so not 100% accurate) - it feels very similar to my Sei Jazz which is a shade under 9lb... I have included pics of the bridge spacing - 19mm and some enquired about pickup size so I have added those pics as well. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybassdoyle Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 (edited) Surprised this is still here Carl. It's a stunning neck and bernies basses are simply quality in every department. Tough times for everyone right now I guess. Have a bump from me Edited May 15, 2020 by andybassdoyle 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 15, 2020 Author Share Posted May 15, 2020 Cheers mate - it's a great bass and a pain that I'm not getting on with it. To be honest, if it doesn't sell I will give it more of a trial when gigs start back again... you never know! How's all with you in Norwich? Keeping yourself entertained? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybassdoyle Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 Norwich remains an entertainment mecca despite lockdown! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebass66 Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 Ah this used to be mine many moons ago! Lovely bass 😍 and great to play. Hope it find another good home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 16, 2020 Author Share Posted May 16, 2020 To be honest if it doesn't go to a good home it will stay with me! Every time I look at the as I think ... " Is it the right thing?" Time will tell!! Glad it served you well! 6 hours ago, davebass66 said: Ah this used to be mine many moons ago! Lovely bass 😍 and great to play. Hope it find another good home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 Im surprised this has not gone.. Deal with Carl with total confidence. I miss the Sei dude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 16, 2020 Author Share Posted May 16, 2020 Ha! It's the one thing I won't let go of now... I love that bass. So versatile, so playable. The GB is definitely on the same par, perhaps a bit more hifi... It's just the 35 scale I don't get on with... How are you mate? Still got your GB? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 Yeah all good. I dont have that instrument any more. I loved the spitfire but a Lakland 5594 outclasses it in many ways. Would love to see the P bass that you have acquired .? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 17, 2020 Author Share Posted May 17, 2020 I was after a YOB '76 Precision... But had to settle for a US made Highway 1... Saying that, it sounds like a P, plays like a P and with work minor work, will look like a mid 70s P! I gonna try and vintage up the maple on the neck with some amber tinted lacquer... No idea how that will turn out! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 19, 2020 Author Share Posted May 19, 2020 Price.drop bump! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 22, 2020 Author Share Posted May 22, 2020 I have seen something I would like so would accept £1200 plus delivery... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted May 22, 2020 Share Posted May 22, 2020 Wow, fantastic price. Bargain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 22, 2020 Author Share Posted May 22, 2020 It is... Seems a shame to let it go so cheap but needs must! Plus I think the current climate doesn't help. It was for sale in the Bass Gallery a while ago for £1500 so it is a bargain! 😜 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 I have a feeling I may have played it when It was there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 23, 2020 Author Share Posted May 23, 2020 Can't tempt you??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visog Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 I've got one of these and they're great! Ridiculous playability and electronics. All down to you! GLWTS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 Dont let this GB go for that Carl. Jeez. !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 23, 2020 Author Share Posted May 23, 2020 I am considering my options I must admit... I really want a funky solid colour though... Surf green or lake placid blue... Would it be sacrilegious to repaint this?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenolive Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 It’s a great looking bass for sure , I personally think it’ll look cool in surf green with the Birdseye neck & no pick guard. GLWTS or Refinishing job 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted May 26, 2020 Author Share Posted May 26, 2020 I must admit, surf green does really appeal. I have seen surf green and a tort scratch plate which looks great. It's such a risk though, with such a pricey instrument. I might have to get creative on Photoshop to visualise it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenolive Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 Yes , def a few mock-ups to be sure! I still think sans pick guard for the win! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted June 4, 2020 Author Share Posted June 4, 2020 Someone requested some sound samples - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rzs7pezlhrtjs88/AADZKl75j9x0m2KEPdHAHro8a?dl=0 Please excuse f*** ups and sloppiness... no gigs and very little practice for 10 weeks takes its toll! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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