Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

NBD WEM Rapier shortscale


Dread Bass
 Share

Recommended Posts

For anyone who doesn’t visit the builds diary section. I recently picked up a 60’s WEM rapier at auction that is in need of some tlc. It arrived today. 
 

The logic for buying it was that it looks really cool and quirky, I wanted a shortscale, I wanted to try a bass with a zero nut and I wanted a bass with pickups that weren’t fender style or soapbars. I also really like the idea of keeping something going at has already done it’s job for 50+ years. 
 

I bought it online without playing it so it was always a risk. I am happy to say it appears the risk has paid off! 
 

It’s currently strung upside down and needs a new nut but it all works. The only thing I haven't tested is the truss rod. 
 

Initial reaction is that sounds really good but it’s hard to tell as the current strings are ancient. It’s very comfortable to play. I am not a fan of the neck profile as it feels deeper at the first fret than needed. Possibly deeper than the 12th fret. The headstock also seems very thick. A408D966-5FE7-4E94-8E4E-4583F88C91FE.thumb.jpeg.89b6bbfa72c670dd8aba7d8443890b05.jpeg

I won’t be getting to work on it for a while as there is other projects to deal with first. 

3796853E-AFB8-4BC0-816A-45F5C35516A6.jpeg

CF617183-DC44-4966-B5EA-145BC39367D8.jpeg

4F07D4F8-4C82-4C09-BBF4-3B2E2A2F36BF.jpeg

3A5962FA-D894-49D8-AEDA-17802C9A34FD.jpeg

9BEC1427-D2EF-4AA0-B722-A356AD4D4E25.jpeg

  • Like 11
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Cato said:

That's the the kind of bass I'd happily hang on a wall as a piece of art even if it was unplayable.

 

I suspect after a clean and a polish it's going to be very pretty indeed 

Thanks Cato. I really am quite taken with it. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, kodiakblair said:

Having not played my old Wilson Saffire for years I now feel quite guilty 😄

Well this can be a good reason to get it back into rotation. I seem to remember you replying on the talk bass thread about one of these. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...