Dread Bass Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 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. I won’t be getting to work on it for a while as there is other projects to deal with first. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dread Bass Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 That takes me back! The guitarist in my first school band had the guitar version in red and white - I’d forgotten how cool they looked 🤔 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Nada Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Cool looking bass. How rare is a left handed model? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 4 hours ago, Dread Bass said: I also really like the idea of keeping something going at has already done it’s job for 50+ years. Having not played my old Wilson Saffire for years I now feel quite guilty 😄 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dread Bass Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dread Bass Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 4 hours ago, James Nada said: Cool looking bass. How rare is a left handed model? I have no idea. I would assume so but there seems to be a few kicking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dread Bass Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 5 hours ago, Shaggy said: That takes me back! The guitarist in my first school band had the guitar version in red and white - I’d forgotten how cool they looked 🤔 Yeah they certainly have a distinct aesthetic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baloney Balderdash Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 That's a really cool looking bass! Congratulations! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyJ Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 That looks brilliant, good score! JHS currently produces reissues (actually more like modern interpretations) of these that look cool too, including lefties of the guitar version, but unfortunately they haven't introduced lefty basses yet. They're not quite as cool as the originals though! Rapier Guitars & Basses (jhs.co.uk) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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