Washburn Scavenger bass - now with pics!

[Paul S]

I have the option of getting one of these to replace a decent quality FrankenFender p-bass as my 2nd bass - but would I do better keeping the p-bass? I know nothing about the Washburn other than it looks pretty cool. This one is in black and seems in great nick. Any pitfalls or known problems?

Ta.

Edited January 17, 2010 by Paul S

[kingofthestuntmen]

IIRC, a Scavenger would be a Matsumoku era bass.

Check here - [color="#FF0000"]www.matsumoku.org/.../80_wash_cat_thumb_pg7.jpg [/color]- for more info.

Can't usually go wrong with an Uncle Matt (assuming it's in good nick)

[cetera]

Good basses but slightly limited. You may be better with the P to be honest.

As an aside, if you don't get the Scavenger let me know as I know a definite buyer....

Edited January 5, 2010 by cetera

[Bassassin]

I've always had a soft spot for the Wing series Washburns - I'd say the body style is more suited to a guitar than a bass, though - you can expect some neck dive & what will feel like a long reach if you're coming from a P. Here's a link to a catalogue pic:

[url="http://www.matsumoku.org/models/washburn/catalogs/1980_fullline/80_wash_cat_pg7.jpg.html"]http://www.matsumoku.org/models/washburn/c...at_pg7.jpg.html[/url]

Another link here to a discussion on the Mat board about the origin of MIJ Washburns - they weren't all from Matsumoku:

[url="http://www.matsumoku.org/ggboard/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5551"]http://www.matsumoku.org/ggboard/viewtopic...f=29&t=5551[/url]

Apropos of nothing, bar JapCrap anorakism - the reputations of the other factories connected with the brand are excellent.

Jon.

[xilddx]

[quote name='Bassassin' post='701436' date='Jan 5 2010, 12:06 PM']I've always had a soft spot for the Wing series Washburns[/quote]

Me too, I thought the top of the range (Falcon? Eagle?) white guitar with all the pearl inlays and bindings and the gold hardware was totally lovely.

Edited January 5, 2010 by silddx

[Bassassin]

[quote name='silddx' post='701650' date='Jan 5 2010, 02:45 PM']Me too, I thought the top of the range (Falcon? Eagle?) white guitar with all the pearl inlays and bindings and the gold hardware was totally lovely.

[/quote]

+1, gorgeous guitar. Bonus points for being used by [url="http://www.abba-intermezzo.de/emuseum.htm"]Bjorn from Abba[/url]!

J.

[Paul S]

Thanks all.

I think what I will do is buy it, play it for a bit, then decide which I prefer - the p-bass or the Scavenger. If it is the Scavenger that goes, Cetera, I'll let you know.

[cetera]

[quote name='Paul S' post='701804' date='Jan 5 2010, 04:17 PM']Thanks all.

I think what I will do is buy it, play it for a bit, then decide which I prefer - the p-bass or the Scavenger. If it is the Scavenger that goes, Cetera, I'll let you know.[/quote]

Sounds fair enough. Cheers mate.... keep me updated (on PM may be better).

[Bassassin]

Make sure you put up some pics on here.

J.

[Paul S]

Yup, will do on both counts. Just need to work out a good day to travel from SE Essex to Rugby!

Cheers.

[Paul S]

Collected the thing today, here are some pics:

[attachment=40373:wash1.jpg] [attachment=40374:wash2.jpg]
[attachment=40375:wash3.jpg] [attachment=40376:wash4.jpg]
[attachment=40377:wash5.jpg] [attachment=40378:wash6.jpg]
[attachment=40379:wash7.jpg]

For a 30 yr old it is in superb nick - the plate at the back for the electrics still has the plastic cover!

The story - the guy I bought it from got it 8 years ago from a lady in Coventry, very cheap, to put into an odds and ends shop for re-selling. He liked the look of it and kept it back, but never got around to playing it. She said it belonged to her son who had a small band before he went to university, after which time it got stuck in the loft until they decided to get shot of it. The timing of this would indicate he bought it new or nearly new. No wonder it is in such great condition!

My initial impressions are that it plays absolutely beautifully. You can immediately tell it is a really well built and put together and oozes quality. Extremely heavy (mahogany?) with the anticipated neck dive but, at this stage, not a deal breaker. The thing I need to get used to is the playing position - it sits kind of front on to me so the end of the neck is something of a stretch. Sounds lovely at my bedroom volume so am really looking forward to rehearsing with it - seems to have a growl with it all full on and yet really mellow with it.

[cetera]

Looking good! Don't forget to make contact if you want to move it on

[Paul S]

I won't forget ... but have to say it is looking unlikely - been noodling around with it today and it is an absolute joy to play. The neck is a touch bigger than a jazz - 40mm at the nut and 21mm thick - but it seems to fit the shape of my hand perfectly. Ordered a Comfort Strappppp today to help with the heavy neck and general weight.

[Paul S]

Only mildly off topic but there is a [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170439226125&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT"]Washburn Falcon on eBay[/url] at the moment. I cheekily asked the guy what reserve he was putting on it and he cheekily told me £500. Seems a bit rich to me?

[paulbkeeves]

Hi,

re: Washburn Scavenger

If you ever fancy a fretless version let me know - I have one knokcing around which I never play


Paul

[Paul S]

Hi Paul

Interesting. Pics would be great but, meanwhile, colour? Condition? Price you are looking at?

And, again,mildly off topic but I ended up getting myself a matching Washburn Raven in black as a little brother for the Scavenger. Nice!