SOLD [Black Shergold Marathon Six String Bass]

[hoiho]

After it being in my family for nearly 30 years, I've reluctantly concluded that I no longer have a real musical need for my [b]Marathon 6 string bass[/b], serial number 7004 . So, here it is, up for sale.

For those who don't know, this is a late 70s narrow-necked 30" scale six-string bass, tuned EADGBE (or EADGCF, in my case). It's probably best known as the bass that [url="http://www.shergold.co.uk/neworder.html"]Hooky[/url] plays. (He reputedly owns 6 of the mere [url="http://www.shergold.co.uk/forum/download/file.php?id=257"]95[/url] that were ever made.) Its history is detailed [url="http://www.shergold.co.uk/models.html#Marathon"]here[/url]. It's notable for having a narrow neck, for a sixer - it's no aircraft carrier - string spacing at the bridge is just 12mm, and the zero fret is just 50mm wide. The neck is two-piece maple, and the body is obeche, like almost all Shergolds (and many of the Burns and Haymans that Shergold also made).




Bigger versions of the photos [url="http://kororaa.com/marathon/"]here[/url]

As you can see, it's in pretty good condition, and includes the original case. It's a real player, and has been regularly played, and well looked after, these last 30 years (but very seldom gigged). It's never been hidden away in the attic to moulder.

[b]Plus points[/b]: absolutely nothing is missing! Original pickup, pots, wiring, bridge, machines, etc. The neck is straight, almost totally ding-free (just two - see pictures), the action is beautifully low, about 2-3mm at the 12th fret, and [i]no[/i] buzzes, anywhere . There's very little fret wear, and no wear on the fingerboard. Inevitably, the paint job has a few cracks, but those that there are are pretty small - it's one of the best I've seen. It also has its original case. Currently, it has Warwick straplock pins, but I'll be refitting the original ones.

[b]Minus points:[/b] the control plate is cracked (but that's [url="http://www.shergold.co.uk/spareparts.html"]replaceable[/url]), the knobs aren't original, and a steel tail piece has been added to allow the use of long-scale strings. This was done back in the days when I couldn't find suitable strings, and couldn't persuade anyone to custom-wind a set ([url="http://www.shergold.co.uk/faq.html#A0080"]Newtone[/url] do this, these days), and it seemed better to do this than leave it string-free and warp the neck. (Currently, it's wearing a set of Elites, 100-30, and they sound pretty damn good!). It's not routed for the tailpiece, so removal would be easy, and only leave a few small screw-holes. There's some corrosion on the pickup polepieces, and the brass bridge saddles could do with a polish!

[b]SOLD![/b] [s]I'm asking [b]£475[/b] (OBO) for this[/s]. I don't want to put on the 'bay, even though one went there recently for [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300436472416"]£561[/url] (or [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shergold-6-string-Bass-Guitar-/300434253610?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item45f346e72a"]£631[/url])!

I [i]think[/i] that covers it all, but if you want any more info, please ask.
Same goes for specific pictures of any details.

Edited August 20, 2010 by hoiho

[michael-faces]

I know a lot of Shergolds have cracked paint. Has this been refinished at some point?

[tayste_2000]

Having played Hooky's Marathon 6 that he used on TOTP Blue Monday, I would love this.

But alas too poor unless you want a 400w all tube power amp

[hoiho]

[quote name='michael-faces' post='926496' date='Aug 16 2010, 02:34 PM']I know a lot of Shergolds have cracked paint. Has this been refinished at some point?[/quote]

Nope, it's the original finish. Like I said, it does have a few cracks, they're just not the usual canyons, so I guess it's just been lucky.

[hoiho]

[quote name='tayste_2000' post='926498' date='Aug 16 2010, 02:35 PM']But alas too poor unless you want a 400w all tube power amp [/quote]

That's not at the top of my current want list, to be honest
Although it does sound rather wonderful!

[Matty]

Fancy a trade for a 2006 US Highway 1 P-bass?

[hoiho]

[quote name='Matty' post='926802' date='Aug 16 2010, 07:29 PM']Fancy a trade for a 2006 US Highway 1 P-bass?[/quote]

Oh, I do, as that's a good offer, and a really smashing bass.
But I'm selling so I can buy [b]Delberthot[/b]'s Epi EB-3!
And a new 15" cab.
AND MORE BEER.

[Matty]

let me know if the offer gets the better of you...

[dmz]

Ah - memories !

I used to have a fretless version - unlined maple fingerboard too (?!)- sort of dark reddish body.

If ever there was a bass I shouldn't have let go of that was it...

Have a twangy bump !

[hoiho]

[quote name='dmz' post='927013' date='Aug 16 2010, 10:35 PM']I used to have a fretless version - unlined maple fingerboard too (?!)- sort of dark reddish body.[/quote]

Lovely colour - I had a Marathon 4 in that colour. I think Shergold called it burgundy.
I did wonder about de-fretting this one, but sanity got the better of me.

[quote name='dmz' post='927013' date='Aug 16 2010, 10:35 PM']If ever there was a bass I shouldn't have let go of that was it...[/quote]

I suspect I'll regret it, too; but needs must - law school fees are awfully steep!

Edited August 16, 2010 by hoiho