Laredo

flashbackphil · Post by **flashbackphil** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 7:32 am

There’s a Laredo on Ebay at the moment (click here) which I really like the look of. I’ve always liked the idea of a Laredo because of what I’ve read about the different sounds and because of what’s described as the more comfortable ‘sculpted body shape and extra body contouring’. I find my 4001, which I love in all other respects, a little uncomfortable on my right inner forearm especially during a long set or when I’m sitting down. If only I were a real man! There aren’t many Laredos around in England, in fact I’ve never actually seen one or heard one live, so I don’t think I’ll get the opportunity to try before I buy. I’ll no doubt end up buying on Ebay. But I really am taken with the idea! I’d love to hear your comments.

bigbajo60 · Post by **bigbajo60** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 12:52 pm

I'm from the city of Laredo... in Texas... and I was wondering...

if the bass was named after my little town here... does that mean that it's got a tone that could be described as "arid" or "dry"?

And tone questions aside, is it considered proper to own a Laredo if one lives in Laredo?

;P

flashbackphil · Post by **flashbackphil** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 12:43 am

That sounds like a great idea to me Alvio. The man from Laredo plays a Laredo! Maybe you should also have a yellow rose in your teeth while you play 'The Streets of Laredo'

bigbajo60 · Post by **bigbajo60** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 3:10 pm

With the approaching summer heat, I'd rather wear one of those "beer helmets" while playing the Laredo in Laredo!

philco · Post by **philco** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 9:49 am

I own an early model Laredo just like the one on eBay. It looks and sounds great. The body contouring is very ergonomic. It is rather light at only 8 pounds. Later models have the neck pickup moved away from the neck. The bridge pickup also was moved closer to the bridge. The fingerboard was changed to bubinga wood. Since they don't build them any more like the one on eBay, it may increase in value in the future just like early models have a tendency to do. I paid about half of what a new Laredo sells for at a retail store, and about 2/3 of what it costs new from a mailorder discounter, as a frame of cost reference.

I also took a Marshall AVT20 and changed the speaker out with an Eminence B102 10" bass speaker. It makes a fine home practice amp for the Laredo, and you should have no trouble finding a good used one in England. See my article under Do-It-Yourself All Purpose Amp for Guitar, Bass, and Organ in the Rickenbacker Guitars section.

flashbackphil · Post by **flashbackphil** » Tue Apr 15, 2003 12:45 pm

Thanks for the information Philip, it's very useful to me. Interesting information about your amp too. As it happens I've been using an '80s Sessionette 90 guitar amp for practicing with my bass. I don't know how well known they are in the states, but they're solid state, 75 watts with twin 12" speakers and they're relatively light. Great for pratice but not for gigging.
Sad to say, although there are a limited amount of Laredos in the UK, I've still to find one - the importer (Rosetti) told me today they haven't imported one for 4 years and they won't order one for me because they can't guarantee delivery! A sorry state to be in!
By the way, I saw Paul McCartney's gig on Sunday last in Birmingham. What a great show - about 80% Beatles numbers. The only disappointment was that no Rickenbackers appeared on stage. I was sure he'd bring one out, but he stuck to his Hofner when he was playing bass. He's obviously lost his taste!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 3:02 am

I got that 4004 off of e-bay ... I've been wanting to try one of those 4004's for years ...

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 3:30 am

I wish I'd find one here in Lisbon.
Well, I never expected to find a Rickenbacker amplifier (a TR-35B) here either, but I did! So, all hope is not lost.

flashbackphil · Post by **flashbackphil** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 7:16 am

Would you believe I was asleep when the Laredo auction ended? What a waste - that'll teach me not to try sniping. Old Rick players never die, they just fall asleep! My excuse is that it was 6:30am here in England. I hope you enjoy it Jeff, and it sounds as good as it looks. It really does look good, I think you've got yourself a beauty there. But if by some miracle you don't like it, please let me know. If anybody else has one, I'd be very interested.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 9:55 am

Phil ... I didn't know I was bidding against you ... If I don't like the bass I will give you an option to buy it ...

I just had to try a 4004 to see how they feel and sound ...

I was staying up late watching my Red Wings loose to the Ducks ... The Red Wings reminded me of Beavis ... they looked like they were never going to score ...

flashbackphil · Post by **flashbackphil** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 2:08 pm

Don't concern yourself Jeff, you weren't bidding against me because I never actually made a bid despite all my intentions!
I was out at band practice this evening using my 4001, it sounds great but I do find the binding uncomfortable after a couple of hours when it digs into my forearm. It made me regret not bidding on the Laredo. As I said, I was asleep when things were happening and time was running out! However, I'm glad you got the bass you wanted, but it's a pity the Red Wings didn't come up with the goods for you too! (I haven't a clue what the Red Wings or the Ducks are - football teams?)
Thanks for the offer of an option to buy should you decide to sell the Laredo on, I'd almost certainly take you up on the deal.
I hope you like your new bass though and get plenty of enjoyment and entertainment from it. But if you don't like it........

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 5:30 pm

Try a 4001s or 4003s model ... they are a little more contoured ...