Rob, I,m going to pick up my other RM1999 in a few weeks. It,s been in a case for many years. I have another here with me that gets played every day. I,m looking forward to comparing them together for the first time in nearly 10 years. I,ll weigh them both and compare dimensions, take some pics and get back to the board....
I think the wood in 60s basses may have been a little lighter than the ones of today (well mine is anyway) and I suspect that this gives the bass an almost accoustic quality (sort of a warm resonance) in the upper frets. But once again mine has lost a little weight from repairs over the years (I wonder how many times it has been sanded and repainted?)
I confused Faraday's cage, with Schrodinger's cat box....
An aside note: I actually think the Rick-bass that Chris Squire is holding on his new website, is his signature copy. Not his original. Note the pickguard and his strap. He always uses his brown leather strap that he's had for years and years. And the pickguard has a new USA sticker and no thumbrest holes. Plus, it looks brand spanking new!
I was watching a video interview, and he was asked if the bass he was holding was his 60's bass and he said yes ... I have no idea which one is on his web site ... but his 60's bass looked like a refin to me ...
Yeah, that's very true. His 'main' original seems to have a refin job, because it's in such good condition. All the miles on that thing, and it looks fantasatic! I guess he doesn't throw it around anymore...like the old days. It would be great if Mr. Hall, with Mr. Squire's permission, could weigh it, etc. and get all of the specs online.
But, if all of the mystery was taken out of it, what the heck else would we talk about?