The '73 MG is here
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
The ATG is an early '78. As of this morning, it is in transit to Tony ...
As for the differences between the two, I did try to A/B them a bit. The '78 has a cap bypass push-pull pot installed, but it doesn't sound dramatically different either way. Actually, both pickups on the '78 sound similar. Not the same, just not wildly different.
The bridge pickup on the '73 clanks like ... something really clanky (need a good simile here!). I assume the cap is not bypassed on it. The neck toaster is really warm and thick, and works up to a nice thump when you dig in. They sound completely different, but seem to work pretty well when both on at once. The neck is a bit hotter than the bridge, but I think that helps the blend.
The '78 neck was right in line with the other '78 in the old "measure your girth" thread -- pretty slim. I haven't measured the '73 yet but it feels a bit thicker. Still comfortable though, and actually feels a little easier to get around on the lower frets. The '73 is also a bit heavier than the '78, but still well-balanced.
I can't speak to the string height much just because I don't have the '73 set up properly yet. The action's a little high for my tastes and I'm going to put on a set of TI jazz flats because there's some minor tail lift going on. Even with the action a little high, it seems really easy to play.
The jazz flats through the toaster, with a touch of bridge blended in (with maybe just a little fuzz or overdrive), is going to sound perfect for my current project, although I usually like a more aggressive tone.
As for the differences between the two, I did try to A/B them a bit. The '78 has a cap bypass push-pull pot installed, but it doesn't sound dramatically different either way. Actually, both pickups on the '78 sound similar. Not the same, just not wildly different.
The bridge pickup on the '73 clanks like ... something really clanky (need a good simile here!). I assume the cap is not bypassed on it. The neck toaster is really warm and thick, and works up to a nice thump when you dig in. They sound completely different, but seem to work pretty well when both on at once. The neck is a bit hotter than the bridge, but I think that helps the blend.
The '78 neck was right in line with the other '78 in the old "measure your girth" thread -- pretty slim. I haven't measured the '73 yet but it feels a bit thicker. Still comfortable though, and actually feels a little easier to get around on the lower frets. The '73 is also a bit heavier than the '78, but still well-balanced.
I can't speak to the string height much just because I don't have the '73 set up properly yet. The action's a little high for my tastes and I'm going to put on a set of TI jazz flats because there's some minor tail lift going on. Even with the action a little high, it seems really easy to play.
The jazz flats through the toaster, with a touch of bridge blended in (with maybe just a little fuzz or overdrive), is going to sound perfect for my current project, although I usually like a more aggressive tone.
"I never set out to be weird. It was always other people who called me weird." - F. Zappa
- lyle_from_minneapolis
- Advanced Member
- Posts: 2530
- Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:13 pm
The little "mojo" on this bass just makes it more of a player to me--not something too sacred an delicate to use as intended. Meanwhile, the stunning figured maple makes this an investment and a half. 30 years from now, maybe a refin and back to perfect for the museum...? Nice score, Jake!
Here is where I hide my music:
http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman
http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman
Ah,
Those words are MUSIC to my ears!
"The ATG is an early '78. As of this morning, it is in transit to Tony ..."
AND....
"The '78 neck was right in line with the other '78 in the old "measure your girth" thread -- pretty slim."
With Jake's help, I've actually scored my "dream RIC". A late 70's AutumnGlo. It is going to be a LONG wait watching for the delivery man!
I am a happy man!
Those words are MUSIC to my ears!
"The ATG is an early '78. As of this morning, it is in transit to Tony ..."
AND....
"The '78 neck was right in line with the other '78 in the old "measure your girth" thread -- pretty slim."
With Jake's help, I've actually scored my "dream RIC". A late 70's AutumnGlo. It is going to be a LONG wait watching for the delivery man!
I am a happy man!

"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
- lyle_from_minneapolis
- Advanced Member
- Posts: 2530
- Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:13 pm
Congrats, Tony!
So.....about that nasty old Burgundyglo....
So.....about that nasty old Burgundyglo....
Here is where I hide my music:
http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman
http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman
Thanks Mark!
LoL, "that nasty old Burgundyglo"....The jury is still out on that one.
The seller filed a claim with FEDEX to see if they will cover the finish damage. SO....right now, I'm just waiting to see what they will do, IF ANYTHING.
I was instructed to repack it the way it arrived, so when the adjuster comes to inspect it....

"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
Just a quick update.
I have to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to Jake Bartolone for a FANTASTIC transaction.
The '78 Autumn Glo 4001 is DROP DEAD BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks for working with me and for an excellent packing job! She arrived SAFE & SOUND is it really is in FANTASTIC CONDITION!
Sorry I haven't had a chance to return your Email Jake, it's been one hell of a week! I will bring you up to speed in a day or so!
GREAT NECK, NICE AND SLIM and a REAL LOOKER to boot! This one will join the ranks of my CS & V63, this one isn't going ANYWHERE. I'll post some outside shots of the ATG side by side with the Walnut.
It is all I was hoping for and MORE!
I'm a happy man!
I have to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to Jake Bartolone for a FANTASTIC transaction.
The '78 Autumn Glo 4001 is DROP DEAD BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks for working with me and for an excellent packing job! She arrived SAFE & SOUND is it really is in FANTASTIC CONDITION!
Sorry I haven't had a chance to return your Email Jake, it's been one hell of a week! I will bring you up to speed in a day or so!
GREAT NECK, NICE AND SLIM and a REAL LOOKER to boot! This one will join the ranks of my CS & V63, this one isn't going ANYWHERE. I'll post some outside shots of the ATG side by side with the Walnut.
It is all I was hoping for and MORE!
I'm a happy man!
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
