Chris' Bass

[mcd220]

Hey Guys-What kind of Bass is Chris playing in the early days live; like the TNT show, Sullivan, etc. A Gibson EB-2? An Epiphone or Guild of some kind??

Thanks! Christian

[37012player]

Christian,

According to Johnny Rogan's book, when the band first got their electric instruments, Chris got a Fender. The book dosen't mention what model, and I just assume it would have been 1965.

Cheers,

Simon.......

[nick_allen]

He mostly played a Precision, although on some early (mimed) TV shows, it looks like he has a Bass VI.
But I think Christian is referring to the semi-acoustic bass he's sometimes seen with. I have a feeling it's a Guild, but when I have a bit more time I'll have a "YouTube session" and try to be more certain.

[tamborineman]

Chris, my guess, Guild Starfire, based on the shindig video. My memory fails me, which probably means his choice didn't impress me at the time. Could also be a Framus but probably not. There was a lot of junk around back then, even in the hands of professionals

[nick_allen]

There's a pretty clear shot here, at 1:30 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7r7P2IardA
Unfortunately you can't see the headstock, but I think it is indeed a Guild Starfire.
And here is just one example of the Bass VI -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDr07b31a3Y

[revolver323]

Great hair on the Top of the Pops Emcee, eh? Mine wasn't much better back then, though.
McGuinn really works the closeups, too!

[tamborineman]

The hair combined with the fact that the guy is 45 years old. That would make him 87 today ....Hey is he Lord Mountbatin ?

[fatcat]

T'is a Guild Starfire he wore.

[servant]

I don't know these basses but, judging by what I saw at 1:30 on that first video, it does look like this:

http://perso.wanadoo.es/tallent/gear/pi ... BM2589.jpg

It's got the two parallel blocks (finger AND thumb rests). This one is fretless, has a Bartolini pickup
and belongs to Springsteen's Garry Tallent.

[mcd220]

Thanks very much, Gents!

Christian

"The Walrus was Crosby"



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[lennon211]

Great hair on the Top of the Pops Emcee, eh? Mine wasn't much better back then, though.
McGuinn really works the closeups, too!

That was Jimmy Savile, a big-time DJ in Britain at the time...kinda like their version of Murray the K.

It was a Guild Starfire I bass that Chris played. You can find examples that are similar to his on Gbase or ebay every now and then. I tried one out a few years ago and loved it. I really wish that I'd gotten it now. That was back when companies like Guild and Epiphone were doing great reissues of their '60's models inlcuding the big semi-hollow basses.

[Backpages66]

I really want one! Anybody know where you can find one like Hillman's with the sunburst finish?