Chris Squire's 1969 4001

[rickaddict]

I see nothing that looks abnormal under the bridge.

[leftybass]

Check out the pic that shows the wiring and the pots.....the bit that you see of the tailpiece, it looks like the outline of a block of wood undeneath the tailpiece unit.......a rout repair perhaps....?

[teeder]

I thought it was the reflection from the tailpiece. I don't see anything weird.

[rickaddict]

Yeah, I think its just a goofy photographic effect. I think the lens looking right at the chrome up close like that and the reflection of the wood next to it is playing tricks.

[leftybass]

That's good then...I was hoping it hadn't been messed with....

[johnallg]

Youve spoilt the surprise John,
I was going to buy this bass for your 7000th!
CONGRATS!!!

Awww, geee, just my luck. Missed it by that much! Thanks for the congrats Pete.

[henry5]

Ok, now I'm crying. Days like this I wish I'd been born into money (what am I talking about? I always wish I had been born into money! )

[brycycle]

I see nothing that looks abnormal under the bridge.

looks like blocking to me...

[seyesbass]

Everything looks good to me on this bass.Its in great shape with all original 60s hardware.The TRC still might be a later one but I could be wrong.
As I was just mentioning to Tony in my mail,the mystery to me is why this bass (a 1969 4001) seems to have the early 60s style horse shoe and surround.
I would have thought it would have had a shorter oblong surround.
The "Yes album bass" as I call it had a plastic cover later treble pick up and surround. So if this is the same bass it may have had a replacement treble pick up.(not a bad thing as its a 60s horse shoe!)
To me its got all the attributes (apart from tuners and headstock shape) of an early 60s 4001.
I think I remember Tim Buckleys bass player using a bass just like this on his 1974 tour.

For an eight grand bass with star player provenance I reckon you could make your money back in no time.
I think it must have gone to Nikki Squire when they split up some years ago.
Who ever sold it must have wanted the cash rapidly because first Music Ground would have pumped up the price and second any ebay seller with the correct provenance could have sold this piece for way more if they had time.
I eat my earlier words.
Wish I had got there first!

[marc61]

Well, Pete, so far we have only "heard" that there "might be" provenance from Nikki Squire. Info is still sketchy on all counts.


I'm still not buying that its his bass. Who ever needed the money could have waited a few more days. They could not have known the BIN would be hit so quickly. Music Go round, or whoever they are put up the auction, let a few e-mails fly, and the bass was gone. There's no reason for me to believe that they needed to be discreet about the provenance, yet list in on Ebay.

[seyesbass]

Thats right Marc.
That Bin price would have been met without any provenance given the way prices are going these days.

[cheyenne]

We need Vincent Gallo to chime in. He would be the one person that might know the whereabouts of Chris's 21 fretter.

I found a YouTube video a few months back that featured Chris playing that bass. I posted here on the forum, but cant find it. Anyone remember? I was going to try to find some unique features and try to compare.

[leftybass]

This bass would be the earliest 21-fret 4001 known, right? 1969? Seems like there is one more floating around from '69..(Daves?)

The 21-fretter owners will know I'm sure......This 'Squire' bass also has ROS, which is unusual for a '69 4001. Even though it was an option at this time, you don't see it on most basses until sometime in 1970-71 as a standard feature......

[teeder]

Graham has a MG '69 21 fretter.

[leftybass]

Graham has a MG '69 21 fretter.

Oh, he has everything...

Graham, is your bass wired mono..?