Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Thanks Mike!

What do you think of it, Lars?

Here's some great info on these basses, if anyone was curious: http://xstrange.com/aeb1.html

The sound is as far from a rickenbacker as you can get: thumpy, midrangy.

I found out during the studio session that it is so microphonic that it picked up the sound of the drums! We had a hard time editing the drums afterwords because the drums could be quite clearly heard in the bass track!

This is a link to the track: http://www.larsnygaard.no/09%20July%2012th%201939.mp3

I like the ampeg because it's a very interesting bass, and a part of the history of the electric bass.

Yeah, that's the sound Lars!! Really cool tune, too!

Good job, Lars!

Very collectable too. If I remember correctly, John Entwistle mentioned in an interview that he hated the tone of the basses but bought them when he could because of their collectability.

If it has a diaphragm pickup, that explains why it picks up the drums so well and also why it would sound like an upright. The bass sounds good from what I could hear on my tiny speakers.
I've never tried one Mike nor seen one in person, I'd like to though.

The reason for making the diaphragm pickup, was to be able to use gut strings. Kind of pre-historic piezo pickup!

The AEB-1 is a lovely piece of furniture! Big and quite heavy.

In the recording I used the roundwounds that was on when I got it, I have later changed to D'Addario chromes, wich suits the instrument much better. It had to be a special order, since extra long scale is too short for this bass (got them from Bruce).

Played one years ago.Loved it.It had Flats as I remember and was a great sounding bass.Around the time I also was using a friends Danelectro but the
Ampeg was the better of both.I heard people yapping
about feedback and 'microphonics' but I never really had a problem running through a 100 bassman amp.
Neat Bass and I would like to have one again.

here is one on ebay right now with a reasonable price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1966-67-AEB-1-Vintage-Ampeg-Bass-Guitar_W0QQitemZ120133559147QQihZ002QQcategoryZ121156QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Nice one with rosewood fretboard.

Bob,
I doubt that I'll find one on the 'Bay for a reasonable price anymore.Brings back memories though....Hey, I was never a great bassplayer but I had some fun playing some of these classics.
Bill

Well that's a reasonable price for that these days, it is about 1000.00 cheaper than the refinished one at the beginning of this thread.

I'll pass.Neat Bass, however I just don't have the cash/reason. BTW I did let my '76 jazz go for $1200
not too long ago on C/L.It was nice.