Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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.......

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.

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

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

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

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

T'is a Guild Starfire he wore.

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.

revolver323 wrote: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.

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