Series I 77 785

[liquidambar23]

I'm interested in any info available about the build / history of this instrument. It belonged to my father, who passed away in 2020, and it is now in my possession. The trussrod cover is gone, and the finish has some nice crackling on it. I don't think anything has been replaced on it. It hasn't been played regularly for many years.

As the attached image shows, my dad bought this bass in the 70s. I have a different, dated photo of him playing it from October 1978.

Thanks in advance!

[edwardofhuncote]

Sorry about your loss... your Dad had very good taste in bass guitars for certain. 77-785 is a 1977 build, probably close to mid/late-Spring. There are a few schedua-topped instruments built close to it, and in your picture, that top could pass for schedua or possibly narra.


Mica will eventually uncover more details in the build card, but welcome to hang out here in the waiting room with us.

[pauldo]

Losing a father can be hard.  For some it offers opportunities for gratitude.

Are you a bassist?

[liquidambar23]

Thanks for the info, edwardofhuncote. I'm attaching some clearer photos of the bass in its current state, which might give a better idea what species of wood are here. Apologies for the missing A string... waiting until I give it a proper setup to replace that.

@pauldo, yes I am a bassist. I'm definitely grateful that these instruments are with me now.

[NolTaylorBassplayer]

That looks like a lovely cut of walnut there, but I'm guessing. I bet she sounds incredible!

[JimmyJ]

Sorry for your loss but we're glad you're putting that bass back into service.  It's a great instrument and we hope you will enjoy playing it for years to come.

It's possible there never was a truss rod cover as I can't see any mounting holes. 

Also, your bridge pickup has a broken "wing" - upper left corner in your picture.  It's hard to tell if that's serious but as long as that pickup seems secure and is not wobbling you should be ok.  That corner is meant to be held up by the screw from underneath - same thing in the opposite corner - while the other two screws hold the pickup down.  This scheme allows you to "float" the pickup in any position at the height of your choice.  But the pickup's "wings" are somewhat fragile so those mounting screws are only meant to be snug and not overtightened.  The pickup's function should not be effected but you may need to find a workaround to secure the mounting.  Let us know or post a close-up of that pickup if possible.

Keep the questions coming. We're excited to hear how you like it once you get it set up.
Jimmy J

[lbpesq]

Sweet looking bass!  My '76 Series I MSG doesn't have a truss rod cover.  My '77 Series I LSG 12 String does. 

Bill, tgo

[Artgeckko]

That's a beautiful and wonderful instrument.
As a long time neighbor said when my dad passed, "In many ways we are closer to our parents when they pass cause they are always close."  That bass is testament to that. I'm sure he enjoyed that iconic bass.
Just a note, it takes a bit to get build info...be patient, in the meantime this club is awesome with suggestions, help, and info.
Welcome!

[Mlazarus]

Sorry for your loss. I own an 82' series 1. I took the truss rod cover off because it protrudes/sits onto of the wood, which makes it hard for me to place
my finger under the strings to pop.