Author Topic: '77 Series I 4 string (Read 255 times)

s_wood · « **on:** June 17, 2006, 06:37:40 PM »

http://www.thelowend.net/thelowend/index.htm

lysosome · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2006, 09:27:44 PM »

I played that one at a guitar show in Ohio about a week ago. It's a nice one! Could use a good cleaning, but it's a great bass.

bigredbass · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2006, 06:35:59 PM »

The Low End is in Murfreesboro, just down the road from Nashville, so I went down there, as they recently graduated from an Internet business to having a store. I was STUNNED to see that many boutique basses in one place, as the standard-issue here is MusicMans, Sadowskys, Lulls, etc. I get so bored with the lack of imagination . . . .

This particular Series One is in REMARKABLE shape for its age, everything works, including the vintage (small) power supply and cord, and it has the original issue orange (!) fur case.
I played it thru one of his house-brand preamps, thru a QSC into a Schroeder bin and it sounded fine: No noise or wierdness in a fluorescent-lit room. Now I'm certainly a rookie when it comes to Series electronics, but nothing jumped out at me, sonically or cosmetically.

All it really needs is serious brass polishing (understandable for its age). No serious dents, scratches, bad frets, etc. You could EASILY buy this bass at Brian's price, replace the bridge, bird, and keys just for the cosmetics, and make out like a thief in the night.

With a all the interest in 70s ALEMBICs, I really don't understand why this one hasn't found a home. If it had been a five, we wouldn't be having this conversation . . .

57basstra · « **Reply #3 on:** June 27, 2006, 05:18:08 PM »

What do you guys think about this one? Price, condition, wood, looks, vibe, etc., etc.

dela217 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2006, 06:33:03 PM »

I think that if it were a small standard body, I would own it. I think the price is right, and the condition superb. Brian is a straight up guy to deal with too. I am surprised this bass has not sold already.

bigredbass · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2006, 06:44:46 PM »

David, IF you're at all interested in a vintage Series I/4, it would REALLY be worth a drive from Dover to play it yourself. I did, see my post previous to yours. I think for its age, it's in remarkable shape.

J o e y

echo008 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2006, 07:13:23 AM »

For what its worth...
I just bought an Essence 5 string from Brian (he just got it in) As well Ive done business with him in the past, and he is straight up a great guy to deal with if anything is/was wrong with the bass he would make it right.
- Tom

malthumb · « **Reply #7 on:** July 03, 2006, 10:17:38 AM »

I will echo what echo (Tom) says. I sold Brian a 1979 Series II several years ago and I've also purchased a tuner from him within the past year. He is very straight forward. He has a very good name in internet sales and purchases and works hard tokeep that good name.

Peace,

James

bigredbass · « **Reply #8 on:** July 05, 2006, 09:58:50 AM »

I looked up the original post for this: It's s/n 77-615

J o e y

57basstra · « **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2006, 10:32:48 AM »

Hey Joey, James, Tom, Michael, Jimmy, Steve..I actually drove up to LowEnd from my home recently and tried the '77 bass. It is nice. It did have a little problem making a connection on the 5 pin and bringing in both pickups. But a more solid 'snap' with the cord to jack fixed that. Anyway, I am also kinda considering looking at the Series at Gruhn Guitars. (I was sorta waiting for Joey's scouting report)> ..I may not be able to pull the trigger on either one right now, (and certainly not both) so don't let me stand in the way of anyone else on these Series I basses. (Will at Fast Cash in Hendersonville also has a great deal on a new Orion 4. ......Just curious guys, for the price, condition, models, etc., if you were going to go either way on the '77 series at LowEnd or the Gruhn Series, which one would you buy?.......I already have a Mark King 5 and Epic 6....I need an Alembic 4!! (then I'll be looking for a guitar)....too little money, too many great Alembics! Thanks!!

echo008 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2006, 11:25:51 AM »

If I had a choice betwwen the Series 1 at Gruhns and the 77 series at the low end...
Is the one at Gruhns still going for 4k. you might be able to talk down both basses a bit. probably not too much though, I know that Brian would most likely work something out with you (of course I cannot speak for him, but from dealing with him in the past he's always been fair)

If you havent played the one at Gruhns I would say to go and do it if you can, then compare and see which one speaks to you more (Of course as long as you can afford it, that is )

From what I hear... with the older Series theres also the possibility of it needing an electronics upgrade to help get rid of noise and RF. I havent heard the person/people complain about this who have played it but it might be different when you take the bass out on stage.

Ultimately I think you should play both first if you can and then decide.
- Tom

bigredbass · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2006, 05:16:03 PM »

I've played them both, although I could not plug in the one at Gruhn's. Although I'm sure they'd make a way for you to do it if you came down.

I would not presume to choose between the two for you. And I would CERTAINLY suggest you play them both if you're in a mood to buy. If I had to pick one, I'd 'work' Brian down a little so I could get a new bridge, bird, and gold keys, which would really brighten that old girl up just fine and save me a BUNCH of brass polishing.
The Gruhn bass is just noticeably rougher cosmetically. And I could not plug it in, so who knows?

I'll be glad when I run across a Series like these in a five . . . I'm not counting Olie's as I want a maple top.

J o e y

57basstra · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2006, 07:57:47 PM »

Joey, thanks for the scouting report. I know when I buy again it is my call, but it is nice to get input from y'all. It sounds like the Gruhn's bass is not quite as pretty as it looks in the pics. Not that looks are everything......