(x) 1991 Series I (91 6288 USA)

[Eric1616]

Any info on build/wood/history would be greatly appreciated!

Eric.

[rv_bass]

Well that's freaking beautiful!

[Eric1616]

AGREED!!!!!  Can't wait to receive it!

[FC Bass]

Is this the one that was build for Newsted? (according to the seller)

Looks awesome, congrats! :-)

[Eric1616]

Yup, one and the same.  I am the second owner.  It was made for and owned by Newsted, but likely not played much by him - I'm told it's dead mint (just look at those backplates!).  We'll see, should have it tomorrow or Friday.

[Eric1616]

More photos - the bass is even better than I hoped it would be!  Unfortunately, it may be up for trade soon - should've held out for my grail short-scale....

[FC Bass]

I have a couple of medium scales I would trade for that! :-)

Sorry to hear it doesn't work for you, it looks stunning.
These are big basses with short horns and the bridge is far away from the edge.
You might also want to look at some other models like the Elan/Europa, though they are harder to find with Series electronics...
They have the bridge much closer to the edge and on the other side the strap holder is at the same height as the 14th fret, so that brings the low F a couple of inches closer:

[hammer]

That's a beautiful bass you have there. Is it a medium or long scale?

Whatever it is...don't despair or trade too quickly.  My first Series bass was also a Standard point too and it took some time to feel comfortable with it.  Both the neck and body were larger than I expected. I made a slight adjustment to playing form a 2:30 to a 1:30 position and that solved my reach problem.  As far as the body goes. it took about 2-3 months to get the feel but now I go back and forth between the Standard point and a short scale Series I with SC body without any problem.

[rv_bass]

I agree with hammer, give it a chance.  I was playing a short scale Starfire when I first got a long scale standard point I thought I would never get used to it.  I'm now accustomed to the size, weight, and length and I absolutely love it.

As hammer suggests, try raising the neck angle a little to make reaching the first position a little easier; also try shifting the bass body toward your right hip a little to draw the first fret closer in, I do that a lot and you get used to it quickly.  Great bass, give it a few months and see what you think. 

[edwardofhuncote]

Just popping in here to say - that is a really sweet bass. Being partial to medium or short scales too, I can imagine it will take some getting used-to, but for that one I'd have to at least try a wide strap and some re-posturing.

Congratulations & Compliments.    

[Eric1616]

Much thanks, all, for the compliments and words of encouragement -- I will certainly give it a try; it's definitely an "intimidating" bass!

In the meantime, while I'm waiting for the serial number report (understand Mica is busy with other stuff, of course), any opinions on the wood would be greatly apprecated.

Best,
Eric.

[FC Bass]

Almost looks like a hybrid Walnut/Koa top... Highly figured Walnut would be my guess.

And I agree with the above comments, try to make it work if it's not totally uncomfortable for you.

[Eric1616]

Thank!  I guess we'll have to wait for the official report on the wood.

[mica]

Here's what I found in the file for your bass:

serial number: 91 6288
model name: Series I
model number: LBI-4
top: Flame Walnut
accent: Maple laminate
body: Mahogany
back: Flame Walnut
neck: 5-piece Maple and Purpleheart
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: mother of pearl ovals
pickups: SC-1 with HX
controls: "Series I" volume x2, filter x2, 3-position Q-switch x2, mono 1/4" output, stereo 5-pin output
originally made for: our NAMM show display
birthday: January 2, 1991

While this bass wasn't specifically built for Jason, I'm pretty sure he bought it on a visit to our shop - it sure looks like the one I sold to him, and I recall it was a NAMM bass, so it adds up. He was blown away by the tone and then had us change out all the electronics in his other basses for Series and everything we made for him after this bass was also Series electronics.

Very pretty bass!

[Eric1616]

Much thanks, Mica!