Got One Back Recently...

[edwardofhuncote]

I routinely keep a few guitars and other instruments loaned out. I had all but forgotten this one -and it's a weirdo- a 1987 Gibson Q-80. Gibson built a short run of basses and some super-Strat type guitars in the late 80's on this platform. They also made a Q-90, and then there's the Thunder Series Bass IV and V's, and another Steinberger-esqe bass that went over with just as big of a splat. Mostly they resemble a Victory body, but are mahogany. The necks are maple, with a hockey-stick headstock reminiscent of the Explorer. Pickups are just whatever you got. It's a parts-bass that they shot either black, red, or white, and stuck a "Custom Shop" stamp on.


Anyway... I've had my black Q-80 loaned out to a co-worker who is only going to be my coworker for another week or so, so they returned it. I had forgotten how much fun it is! Darn thing plays and sounds fantastic, especially through the living room rig with F-2B and an SF-2 to tweak it with. It's quiet (meaning no noise) and the electronics work just fine too. The thing is set up perfectly.


I'll probably sell or rehome this one eventually, but I'm kinda' enjoying it for the moment. Maybe I should have held off on that haircut? 

[pauldo]

The Victory body.   

Had a Victory Artist mid-80’s, wasn’t what I wanted.  Next purchase was an Alembic Distillate.  😃

[gtrguy]

I played a vintage '69 Gibson Les paul bass recently. What a beast. Had neck climb even when sitting down with it.

[peoplechipper]

that looks kinda cool, never played one but I always thought the Victory bass looked good...

[edwardofhuncote]

I've never owned one, but I have played a Victory bass... it was as heavy a bass as any I've ever played. Beat only by an RD. Not even the "Artist" model with extras. This Q-80 though, just medium... I haven't weighed it but I'll guess 8-1/2, maybe 9 lb.

I was playing it again last night, just noodling around... got the Thunder Series Bass V out to a/b them. The bolt-on Q-80 is just a better instrument all the way around. That Thunder Series has enormous sentimental value, so it'll always have a place, but they're a pair for sure.


The pointy 80's!