Author Topic: Mica: Question on John Entwistle Spyder basses..... (Read 186 times)

senmen · « **on:** January 06, 2004, 06:53:03 AM »

Hi Mica,
happy new year to you. I hope everything is fine.
I read in an old post from you on another forum about John?s Spyders your comment:
We made at least 6 Exploiter bodies Series II basses, though his Alembic collection reached a height of 15, including 3 8-strings (one with that crazy V peghead) .
Now what makes me really wonder is the fact about the V-peghead 8string?
Is this really correct or was this a mistyping and you meant the V-peghead 4string that was auctioned at Sothebys?

Could you plse explain me again the electronics on his Spyders, especially the function of the two knobs and the switch on the front lower horn?

Also did you find some photos in your archives of Johns Spyders and/or V-bass?

Plse let me know!
Many thanks for your kind help!

Oliver Baumann (Spyderman)

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2004, 10:17:30 AM »

No, I meant we made for him an 8-string bass with the V-peghead. It was not in the Sotheby's auction.

The electronics included two master volume controls and a switch to select them.

Oliver, could you believe I would find photos and not post them? Don't worry, as soon as we have the time to make a concerted search, pics will be posted.

dela217 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2004, 11:54:02 AM »

Mica, or anyone, Why would there be a need for another master volume? I don't understand. Switchable too?

811952 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2004, 11:59:15 AM »

Two presets? Seems like overkill (and a bit awkward) to do it at the bass instead of on the preamp (and footswitchable), but then who am I to question one of the Gods...
John

senmen · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2004, 01:09:21 PM »

Mica,
many thanks for your answer and also for the mail you sent me.
Sorry if I pushed you about the photos; it was only my special interest in your instruments and especially in the Spyders as you might know.
Plse see my personal email I sent to you.

Many thanks
Oliver Baumann

mica · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2004, 06:11:06 PM »

He would frequently bounce back and forth between two volume settings. John's were the only basses we've made with two MVs as far as I know.

Having it on the bass is a real advantage if you move around the stage at all. If you'd have to be by a footswitch or the amp to make these changes, it might interfere with the performance.

For me it would be overkill, for him it was exactly what he needed. That's what we're all about.

Thanks for the emails Oliver - I'll let you know when I find out any other details about the basses, esp. the 8-string V.

senmen · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2004, 11:10:11 PM »

Mica,

thank you so much for your help and understandeance.

Oliver (Spyderman)