(x) 80-1540

[rv_bass]

Hi Mica,
 
I would appreciate any information you have on Series I bass 80-1540.
 
Thanks very much,
Rob

[rv_bass]

[mica]

Hi Robert,

Here's the details about your bass:

model name: Series I
model number: MSBI-4
top: Nara
accent: none
body: Mahogany
neck: 5-piece Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 32" medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: mother of pearl
peghead veneers: Bubinga
pickups: Alembic SC-1 and HX
controls: Series I
originally made for: Pro Sound, CO
birthday: February 21, 1980

The original owner was from Colorado. This bass was sent to us on April 5 of 1980 to fix a warp noted by the customer between the 9-12 frets described as "on 1st and 4th string sides" and while there is a notation that we "Finished 4-17-80" the person did not record what was done to effect the repair.

[rv_bass]

Thanks, Mica, I appreciate the info!

Rob

[rv_bass]

Hi Mica,


Would you happen to have any info on Nara: hardness, tonal quality, etc?  I checked the Alembic wood selection page, but did not see it listed.  It's interesting to see how body wood preferences appear to  have changed over the years:  70s & 80s mostly zebra wood, koa, vermilion, Nara; 90s maple, rose woods, walnut; 2000s coco bolo, burl woods, back to zebra wood, and a variety of custom combinations.

Thanks,
Rob

[edwardofhuncote]

Rob, I think Nar(r)a is related to Vermillion and Padauk. (sp.?) Regional variation I'm guessing. I'm curious too, what saith the Wood Oracle.

Cool bass, man... love those 70's Standard Points. It's just... iconic.

[rv_bass]

Thanks, Gregory, and I look forward to seeing your new build.  Regardless of what you choose (satin or gloss) it will look fantastic!

Rob

[hammer]

I believe that Narra is the same as padauk and when in burl form is referred to as Amboyna  (Pterocarpus indicus) which is from Southeast Asia.  Nice bass which from the photos appears to be in good condition.  What I've noticed as much as the wood species changing over the years is the increased use of more highly figured woods from the 1900's to present.
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[mica]

Narra is from the Philippines and southeast Asia. It's the same genus (Pterocarpus) as Vermilion, but Vermilion is from Africa and is a different species. Amboyna is burl from any Pterocarpus, but usually it's Narra.

[rv_bass]

Thanks, everyone, for the narra background info. And Hammer, I think your observation is a good one.

[edwin]

Lovely bass! I didn't know that Pro Sound here in Colorado was a dealer. Interesting. I think they are a mere shadow of their former selves at this point, although they may be regrouping.

[rv_bass]

Thanks, Edwin.  And true to its genus (Pterocarpus), Narra provides a little boost in the low end (nice and warm too), compared with my maple and zebra wood basses.

[rv_bass]

Hi Mica,

For  the record, I no longer own this bass.  I sold it to a person in Evergreen, Colorado, who was very happy to be the new owner. It was tough to let this one go, really a fantastic bass!