See the business listing for this bass builder here
This was a BotW that we could not feature before, but only for the reason a complete photo set of the instrument was not submitted the first time around. For this second time, we do have a complete photo set, and we very much thank the builder for resubmitting, because now we can feature it.
This build concentrates on incorporating the best features the builder likes from two specific bass brands, Rickenbacker and Carl Thompson.
Builder John Firth writes:
This is my prototype “Carrera” bass, inspired by my favourite Rickenbacker & Carl Thompson basses. I’ve played a Precision bass for decades and wanted something a little more individual and built for my specific needs. The bass has a one-piece Saraya back with a bookmatched Ash top, finished in hand-rubbed oil and wax, I refuse to hide the beauty of the timber and the finish means it is extremely tactile, letting the natural tone of the wood come through. The Rock Maple & Rosewood neck came from an unnamed donor bass (hence the branded neck plate and tuners), I removed the original finish and reshaped it slightly with an oil and wax finish. The pick-up came from an old Stingray bass and the bridge is a Hi-Mass model – again from a donor bass. The electrics comprise a passive Volume & Tone circuit. I’ve been repairing, restoring and making Fender style basses for years and decided it was time to use all the knowledge I’d gained to design and build an instrument that has good on-strap balance, is comfortable to play either standing or sitting, and has a bright and punchy tone. I have also built a fretless version.
Whether the fretted version seen or the fretless version, this is a great build. The combination of black hardware with natural wood finish also works very nicely. Well done, John!
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Beautiful bass, I love the natural finish, and the MusicMan pup! I owned a Sabre Bass that one day I started digging at the gloss stinky smokey bar finish until I stripped it down to the wood…it breathed! Well done.
Nicely done! You have actually helped me make the final decision to stick with hand rubbed oil finish on natural woods after spending too much time trying to get a flawless and easily damaged lacquer or varnish finish. Thanks, Doc
John, have you ever lived in Barningham?
No, i’ve never lived in Barningham (or heard of it, sorry!) As an update, since my bass was featured here I received my first two international orders so a huge thanks to the BBG team, keep up the great work!