I just paid $75 for an ABG - Anybody know anything about it?

[SabreBass]

You can check out pics at this craigs list posting:

 

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/msg/111320512.html

 

So far its great. Action is a bit high for my taste but the volume and tone quality is EXCELLENT for an ABG. Haven't plugged it in yet so I don't know what the p-up sounds like.

 

The manufacturer name listed on the inside is "Vineland" and there is an attractive V inlay on the headstock. Fretwork isn't perfect but its good. Biggest complaint is that the intonation is clearly off in the upper register and I have no idea how to fix that on an ABG, so any suggestions will be highly appreciated.

 

The person who sold it to me claims he is in "Artist Relations" and gets cheap overseas gear for touring artists to take on the road so they don't have to bring their expensive equipment out. This specific bass was acquired for Phil Lesh - 4 were received but only one is being used and the others are being sold at $75 - claimed wholesale is $300.

 

The guy also claimed they had never been played. The first one I tried wasn't set up at all and had been clearly used by a smoker at length (fingers were black after a few seconds of playing). I asked to see another and the quality was much better and the strings cleaner.

 

This all feels too good to be true - but its in my apartment now and I like it!

 

-Jeremy

[bholder]

If the intonation's off on the sharp side and the action's high as well, you might try shaving down the bridge. If that doesn't do it, then you'd either have to reshape or move the bridge, or rip the frets out and intonate with your fingers. Not too many ABG designs allow for an adjustable bridge...

[Fran da Man]

Might want to check the bow in the neck before you go messin' with the bridge. It should have a truss rod...maybe accessed from in the body if it's not at the headstock.

[SabreBass]

 

Originally posted by Fran da Man Might want to check the bow in the neck before you go messin' with the bridge. It should have a truss rod...maybe accessed from in the body if it's not at the headstock.

 

 

Checked that - the bow looks pretty good to me. The guy who sold it to me had recently set it up - not perfect but pretty good.

 

I don't want to take it to a pro quite yet since any work I get done will likely cost WAY more than the instrument.

 

-Jeremy

[bassthumpintwin]

i'm diggin the chandelier reflecting off the bass in the pics on the website.....

 

crappy website pics kill me......

[Fran da Man]

Not much to do about the intonation other than height of the bridge itself and neck deflection...hows the nut look under the strings? worn, grooved, pitted, filed, etc.?

Try some new strings of a different gauge...this can affect the intonation as well.

[SabreBass]

 

Originally posted by Fran da Man Not much to do about the intonation other than height of the bridge itself and neck deflection...hows the nut look under the strings? worn, grooved, pitted, filed, etc.? Try some new strings of a different gauge...this can affect the intonation as well.

 

 

Definately plan on picking up some new strings ASAP. I'm really impressed with the tone of the instrument and can't wait to hear what it sounds like with a new set that I put on myself. I'm hoping the intonation problem will subside for the most part with the new strings that I put on myself and stretch properly.

 

Only comment on the nut is that its dirty - doesn't look worn or used in any way. Like I said, this instrument is supposedly designed to be a workhorse - withstand being on the road for a few months and then discarded... I think the parts are in good shape, just may not be set perfectly.

 

Does anybody have any knowledge about this instrument and where it comes from? To be perfectly honest, the only ABG I've ever heard produce this volume and tone quality is the $1000 Tacoma and $2500 Martin - most other ABGs I've played have been quiet and thin.

 

-Jeremy

[ToeJamFootball]

whoa!! i read the title as i just paid $75 for an AGB,

 

for reference AGB = After Grog Bog:freak:

 

ToeJam