Gretsch bass

DGNR8 · Post by **DGNR8** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 2:14 am

It's in pieces, but I just got one of these. It was super cheap. It's missing a few parts. The frets were taken off, but look to be in good shape. WTF?

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 2:18 am

holy shit, bass mute? that's fucking WYLIN'

James · Post by **James** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 2:25 am

Fender basses came with mutes back in the 60s. I want one now for playing some Motown style things but the market for them doesn't really exist because people tend to make do with whatever piece of foam they find that does the job. There's a Fender patent for a lever operated system that I would like to try out. If the lever is able to be left in in-between positions it'd be good for having varying levels of muting. And if you use the bridge cover it's all hidden underneath (except the small lever of course, but I can't remember how that works with the cover).

I'm not sure the lever thing was ever done, I've not looked into it that much. Here's a pic of some other mute style that came stock.

gaybear · Post by **gaybear** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:46 am

can somebody explain the acoustics of that diaper?

Zack · Post by **Zack** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 9:06 am

plays like an upright? cool. looking forward to yr repairs, they're always top notch.

theshadowofseattle · Post by **theshadowofseattle** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 12:16 pm

I'm really looking forward to seeing this happen.

DGNR8 · Post by **DGNR8** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 12:27 am

The diaper is so you can play it nekkid! The White Falcon has one too. It covers a big access hole. Terrible thing, but it sure makes it easier to tweak the guts. This base is missing the end pin that allows it to be played like an upright. Like I care. I am just dying to hear it. It wasn't well received, but that never stopped me before. I have never seen a pile of frets before. I can't imagine why anyone would pull them. I will post pics. It feels like archaeology.

Rayjaysonic · Post by **Rayjaysonic** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 5:10 pm

James wrote:Fender basses came with mutes back in the 60s. I want one now for playing some Motown style things but the market for them doesn't really exist because people tend to make do with whatever piece of foam they find that does the job. There's a Fender patent for a lever operated system that I would like to try out. If the lever is able to be left in in-between positions it'd be good for having varying levels of muting. And if you use the bridge cover it's all hidden underneath (except the small lever of course, but I can't remember how that works with the cover).

I'm not sure the lever thing was ever done, I've not looked into it that much.

My Ricki 4003 has a mute that you engage with a couple of screw turns that lifts the foam to the strings.