In 1972 Gibson produced a series of 'Guitar of the Month' brochures, each dedicated to one of their high end models, the Les Paul Recording guitar, L5-CES, ES-175D, Super 400-CES, ES-355TD-SV and
Byrdland. Each brochure was a single sheet folded into four panels, with details of the instruments themselves, their features, musical purpose, and a little history behind the development of each guitar. Only the Les Paul Recording was a new model; the others were all well established in the Gibson line. Follow the link to see scans and further information on these leaflets and other Gibson guitar catalogues from the CMI and Norlin periods.
The earliest versions of the Vox Stroller were actually copies of an early Japanese electricguitar, the Guyatone (also sold under the brand Antoria) LG50. These Strollers, although short-lived did undergo a few changes before taking on the more familiar Strat influenced style of many mid-sixties UK-built Vox guitars. The biggest difference between early and late LG50-style Strollers (and the two pickup version, the Shadow) was the larger pickup, a shade longer, but noticeably wider used in the very first Vox guitars. Compare this early Vox to a 1963 Stroller with the later V1 pickup. For more information about Vox guitar pickups in general, see the Vox guitar pickups page.
EB-3 through an Ampeg B-15, EB-3 tone w/P-bass, etc.
Has anyone out there tried an EB-3 through an Ampeg B-15N, B-18N, or other Ampeg Portaflex-type amp? I'm wondering how this combo would sound, as opposed to the Marshall Head w/ 4x12 cabinet, as seems to have been preferred by Andy Fraser of Free and Jack Bruce.
I watched the clip of "Spoonful" by Cream posted on this forum, and much-discussed for Jack's distorted tone, but the tone I actually like more is his cleaner tone on this clip of Stormy Monday with Buddy Guy:
(if that link doesn't work, just click the green link button above, or go to youtube and search "jack bruce buddy guy")
Anyone know what the rig is that Jack is playing through in this clip?
Also, I don't yet own an EB-3, and have ALMOST bought a P-bass several times since they're cheaper and more readily available (I'm primarily a guitar player), but I just love the tone and feel of the EB-3, and find it WAY more inspiring!
Any thoughts about the possibility of achieving this sort of tone on a P-bass?
Also, what do all you EB-3 players say to the many detractors of this and other Gibson basses? I've been told over and over that an EB-3 is not a "real" bass, so I kinda worry about spending a lot of money on one and it not holding up in a live band situation, but again I've just loved them more than any other bass when I've tried them in stores, etc.
the EB3 is most certainly as"real"bass,it has the biggest,boomiest and bassiest sound out there,becuase of the short scale all mahogany construction,the "mudbucker pup and the location of the pup. a p-bass will never sound like that.way more mid range
The bass rig, and the guitar rig, are early 70s WEM amps. Kind of the forgotten UK amps along with Sound City. Not bad, structurally the speakers are a cross between Vox and Marshall.
The Pbass can fake a Gibson tone to some degree, but you need flats, mute, maybe a preamp. Not really the same animal.
Sometime around 1966 (yeah I know) I saw Martha and the Vandellas (a Mowtown act) in Chicago.
The bass player was using an EB3 and a 15" portaflex.
Really! What a special gig to have under your belt. I would have loved to have seen that. Was it the full Motown Funk Brothers line up. I suppose nobody would have known who they were back then.
1968 Gibson SG Special
1979 Gibson ES175D
2005 Fender Telecaster