Trivia
FlyGuitarsNow on to the bonus round of silly but revealing questions
FlyGuitars Roundwound or flat?
JMJ Both
FlyGuitars Maple or Mahogany?
JMJ Both
FlyGuitars Active or passive?
JMJ PASSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FlyGuitars Mud, thud or piano?
JMJ Mud
FlyGuitars Pick or fingers?
JMJ Both
FlyGuitars Ebony, Maple or Rosewood (please do not put down Wenge)?
JMJ Maple and Rosewood
FlyGuitars Digital or analogue?
JMJ Both. At the same time.
FlyGuitars Coke or Pepsi?
JMJ Coke!
FlyGuitars Cat or Dogs?
JMJ Cat
FlyGuitars VH-1 or MTV?
JMJ VH-1 is the only one that plays videos now, right? So VH1.
FlyGuitars Meat or potatoes?
JMJ Fish!
FlyGuitars Do you treat your basses as fine pieces of furniture (coffee table) or as tools?
JMJ Tools, but furniture if the value is over $2K. :-)
FlyGuitars Internet or boob tube?
JMJ Internet.
FlyGuitars Do you like basses with figured wood (flame/ curly) or do you like them with Plain Jane grain?
JMJ Plain Jane!!!!
FlyGuitars BEAD or CBGB?
JMJ CBGB!!
FlyGuitars Teletubbies or Sponge Bob?
JMJ Tubbies! 'Cuz that's what my baby girl likes.
FlyGuitars Thank you now back to more serious issues. What is your view of the current music industry situation as far as the death of CD sales/stores due to I pods and picking choosing single songs?
JMJ Inevitable. More changes are coming, get ready. But people still like music, so I'm not horribly distressed about it. Especially live music.
FlyGuitars Do you think that with today's technology and the fact that anyone can be a musician who owns a laptop or a MySpace account, that it dilutes music, or do you think it makes music better?
JMJ Dilutes it. There's too much quantity and not enough quality. I get way to many shitty demos (or Myspace page links) these days that end up depressing the hell out of me.
FlyGuitars Bands are getting dropped right and left by their labels, what does it take to make it in today's music industry?
JMJ Don't suck, don't be trendy, and persist.
FlyGuitars Do you find LA the center of the rock music industry?
JMJ Yeah. London is its own center, though.
FlyGuitars Thanks again I hope you enjoy the site in the future.
JMJ Absolutely! You guys do a great thing.
Justin with Alex Ebert, vocalist with Ima Robot
A selection of Justin's basses - Wal, Fender, Guild, Gibson, Rickenbacker and Hofner are all represented
Justin the bassist
... and Justin the producer
Thanks to John (Redbird) Fertig and Justin Meldal-Johnsen for another great interview
Why not check out some of these links
Justin Meldal-Johnsen homepage
Ima Robot homepage
Beck homepage
and don't forget the other FlyGuitar interviews
Gibson bass guitars for sale
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1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$13495
These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more
2022 Gibson Thunderbird IV "Rex Brown" Signature Bass cool clean & unplayed !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2250
Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is well-known for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera, Down, and Kill Devil Hill, and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on Thisâ??¦ His mint Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird bass features a mahogany neck and body, and gold hardware with a Hipshot bridge and tuners (including a Drop D Xtender). A pair of powerful Rexbucker T-Bird pickups provide plenty of output and low-end punch. The master tone control is equipped with a push / pull switch that ... more
Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird
Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... more
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... more
Guild Starfire Bass - vintage 1972 - super clean
Nolensville, Tennessee, 371**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3349
One of the cleanest ones you'll find, and it even has its original bridge cover (good luck finding another one with the cover!) It's been well-taken care of, to say the least. Comes with a newer Epiphone case, though I can't tell how old it is. There is an old, wonderful sounding set of flats on it - just what the doctor ordered!
Its sound is wide-ranging, and the factory bass boost toggle (not sure what Guild called this) will make you think you're playing
though a wall of Sunn stacks in... more
Its sound is wide-ranging, and the factory bass boost toggle (not sure what Guild called this) will make you think you're playing
though a wall of Sunn stacks in... more
Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case
Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
I bought this guitar around 1982. I played it in the high school marching band. It is a marvelous instrument that has always deserved a better player than myself. That being said, my only consolation in letting it go is that whoever owns it next plays the hell out it. They didn't call this model the Ripper for nothing and rock stars have long sought after this model built during this time. It sounds beautiful and it is painful for me to sell it. But I don't play it often and my home air ... more
Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird Bass
Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
This Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird is a dream come true for any rockstar. With a right-handed design, this electric bass guitar is perfect for those who want to take their music to the next level. The body is made of mahogany, giving it a warm and rich sound that is perfect for any occasion. The satin black color adds a touch of elegance to the instrument, making it a true beauty
The fretboard is made of ebony, which adds a unique touch to the guitar. The neck material ... more
The fretboard is made of ebony, which adds a unique touch to the guitar. The neck material ... more
1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$9000
1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
De Armond By Guild STARFIRE BASS Guitar Sunburst Semi Hollow w Case Korea Made
Hawthorne, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1000
✈️FREE SHIPPING✈️
De Armond By Guild STARFIRE BASS Sunburst Semi Hollow / Case Included
IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
WILL SHIP IT WITH THE CASE ( not the original case for DeArmond but it fits )
HARD CASE IS FOR EPHIPHONE BASS
NOT FOR DE ARMOND
IM USING IT ONLY FOR PROTECTION
PLEASE CHECKTHE PHOTOS CAREFULLY FOR MORE DETAILS
FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
... more
De Armond By Guild STARFIRE BASS Sunburst Semi Hollow / Case Included
IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
WILL SHIP IT WITH THE CASE ( not the original case for DeArmond but it fits )
HARD CASE IS FOR EPHIPHONE BASS
NOT FOR DE ARMOND
IM USING IT ONLY FOR PROTECTION
PLEASE CHECKTHE PHOTOS CAREFULLY FOR MORE DETAILS
FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
... more
1982 Wal Pro Bass 1E Dark'bursted body & matching neck its 1 of a kind & Minty !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$11495
This Rare Pro IE Wal Bass was made in the Uk by the legendary guitar maker and electronics expert Ian Waller and Luthier Paul Stevens of the ?Electric Wood Ltd . Ian Waller was a bass player in the 60??s Manchester Scene .He honed his skills as an electronics mastermind and woodworker in London in the 60??s and became known for for his incredible guitar making abilities. He was commisioned to make custom Guitars for John Gustafson (Roxy Music??s bass player of the time), John G Parry of Caravan ... more
Vintage 1967 Guild Starfire Bass Black
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2795
Vintage original 1967 Guild Starfire Bass that has been refinished and a pickguard fashioned to it as well as other signs of work that has been done.
We don't see any cracks or repairs which is a big plus
Neck angle is good and action is good and it plays well
The pickups are original and they have a real warm and organic tone
Looks like the F holes have been enlarged a bit and the headstock re-shaped. They saved the serial number prior to sanding for a refinish and re ... more
We don't see any cracks or repairs which is a big plus
Neck angle is good and action is good and it plays well
The pickups are original and they have a real warm and organic tone
Looks like the F holes have been enlarged a bit and the headstock re-shaped. They saved the serial number prior to sanding for a refinish and re ... more
Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan
New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more
Wal Pro Bass 1e - Black, 1978 Excellent Condition, Rare. With Original Wal Case
Palm Coast, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$9500
If you??re looking at this ad you??re probably already know what??s Wal basses are.
Here it is 1978 Wal Pro Bass 1e for sale. Serial number is 1301.
These basses were produced from 1978 to 1981 by Electric Wood Ltd.
The Pro Series was offered between 1978 and 1981. The first Wal Pro Bass had serial number PB1291.
I??ve had this bass since 2016, bought this guitar in London. The previous owner turned it to passive, but since the bass was located in England I??ve decided to send ... more
Here it is 1978 Wal Pro Bass 1e for sale. Serial number is 1301.
These basses were produced from 1978 to 1981 by Electric Wood Ltd.
The Pro Series was offered between 1978 and 1981. The first Wal Pro Bass had serial number PB1291.
I??ve had this bass since 2016, bought this guitar in London. The previous owner turned it to passive, but since the bass was located in England I??ve decided to send ... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY DELUXE BASS - made in USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£2850
60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more
Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar 1978 - Black with Case - Original Owner
Port Sydney, Ontario, P0B***, CANADA
$2995
Single owner: date of purchase 28 / 10 / 79. Serial number - 71468060Tested yesterday and still plays beautifully. Very good condition, please see photos and zoom for details. Always kept in hard case, hasn't been used for years due to shoulder injury. Hate to see it go but hate to see it sitting unused Guitar and case show minor wear: belt scratches on back of guitar, some small chips, and minor wear on hard case All original pieces / parts except for "Locking" type attachment points for ... more
1987 GIBSON BASS IV - Made in USA - THUNDERBIRD PICKUPS
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£1090
1987 GIBSON BASS IV - made in USA :
* the black painted part of the body was cut off before by some moron and replaced with 2 pieces of ash=
check pic 5
* pearl white finish is very worn
* Thunderbird pickups
* black Schaller hardware
* ebony fingerboard, frets are fine
... more
* the black painted part of the body was cut off before by some moron and replaced with 2 pieces of ash=
check pic 5
* pearl white finish is very worn
* Thunderbird pickups
* black Schaller hardware
* ebony fingerboard, frets are fine
... more
1979 WAL PRO 2 Bass in Natural finish. Comes with original hard shell case
London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£10500
NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITARS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1979 WAL PRO 2 BASS NATURAL
Wal Pro 2 bass in great original condition. A superb example of these very sought after basses. Serial Number PB 1309. The bass was logged by WAL in 1979 and sold through Barrett??s of Manchester at that time This is an example of the pre Active series as it actually has the battery compartment and fittings but not actually wired in. Has been owned by the current owner since 1994 and has ... more
1979 WAL PRO 2 BASS NATURAL
Wal Pro 2 bass in great original condition. A superb example of these very sought after basses. Serial Number PB 1309. The bass was logged by WAL in 1979 and sold through Barrett??s of Manchester at that time This is an example of the pre Active series as it actually has the battery compartment and fittings but not actually wired in. Has been owned by the current owner since 1994 and has ... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€3333
60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more
Guild Starfire Bass 1966
Marino, 00***, ITALY
€3500
GUILD STARFIRE BASS 1966!!! Awesome vintage bass in perfect condition considering it is almost 60 years old . SOUNDS GREAT!!! The hinge straps on the case are a little worn but they close and open without problems
... more
... more
Orginal Gibson Thunderbird Bass 76
Göppingen, 73***, GERMANY
€3690
Gibson Bass Thunderbird 76 in Sunburst !
Zum 200 jährigen Unabhängigkeitstag der USA brachte Gibson 1976 den " Limitierte Thunderbird Bass" auf den Markt
Er zeichnet sich mit seinem kellertiefen Basssound perfekt aus Ein angenehmer " Jott Bass" ähnlicher Ton der Wohlbefinden auslöst
Dieser Bass ist eine aus der " Limitierten Ausgabe" mit der Serien-Nr. 06240249 von 1977 von der nur 605 gebaut wurden
Der Bass ist eine Rarität im guten Zustand, der kaum noch zu finden ist ... more
Zum 200 jährigen Unabhängigkeitstag der USA brachte Gibson 1976 den " Limitierte Thunderbird Bass" auf den Markt
Er zeichnet sich mit seinem kellertiefen Basssound perfekt aus Ein angenehmer " Jott Bass" ähnlicher Ton der Wohlbefinden auslöst
Dieser Bass ist eine aus der " Limitierten Ausgabe" mit der Serien-Nr. 06240249 von 1977 von der nur 605 gebaut wurden
Der Bass ist eine Rarität im guten Zustand, der kaum noch zu finden ist ... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€3333
60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more