I need info on a Yamaha SB1-C

PeteM

I bought this bass in the early '70s when I was booked to play in a pit orchestra for a stage show. I was playing guitar at the time and decided on a short scale bass because I had no time to get used to a standard scale.

This was the only short scale I could find in Durban then. It sufficed, but I always felt it was a bit 'plonky' so I haven't used it much over the years. I was never sure whether it was the short scale that caused this or the pick-up. It was pretty cheap back then.

Does anyone know what the pick-up is on this thing and whether I should replace it if I can?

Now that I am playing again, I feel the need to give this instrument a good going over. The pots are dirty, so I will be replacing them, as well as the female jack, plus I'll do a complete rewire.

There is very little info on this model and I was wondering if anyone here knows anything about it?

The action is great and I enjoy playing it so I hate the thought of relegating it to the cupboard again.

AlanRatcliffe

Hope you don't mind me saying, but: damn, that's ugly ?

"Plonky" is the perfect description for the tone of a short scale bass. "Rubber bandy" would also apply. ? Very little in the way of articulation or note definition?

I'd be more likely to experiment with different strings to get a tone I liked than anything else - either heavier gauge to try and get some definition and more of a traditional bass tone, or something like the black plastic coated Rotosounds to take it even more towards upright tonal territory.

The pickup may also have something to do with it, but I suspect that unless you have that pickup rewound (I know a guy If you want to explore that route), you are out of luck at finding any replacement (let alone a choice). If you are not worried about modifying the bass and destroying any collector's value, you might consider having a more traditional pickup fitted closer to the bridge.

dee

After a bit of googling and translating:

http://translate.google.co.za/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yamaha.co.jp%2Fproduct%2Fguitar%2Feg%2Fdatabase%2Fsb%2Fsb-1c.html&sl=ja&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Found that while looking at this:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381544

Unfortunately nothing specific yet.

PeteM

You're too right Alan, it is an ugly beast, but hey that's its charm, like a vintage VW beetle. From what I can see there are very few around, not sure whether it has collectors values or not but have seen one advertised on ebay recently for Au$1256 (approx R8164). But hey, the thing has got to sound right so I'm open to the mod option.

I do have heavy gauge strings on it and it did make it sound a bit better. I'll do the rewiring and replacement thing as a start anyway.

Thanx for your input from me and Ugly Betty. ?

PeteM

Thanks Dee, I have seen that site - not a lot of info though - I think Yamaha is embarrassed by the thing. However, the body and neck is well made and even after all these years there is no sign of any neck warp. The electrics are pretty lousy though.

singemonkey

PeteM wrote Thanks Dee, I have seen that site - not a lot of info though - I think Yamaha is embarrassed by the thing. However, the body and neck is well made and even after all these years there is no sign of any neck warp. The electrics are pretty lousy though.

Just had a look at that site. Very interesting to see their whole range from then. I don't think Yamaha was embarrassed at all. In fact, as I said, they reissued the SGV guitars - even including an abolone heavy limited signature model for upwards of 300,000 Yen. I reject all this ugliness talk out of hand ? It's a question of getting the vibe they were going for. Nobody accuses the rather homely telecaster of ugliness any more after all. It's a whole modern, futuristic thing - flying cars and jetpacks.

Yours is obviously the bottom of the range model, which explains why the electronics are a little lack-lustre. I agree about not messing with it though. I'm guessing that in original spec, in Japan, it's probably worth quite collectable. I'll try to ask around on the Tokai Forum. There are some Japanese guitar dealers who hang out there.

PeteM

Hey Singemonkey, thanks for showing the interest.
It's not so much of how ugly or not ugly it looks, rather the impractical design of this particular model. You have to play it slung around your neck which is damned annoying in the studio environment when I just want to pick it up and work out a riff when I'm writing something or dropping in a quick part. Other than that she's paid for her keep.

DonovanB

you could try playing it upside down?

I think it has some appeal. what is that on the bridge cover?

PeteM

DonovanB wrote I think it has some appeal. what is that on the bridge cover?

The chrome is wearing off.

singemonkey

I hear you on the convenience. That missing lower horn must be a little frustrating. One of the things I like best about this SG that I'm going to be selling, is that it sits on my knee so much more comfortably than my Les Paul - which always wants to tip backwards because of the weight. Unfortunately I can't have all the guitars I want (for now ? ) so I'm going to have to sell the SG to buy the second (humbucking) Les Paul.

I think that bass comes from just around the period when Japanese guitars stopped being ludicrous and started being awesome. Maybe that bass is in an awkward in-between phase. ☹