Alan was going to send me further information but seems to have forgotten.
1) Sent in by Alan Baird. I've certainly never seen one of these before.
Alan was going to send me further information but seems to have forgotten.
Alan...?!
2) Michael McClean of Switzerland owns another SB-400, this time in an attractive sunburst finish with a white pickup.
All the classic lines are there, but readers, long string-ends are a pet hate of mine. What do you think?
The previous owner had fitted a Schaller bridge. I am surprised a Schaller would fit an SB. I'm sure the SB bridges I've seen are not usually flat underneath. Anyway Schallers are great as they allow string-gap adjustment, and it looks like this job has been well-done.
3) Peter Thomson of Newcastle, England says, “Whilst clearing through some old gear, I recently came across an Aria SB 400 bass guitar. The guitar was purchased by me in the late seventies and was then given a "back seat" as other instruments were purchased. It has remained, unplayed, in its case for the last 30 years and as such is in pristine condition. I used to gig the guitar at the time, but have always taken good care of things. The model is in the sunburst finish, of the same type as the one shown by Michael McLean, but is completely original. ”
No serial number on the headstock.
Peter has clearly looked after this bass well.
He comments, “I have a wide and varied taste in music and have also been influenced by the likes of Chris Squire, Stanley Clarke, Jaco, Victor Wooten, Mark King; in fact anyone who doesn't just plod along with root notes. I also have a great love of classical music, particularly Vaughan Williams, Elgar and anything to do with the cello. Must get round to learning to play it some day, even if it is just an excuse to get one of those beautiful upright instruments that Ned Steinberger is now producing.”
Peter's other babies. He is clearly a Rush fan, adding “I currently play a Rickenbacker 4003, Steinberger L Bass (original) and a Fender Geddy Lee jazz, so its not too difficult to see where my influences lie!”
Good to hear from you, Peter!