1989 ASAT Bass Prototype

I love the looks of this instrument.

I didn't see a thread devoted to it ....thought it deserved one.

I didn't see a thread devoted to it ....thought it deserved one.

I agree!

It looks like this prototype used first generation SB/Lynx pickups. With the bridge pup right about where an SB/Lynx neck pup went and the neck pup right under the fingerboard, I'd imagine this would have been a dub monster. The neck pup placement is what really intrigues me. The only other basses I remember seeing this pickup placement on are Gibson EB's and the late '80s PRS basses...both of which are known for thick bottom ends.

I'd love to hear how this neck pup compares to an L-2000/ASAT neck pup on active, or an L-1000 with the OMG switch on.

Ken

Theoretically, the L-1000 in OMG mode will shame this bass at that, particularly if the L-1000 has a mahogany body.

That said, still a cool bass. It would be interesting to contrast it with my first style all maple 1984 SB-2.

Elwood,

Did you ever get that bass test bed together? Any chance of putting an SB pickup at the end of the neck to hear what it's like?

Ken

Great minds...

I was thinking the same thing.
elwood

Progress!!
...and a picture to prove it

I love the looks of this instrument.

I didn't see a thread devoted to it ....thought it deserved one.

Gorgeous in its classic simplicity. Makes one want to take up playing bass!

I don't know what that bass is but I would surly like to play it and hear it.

That is more than an ASAT bass prototype. It is a different bass altogether!

that is a very cool discovery. I would love to hear the back story on its fabrication.

I suspect that sombody put it together after the fact. but i hope that I am wrong.

IIRC, Dale was looking to make a bass that visually matched the ASAT .
Your right, it's not the norm...that's what spurred me to build the bass testbed.
I was curious also.


elwood

IIRC, Dale was looking to make a bass that visually matched the ASAT .
Your right, it's not the norm...that's what spurred me to build the bass testbed.
I was curious also.


elwood

Any sound clips?

Ken

Any sound clips?

Ken

I'll see if I can get 'er done this weekend.

...or this coming weekend,

latewood

It has a lot of low end. I don't think it was ever played. Dale had it in his collection when I bought it.

I'm bumping this for Zapco, since I can't reply to the PSA post.

I've been playing the testbed almost everday (and my L2000 is in a stand just feet away).
I really like the neck position MFD on bass. It's nothing like the mudbuckers on a gibson EB bass.
With a light touch you can really get some hi-fi harmonic rich tones.

It's strange the bass is listed on reverb for much more than it is on ebay (3,250 IIRC ).

cheers,
elwood

Wow - Too Cool Elwood. Man, Dale really had his finger on the pulse so to speak… the Broadcaster/ASAT, Super Strats and now this…
Leo was so Lucky to have him!
Cheers,
KF