Gear Acquisition Syndrome Part 1: The Teisco Del Rey Violin Bass

There are few instruments as iconic as Paul McCartney's Höfner 500/1 "Violin" bass. The instrument is so closely related with him, and his musical career, that it is often simply referred to as the "Beatle Bass".

Throughout the 1960s, many guitar manufacturers aimed to create similar instruments, appealing to fans of the instrument's aesthetic, and the music associated with it, while offering a much more palatable price tag. Many manufacturers still do, today. Of course, vintage is always better, right?

This year, I turned 36. I promise, this is not a complete non sequitur. For, on my 36th birthday, I was graciously gifted one such vintage bass that pays homage to the heralded "Beatle Bass".

After the British Invasion, many manufacturers started creating instruments that mimicked the Höfner, many of them very cheap, and terrible. Some are pretty cool, and are dripping with vintage vibe, such as this early-60s Teisco Del Ray. Since this one hails from Japan, I guess you could say this is my Asian Beetle Bass. Nevertheless, it's pretty fantastic.

I really enjoy the slight departure from the original body shape of a Höfner. It's almost like Picasso's take on a Höfner– asymmetrical design, oddly-placed f-holes, two thumb rests, and... a mute! I have always dreamed of having a bass with a mute, to capture that vintage sound. The very sight of it makes me want to play every track of Pet Sounds. The foam piece you see in the picture can be raised and lowered to change the level of dampening of the stings.

Even the logo on this thing is funky. My best guess is that it's a crown of some sort. Or two globes? Honestly, I'm not quite sure.

While this bass, to me, is rather dazzling to the eyes, instruments are largely graded on sound, so here's a little clip of it in action.

If you, or any Steemian you know, share an obsession with weird and vintage instruments, I would love it if you let me know in the comments, or direct me to your profile where you have posted about them. I will very likely spend an unhealthy amount of time admiring all things old and musical.

Thanks for reading and watching, and thanks to my brother for the sweet bass! Hopefully, we can get him on Steemit soon. He's a fantastic talent.

Thom

Note: All pictures and videos in this post come from my trusty cellphone. All information regarding historical trends of instruments or manufacturers are the result of many years of unhealthy obsession with the topic, and countless conversations with fellow vintage gear enthusiasts, and those afflicted with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). This presentation is meant to be generally informative and entertaining, and less about hard facts.