Celebrity 3 bass???...[with pictures]

[drbassman]

Thanks Danny, I'll try that.

FYI, here's my Celeb on top and a 6 string version underneath. See any real differences?





I'm pretty sure it's a Celebrity 3 guitar body with a shortened tail piece. I can't explain the 24.5" scale neck (essentially a guitar neck) with what look like original bass tuners. I'm thinking a possible custom neck job at the factory since the Mosrite logo looks legit and original? Either way, it's a weird combination.

[Dennisthe Menace]

Bill,
Uncle Semie was notorious for building (custom built or special ordered) "one off's" throughout his career in guitar history. What I see is a very Rare Bird that you have in your possession. To answer your question, the similarity SHOULD BE ALMOST Identical between the guitar and the bass, for these were the Celebrity III Series. Your hardware (with exception to the tailpiece) should be identical, the pickguards, scratchplates for the pot and selector controls, and the body. The only difference would be the typical stuff like the Tuners, Nut, bridge, etc. However, the Scale Length on yours is vary rare, but it does look to be Original .
As far as the Celebrity Guitar goes, the bridge is a Gibson Nashville Tun-o-matic that looks to of replaced the Moseley bridge sometime in the past.....

[drbassman]

So, I have a rare instrument, there's no doubt. I guess the next question I have to answer is it play able as a bass? From the looks of the frets, someone like this little odd duck and played this a lot.

So, I guess I have to decide what to do. I certainly like odd items and misfits, so that aspect fits my personality just fine. I did fix a broken solder joint and now it works fine. Maybe after an hour with it running through my Mesa I'll be able to see if it really can sound like a bass or not. I'll let you know!

[drbassman]

Here are my thoughts on this instrument. It was advertised as a short scale bass by Andy and most of us know that usually means 30" or there about. In all my years of buying, selling and repairing, I've never thought of short scale to include 24.5". Neither have my numerous bass colleagues.

So, in a very significant sense, the ad was not correct. The rest of the details were accurate, but a mention of the scale (which is highly unusual and almost never seen) would have been appropriate. Was the fact that I was the only bidder a clue that more knowledgeable folks didn't want it because of its non-standard scale? I wonder now. I'm trying to open a dialog with Andy about this. We'll see how it goes.

[dubtrub]

So, in a very significant sense, the ad was not correct. The rest of the details were accurate, but a mention of the scale (which is highly unusual and almost never seen) would have been appropriate. Was the fact that I was the only bidder a clue that more knowledgeable folks didn't want it because of its non-standard scale? I wonder now. I'm trying to open a dialog with Andy about this. We'll see how it goes.

Bill,

I'd have to agree that it should have been described as being an exceptionally short scale, plus due to an unheard of 24 1/2" scale for a bass, that information should have been made readily available. There are a couple of recourses. One, if you are unhappy with it, naturally try to work out a return with the seller. Two, if that isn't satisfactory, then there is the eBay complaint route. I know I would be more than a little upset to buy a bass only to find it has an reasonably short scale. Mosrite's are considered a short scale bass by virtue of it having 30 1/4" scale length. Is it even playable to be used as a bass? Heck for me, 24 1/5" scale is just a little to short for playing the higher register on a six string. I build my clones with a 25" scale for that reason. Actually Mosrite's have 24 1/4" scale according to the Mosrite brochure.

Keep us posted.

[drbassman]

Yeah, I don't have a problem with the authenticity of the instrument. I just would have liked a heads-up before buying that it was not a standard 30" short scale bass. I'm trying to be understanding, but I do suspect that Andy knew exactly what it was. Maybe he's less knowledgeable than I give him credit for being. We'll see how things go.

[MWaldorf]

So, what gauge strings are on it? Can you even tune it to low E? It almost seems like it should be tuned as a baritone B-B. How does it sound? Is there any definition in the notes or is it really muddy?

[drbassman]

So, what gauge strings are on it? Can you even tune it to low E? It almost seems like it should be tuned as a baritone B-B. How does it sound? Is there any definition in the notes or is it really muddy?

Good questions. The strings are typical bass gauge. Without actually measuring, the e is easily a .100 and the rest what you'd expect. I can't figure out where he found strings to fit this thing! The weird thing is, it sounds pretty darn good. I suspect the pickups are standard guitar issue and as such, they aren't as muddy as you'd expect with this short-short scale. The strange little beast sounds clearer, more articulate than my 1968 EB-2. Getting used to the smaller scale would take some work. There ain't a lot of room between the frets above the 7th. or so!

I'm gonna keep playing it for a few days before I decide what the heck to do with it. I've even considered adding a 30" scale neck if a Mosrite example ever pops up on eBay. I've done crazier things.

[drbassman]

Is this really a 1965?

[drbassman]

FYI, I filed a claim through PayPal and got a full refund. End of story. I still hope to own a Mosrite or two someday.

Thanks to everyone here who offered me help and advice.