| | This is an Ampeg AEB-1 Scroll Bass, serial number 793, which was made in early 1967. This is an especially rare instrument, because of the blonde fingerboard. I specialize in Ampegs, and I've been researching and restoring them for many years, and this is the only Ampeg I've ever heard of with a blonde fingerboard. It may have been done as an experiment, or as a custom order for somebody. I'm not sure what kind of wood the fingerboard is, but it's not maple. It almost looks like a very light colored piece of padauk. I've had #793 in my collection for about 5 years. AEB-1 #793 is completely original, and has very little wear on it. When I found it in '96, it had been sitting in the back room of a music store without strings for about 12 years. Unfortunately, like many Ampegs, it developed a mild twist in the neck. It's certainly playable, but it'll never be a low-action speed bass (not that Ampegs ever were anyway!). Because it's rare and all original, I've made no attempt to straighten it or correct for it by cross-leveling the frets. I've set it up carefully and dialed in the "mystery" pickup, and it's a good sounding bass. The condition of the paint is also typical of most Ampegs. It's covered with fine shrinkage cracks, and there are a few chips out, but it's generally holding on. As you can see, it has a rich red color that glows under the lights. |
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