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Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 639
Location: NW of Philadelphia | Over the last 38 years, I have always played guitar. In the middle 10ish years, I also played bass, but sold the gear for lack of use.
While perusing CL, I found and bought a 2008 Dean EABC (electric acoustic bass cutaway). Its nearly mint, no dings or dents. I know this isn't a top of the line bass. I am starting an acoustic trio with 2 cousins and this would be helpful. For $50, how bad could it be?
Sorry for the poor quality pics.
My problem is it doesn't have a strap button on the neck, so where should I add it?
- Bottom of heal (flush with the back, through binding)
or
- Back of neck (standard botton position, parallel to neck) |
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Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Well, for fifty dollars it might have high action and a bridge that's lifting. I have never seen a Dean that I would buy, no matter what the price. I think it would be worth investing in maybe an Epiphone or some other decent brand because with a Dean, you'll have no resale value, and you'll probably end up WANTING to sell it because you won't be happy with it. Just my opinion. Either way, let us know how it all works out. |
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Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 639
Location: NW of Philadelphia | Thanks CS. I'm not a Dean fan either, but it plays decent for $50. No buzzes and its loud unplugged. The bridge isn't lifting and the top is dead flat. The reviews on it are mostly positive. I never bought it for resale.
FYI: I got en email back from Dean CS. They said the strap button in the back of the neck heal isn't recommended, but you could put it in the heal bottom. They sent along a pic showing where its been done. I can handle that install. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Egads. For $50, you couldn't find better wall art if it doesn't work out. With respect to the strap button location, put it in a location that is similar to the location on your other guitars. This will allow you to swap between straps if you also use strap locks. It you put it on the back of the heel (as opposed to the more common lower position), and use strap locks, you'll have to reverse the locking mechanism on the strap and it won't work with other guitars unless, of course, you reverse the strap mechanism or twist the strap 180 degrees everytime you change guitars. That's a bit of a hassle. You could also just buy another strap and set of strap locks, but I tend to have favorite straps and wish I didn't have to deal with the odd strap button location on the heel bottom. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Hey! If it works (and you say it do)... It's only $50!
As to 'Wall Art'... I find the Dean bridge particularly Fugly.
And not so much on this model... But most Dean headstocks also. (disgustingly peculiar)
I realize this is purely cosmetic, but it has stopped me from ever considering buying a Dean.
They are just Trying Too Hard to be innovative, or something. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | I think that`s a Neat and Nifty looking Bass , and that X-tended Bridge would Lend ( Acoustic ) Power to that G-string ( when tuned acc. ) , I had n`t heard `bout that brand before , yet I`ve heard `bout Un-known brands .. " Mfg.ing fer t` Big Boys " .. , so , I WILL consider the under - dog from now on .
Vic
.. I`m convinced Ya found Yerself a " Pearl " there .. |
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Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 639
Location: NW of Philadelphia | OMA, I agree. I'm not a fan of Dean. They are usually ugly pointy things for metal maniacs.
So I go to add the strap button, per Dean's recommendations. I buy Fender strap buttons (gotta be better than Allparts - right?). Check the screw size for the pilot, drill, drive the srew in... *SNAP* The screw breaks below flush and cracks the heal cap binding. I gather my thoughts and try again with a bigger pilot hole. Drive the screw in... *SNAP*!!! Now I'm pissed and there is a sharp nub sticking out, big enough to cut skin, not big enough to grab. I pull out the Dremel and carefully grind it flush. I dig up another screw (chrome drywall screw). Drill...screw...success...kinda. A hollow victory at best. I'm truly pissed at Fender for their poor choice of hardware.
Otherwise, she gets put into use at tonight's jam session.
FYI: I'm using a plastic Dunlop Strap keeper on the neck strap button. Just to be safe. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Long ago, I almost put a strap button on the neck of a 1121, cuz they don't have any.
Luckily people here talked me out of it.
You can never really be sure of what is under that wood on many guitars.
There may be a metal brace/block/tube/bolt or who-knows-what under there.
But at least the strap leather will keep you from ripping your shirt on the broken screw.
I hope... :eek: |
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OT: Help with a Dean Bass