These “Tech Guru” shots were taken by Patty Palazzo for use on John’s (now de-funked) “Trust the Process” website. This was the eve of the release of the “Astronaut” album. I was fortunate to work with Yoshi Faruta and Bob Ito of Aria Pro Instruments in Japan, two of the nicest men in the music business, in securing the re-issue of the Aria Super Bass 1000. In my opinion John Taylor singlehandedly put this SB1000 on the map and many of his contemporaries in the 1980’s also followed suit and began to play this bass for its wonderful ringing sustain, unique electronic circuit and slightly compressed sound when recorded. Although I don’t know the exact number, they only made a few of the JT 1000’s, however currently in 2010 they continue to make the SB1000. This was one of the happiest moments of my professional life, working with Yoshi and Bob was cultural and learning experience, add to that John Taylor and the SB1000 bass … it doesn’t get much better.
Guitar Repair by James Knopp - The Guitar Dog
Repairs by James Knopp - The Guitar Dog
Customer brought this cool XM series bass from the 1980’s with electronic issues. The headless bridge tuning system had a broken tuning mechanism, so 2 of the strings could not be brought to pitch. With some spare Steinberger parts and new electronics, the bass was singing in no time.
Guitar Repair by James Knopp The Guitar Dog
The restored fingerboard is now in place.
Now the top, back and sides are all sound and secure. Time to prep the neck for instillation of the restored finger board. While I’m doing this I will also remove the old tuners to see if they can be salvaged.
My friend Greg needs a second upright for his gigs in Southern California. He found a gem that needs some work. I have it in good shape soon. First order of business is getting top, back and sides secured.
Cris Kirkwood of The Meat Puppets playing his Guitar Dog custom bass. Lightly reliced 4 string vintage style P Bass in sonic blue with active EMG pickups.
Photos courtesy of Jamie Butler.
The Guitar Dog / Guitar Repairs and Restorations/ Amp Repairs / Phoenix, AZ
Guitar – Bass – Acoustic – Electric – Uprights – Mandolin – Amplifiers
We were banging our heads against a mediocre bass sound. Sounds Fantastic, you are a hero!”
John Taylor, Duran Duran.
