New Gaskell Flying V bass

[pjmuck]

No details yet, but there's mention on their news page that a Flying V Bass is forthcoming. Should be available late summer:

http://www.gaskellguitars.com/news.html

I'll contact Kevin to get more details.

[pjmuck]

Update:

I've spoken to Kevin regarding specs. The bass will be 32" scale, not 34", 22 frets. (Trust me, on this body design you'll want a smaller body, as the cheap Davison V Bass I own is 34" and it's the hugest feeling bass I've ever played with a 1st fret that's a mile away due to no upper extended horn). He's looking for input regarding finishes, hardware, etc. so if anyone has suggestions or a preference speak up:

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your email. Good to hear from you again.

Funny, I was working solely on the V Bass over the weekend. I have gotten
rid of the pick guard because that didnt work in the end, so all the routs
are at the back instead of the front now (easier the other way though.)

I am using the Gaskell "duck bill" headstock as found on the Gaskell
XBass/Explorer/Randy Rhoads, etc. Scale length will be 32". Woods are
looking to be basswood and maple, although I have been tossing around
whether or not to use Japanese Ash wood which I have started using
(Japanese Ash = "Sen Ash" - it's the wood they use at Tokai and on the
Made in Japan Fenders. Very light, sounds nice. Looks good in Natural) If
I am to offer natural finish then it needs to be the Japanese Ash.

I am not done on the prototype yet, but I am hoping I can squeeze out a
production run with the next guitar order I am putting through to the
factory which I am hoping will be done and back here and in the US by June
(originally May but not going to happen.)

I liked the DEAN version so it is going to be more Dean oriented than the
original Gibson one. Controls are not going to be upside-down-V
arrangement but 3 in line, like the Gaskell X Bass. Input jack position
is same as X. Probably use the Fender knobs (numbered.)

open to input/suggestions - not so much on design now but on finishings.
Eg. what's popular - chrome, black hardware. for example?

Regards.

Kevin

[Carmine]

Couple things right off the top of my head-- I've got a righty Epiphone Korina (Sen Ash) V (which I think is a 32 in scale) and I would definitely prefer the the same Sen Ash with the natual finish. Plus that inline 4 duck bill headstock will likely make it more unbalanced and prone to neck dive than a small 2+2 V headstock, which would work much better IMO...

[pjmuck]

Good point about the headstock. He may want all his instruments to bear that headstock as his "trademark" look (Well, actually, somebody else's trademark look. ), but personally I'm not in favor of the look of that headstock on a V. I'll convey your concerns to him and see what he has to say.

[Basshappi]

Yep, the "V" headstock is definitely the better looking style.

[pjmuck]

Update: The V-Bass will be shipping in June:

http://www.gaskellguitars.com/models/79.html

[Basshappi]

I hate to say it but the headstock kills it for me.

[pjmuck]

I hate to say it but the headstock kills it for me.

I agree. I told him we were pretty unanimous in our preference for the classic V headstock, but he wanted to change it up anyway. Maybe he legally can't produce something too close to the real thing, I dunno.

[AustinLeftyBass]

Couple things right off the top of my head-- I've got a righty Epiphone Korina (Sen Ash) V (which I think is a 32 in scale) and I would definitely prefer the the same Sen Ash with the natual finish. Plus that inline 4 duck bill headstock will likely make it more unbalanced and prone to neck dive than a small 2+2 V headstock, which would work much better IMO...

FWIW, my righty Epi V Bass is 30" scale.