Monday, January 27, 2025
BassBass Guitar

Cool Find: DeArmond Ashbory Bass for $129


I found this 1999 (possibly 2000) DeArmond Ashbory Bass at a thrift store. It was missing strings but everything else seemed to work. I got it for a low price due to the fact that it couldn’t be tested. Let’s fix it up and get it back to work.

Intro – 0:00
History & Logistics – 0:32
About Strings & Tuning – 2:25
First Sound Clips – 4:12
Common Problems – 4:56
Modding the Ashbory – 5:44
More Sound Clips – 7:33
Final Thoughts – 9:14

See more Cool Finds here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwIixlr7C6KWuNKZcQP2y4yVAB-F5TeFq

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#ashborybass #coolfinds

#Cool #Find #DeArmond #Ashbory #Bass

Originally posted by UCnPWlAsqpsc6ypmSvQG5xmg at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh4rA700jqw

19 thoughts on “Cool Find: DeArmond Ashbory Bass for $129

  • Maybe mount the low E and A strings the other way around on the tuning key would have solved the springing string problem (and looked better) ?

    Reply
  • You can use the Aquila thundergut strings on it as well. I prefer the thunderblacks to the white, I haven’t tried the red ones, but they all have different feel and sound. The regular Aquila Thundergut are thumpy and have some left hand string noise and the black ones are very vocal and have much less string noise, but very little thump. The thunder browns are textured and have allot of string noise but also sound very thick tonally.

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  • I wanted to get one of these back in the day, never did. Got a Kala U-Bass a few years ago, basically the same concept (super short scale, fat silicone strings) in a ukulele format. I hated it. ???? As far as the E string popping out of the slot on the nut goes… looks like you have the tuner wound the wrong way. If it went the other way, the string wouldn't be at such an angle and probably would stay in the slot better.

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  • I saw a Guild version somewhere on 48th St, back when. The silicone strings (are they actually tubes?) also had little nubs on them, like warts. Not many, maybe one every 12"?
    Never saw or heard of it again, probably until now. Good find, did you mention what it cost you? One thing I would've done different is wrapped the top two strings the opposite way, for a straighter path to the nut, and no additional work or hardware.
    P.S. Just a suggestion, if you need to reach for something, just go and do it. I understand you want to stay centered in the shot, and keep eye contact. But it looks more natural, and easier to watch.

    Reply
  • What a fun find! I have been looking at the u-bass kits from MGB and I feel like that would sound similar to this. For $80 it might be worth a try.

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  • I think I played one of these once but woulda been a long time ago. Kinda the original U bass in a way.

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  • Hey Kale, I love your cool find videos and this is no exception. It reminded me of the strings that I have on a U bass that was sent to me years ago. I really should take it out. It’s kind of cool and but you know I’m always trying to learn different instruments and bass is one I don’t know
    so maybe in my retirement lol
    but I definitely won’t sell that one because it’s the only one I have and I love that It’s still tuned like a regular bass EADG so anyway I love the video. I love how you so quickly can fix things that are problems. I mean, that is the key. It’s so awesome that you have that ability Anyway enjoy the new cool find

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  • That's very cool, I wasn't aware of that instrument. I had to go searching for details because I wasn't sure whether it was fretless – I was getting a shine off the fretboard as if it were.The sound is surprisingly authentic for something that seems a little bit like a toy, It's a simple concept too – rubber strings and a piezo pickup. Seems like something you could make at home.

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  • Wow that was a cool find, when I first saw it I thought it was a child's toy but it seems great.

    When it gets stabel will we hear it on Sunday Moring?

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  • That's a cool find. I almost bought one of those back in the late 90's. I ended up buying a Gretsch Electromatic semi-hollow instead.

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  • Thanks, I didn't know these are basses. I have seen them in second-hand stores back east and glanced at them and thought they were some sort of kids toy. Now that I know what they are, I'll never see one again, but I'm glad I know what they are. You can now start a rockabilly band!

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