Product details

This is old, modded, played....a lot, and in fair condition. The neck was also replaced by a 1968 Fender replacement neck. We don't know why this was done. It is the best sounding bass we've had in a very long time. It's current owner has dubbed it the "Voice of God" and we agree. It originally belonged to a journeyman bass player with an incredible career live and in the studio. His name was Dan Mark and his professional credits are many and remarkable. You'll notice some personal touches from Dan that remain on the bass: Two of his picks that were held on by duct tape (which has disintegrated since), a embroidered rose sticker, a black and white picture from a '70s Ragu Spaghetti Sauce commercial glued onto his bass, and some quick reference phone numbers by the neck plate. Included also is a piece of paper from the desk of Red Rhoades, with rudimentary directions to his shop, where Dan had the pickup rewound. Here's a short list of some of his career highlights:

• 1968-Bass on The Beach Boys "Sunflower" album thanks to the recommendation of renowned drummer, Hal Blaine. Most likely played on "Our Sweet Love" which has an uncredited bass line, but Hal Blaine plays drums on that track, so most likely, that's his bass playing.
  
• 1969-Began playing many live shows in Las Vegas backing Wayne Newton
• Joined Musician's Local 47 In Los Angeles
• 1971-Dan becomes Vicki Carr's full time bass player in concert and in the studio
• Over the next few years, he collaborates on a book with Carol Kaye
• 1973-Recorded "Vicki Carr: Live at the Greek Theatre", a double album that garnered huge success and led to a European tour
• 1974-Vicki Carr and her ensemble are invited to perform at a state dinner for President Ford with guest, Austrian Chancellor Kreisky
• Much of the '70s, he played in the Doc Severinson band when Johnny Carson was in Burbank

• Played on a number of Hanna-Barbera cartoon theme songs, including "Josie and the Pussycats". He also played bass for many Sid and Marty Krofft theme songs including "The Bugaloos"

All of the accomplishments were earned on this very bass. It was his lifelong instrument that made a living for him. He had to put the bass down in 1980 to care for his sick mother. He then suffered from his own serious health problems and could not return to playing.

This is a storied instrument and The Bass Shop is proud to be the caretaker of this bass from it's current owner, who purchased the bass when Dan's family originally put it up for sale over 4 years ago. WE ARE NOT TAKING TRADES OR OFFERS.

WEIGHT:  8 lbs. 0 ozs.    

SERIAL #:  11559

DATE:  1955

NUT WIDTH:  1 5/8"    

COLOR:  Originally Black or Sunburst, Finish Partially Removed

BODY/NECK/FINGERBOARD:  Ash/ Maple/ Maple

PICKUPS/ELECTRONICS:  Fender Single Coil (Rewound by Red Rhoades) / Passive Vol., Tone

CONDITION:  Fair

CASE:  Original Personalized Gig Bag From the Original Owner (Not Factory)

• Returns

  • The Bass Shop offers a 48 hour trial period for your approval. However, all returns are subject to a 10% restocking fee, regardless of reason. You must call before returning the bass. The customer is responsible for all shipping charges. This may sound harsh, but this serves to eliminate the “weekend rental” syndrome, minimize buyer’s remorse, and save wear and tear on instruments. It also costs us thousands of dollars a year in fees. So make absolutely sure you want what you are buying, clear it with your spouse, and know that you are buying a bass that is accurately described and professionally set up. Sometimes a bass can go out of whack, especially during summer and winter, so if there is a set up issue when you get the bass, please give us a call and we can talk you through a minimal tweak to make it perfect again. Lastly, if a purchase is made and The Bass Shop has received approval from your credit card company, it is considered a sale, regardless of whether the bass has been shipped or not. So if you decide to back out of a deal after your card has been charged, you are still subject to the 10% restocking fee. In the case of an instrument that is damaged or delivered to the customer with any defects as a result of shipping, The Bass Shop will arrange return of the bass and you will not be responsible for shipping or the restocking fee.