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Vintage Gear Archives

Old School: 1973 Acoustic Control Corporation Black Widow Bass
Old School

Old School: 1973 Acoustic Control Corporation Black Widow Bass

Our Facebook friend Cuzin’ Locust Johnson (AKA Mark) shares some old school goodness with us – his 1973 Acoustic Control Black Widow Bass. Acoustic Control Corporation’s Black Widow bass began in 1972, along with a guitar model of the same name. This was the company’s first and only guitar and bass model, according to the All The Transients guide to...

Old School: 1964 Höfner 185 “Artist Bass”
Old School

Old School: 1964 Höfner 185 “Artist Bass”

Zsolt Váradi sent us this wonderful story (and video) of his equally wonderful 1964 Höfner 185 “Artist Bass.” Höfner’s “Vintage” site has this to say about the Artist Bass: Introduced in late 1962 as the main two pickup bass for the UK market, it replaced the Hofner “Solid Bass” which was actually the European market Hofner 182 model. The Artist...

Old School: 1960’s Kustom Model 200 “Tuck & Roll” Bass Amplifier
Old School

Old School: 1960’s Kustom Model 200 “Tuck & Roll” Bass Amplifier

In this edition of Old School, bassist Mike Whited shares his classic 1960’s Kustom Model 200 bass amp, an amp Mike has shared a lot of miles with over the years. Kustom introduced the 200 model as an upgrade to their 100 model amp, offering it in black, blue, cascade, gold, red, white and charcoal. The company later introduced emerald...