The Electra Forums

New here, and glad to find this site. I have been a long time fan of Electra Instruments. Got first Electra (P Bass/X630) from Castle Music in San Fernando, CA (as seen on Wayne's World...the Strat/Drum solo scene). Then later was given an Apollo guitar as payment for yard work for an elderly lady when I was twelve. All that said, after years of not seeing many around, I was digging thru old family pics and found pics of my bass and it brought back fond memories. I then began my search. I recalled about 15 yrs ago being in a local pawn shop and seen an Electra bass that had been painted with walmart rattle can blue. All original hardware etc...was intact, but looked really bad. That shop moved and changed names, and after the 15 yrs passed, I finally went in one day to kill time and guess what they still had? Thats right, the same bass!!! It had a $395 price tag (laughable), and after a little persuasive barganing, I left with a $125 investment. I know some of you might cringe at what I am gonna tell you, but bare with me. I disassembled bass, stripped and sanded body. I then dropped off stripped body and neck to David Wallace of Wallace Custom Guitars (worls class instruments) for a fresh Olympic white Nitro paint job on body and head stock. He also took original pick guard (black 1 ply) and made a new Red tortoise (3 ply) guard to replace it. The elctronics were noisy and had issues, so I chose to install EMG's....Classic P in neck position, and a Modern PV-A in bridge position. This left me with a typical J Bass Vol, Vol, Tone configuration. I replaced all hardware except the brass nut. The end result of my experiment? Hands down one of the best playing, sounding and looking basses one could ever imagine. I get more compliments from engineers, sound techs, and other players than my Lakland, MM, Fenders, and Warwicks. I have a total investment of around $950 including a leather Rock Bag. Was it worth it? Absolutely!!!!! It is a one of a kind as far as I have seen yet, and it has no doubt become my main bass. I will post pics when I get back home for everyone's comments both good and bad lol. The story doesn't stop there....Last night I bought another Electra, and will be picking it up monday when I get home to TN from ND. Appears to 100% all original, with the exception of DiMarzio P/U's. I will post pics of both Monday or Tuesday. Thanks!

http://www.rivercityamps.com/electraforumimages/images/customX640Nwhite
http://www.rivercityamps.com/electraforumimages/images/customX640Nwhite2
http://www.rivercityamps.com/electraforumimages/images/electraPCMpbass

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" I put my pants on just like you, one leg at a time, difference is, when I put mine on, I make gold records " [/i]

Welcome aboard -

Nice axe.

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RCSBlues

Welcome to the Electra forums and the world of egas amuck. these Electra instruments are great and one can never have enough I think...mmmmmmm......yep me thinks I need more as well. Welcome and thanks for the story.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Thanks for the welcome guys....Off Topic question but....is there any where one could get an Electra headstock decal???? I need to replace on my X640. Thanks for any help!

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" I put my pants on just like you, one leg at a time, difference is, when I put mine on, I make gold records " [/i]

Here is a pic of the Electra I just picked up. No doubt a PCM, but in exceptional condition none the less. It has had the p/u's replaced with cream colored DiMarzio's. I have ordered a new cream colored pick guard already, and will be installing either a Badass Bass II or a Schaller bridge....I think. I also will be making a bone nut to replace the factory plastic nut. Also, you will find a couple pics of my X640N custom/mod. Please let me know what you think.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/93830386@N04/?hide_photostream_welcome=1

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" I put my pants on just like you, one leg at a time, difference is, when I put mine on, I make gold records " [/i]

nice on both of them! I've seen lots of the late 80's PCM-ish basses with those cream colored pickups... I wonder if they might be original... did it look like the wiring had been messed with?

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My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

Thanks....I do not have the Pbass in my possession yet. I will get it monday. The seller is a pro touring player in Nashville and said he played it on stage several shows with the major artist he tours with and loved it. He couldn't believe how great it played and sounded. Said he pulled guard off to inspect after he bought it, and the p/u's had DiMarzio sticker on bottom? So I am just going off his info. He said it has one of the best feeling Pbass necks he's ever played, and has great intonation. Also said that it is very quiet and had a much more headroom than a stock Pbass p/u. I guess I will see monday! LOL...i have already got a new pick guard coming, and Schaller strap locks (I use on all my basses, to allow me to switch basses and not carry 3-4 straps around). If P/U's aren't my speed, I'll just throw some Fralin 8% over in it and call it good! HE did say to my suprise, that it has a MIJ stamp on neck plate. I will continue to place before after pics of my Electra adventures!

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" I put my pants on just like you, one leg at a time, difference is, when I put mine on, I make gold records " [/i]