The Electra Forums

I have a very early Electra Bass guitar I actually bought from a company rep in 1968. This bass is a viola type (as with hte Hofner) and it is one of the most unique, beautiful, and awesone instrument I have ever played. I was at the music store buying accessories when the rep was trying to get the store manager to carry his product. The Electra guitar was unknown and he was having a difficult time. Out of curiosity I asked if I could play the bass, he had two guitars with him the other looked like a Fender copy, and fell in love with it. The store manager agreed to sell his guitars as a trial basis and I bought the bass right from the rep. I used it professionally for about 10 years and every where I went people approached me about the viola bass. It's color in unlike the Hofner, it is a honey type glaze. I has a full size neck and two humbucking pickups. I have been looking for info on this guitar and can not find anything. Recently at a guitar shop in Atlanta I ran into a gentlemen who bought one just like mine in St. Louis about the same time in 1968. He said they did not make many and they are an extreme collectors item. If anyone knows anything about this model please advise. This bass is almost in show room condition and it's hard to believe it is 39 years old. Oh and by the way, it still plays like a real pro!

Pictures of the Bass?

fantastic, that's one of the earliest examples we know of.

I'm really curious if this was an SLM Electra or a PCM Electra. Does it have an 'X' on the headstock?

we'd love to see pictures, shout if you need help posting them.

I will take pictures and post them for our viewing pleasures, may need some technical assistance to do so. Thanks!

Here's a shot of the Apollo branded viola type bass from the '73 Electra/Apollo Catalogue (last year for Apollos).

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Sorry it took me a few days to respond, I had an emergency to tend to. Thanks forl the responses and the picture of the Electra/Apollo bass. My bass is almost identical except the color is different, mine is a honey sunbusrt, and the head is different as well - the turn on the wood in flat on mine. Attached are a couple of pictures of my bass, please note what a beautiful instrument this is. It looks almost new and it plays like new. It has a couple of cracks in the laquer finish, but you have to look to find them. The rest of the bass is in perfect condition.

My interest and research began recently when I was thinking about selling the bass. It's a wonderful intrument with lots of memories, but I hate to just have it sit there. If anyone has an idea of what this bass is worth please let me know, I also have the original case that came with it.

Well nothing like feeling stupid, just tried loading the pictures and as you can see I've been unsuccessful.

mcbrat or X189player: if you can give me instruction on how to do this I would be greatful. I'm PC literate, just can't figure it out. Thank you!
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I sent an email.

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My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

A big thanks to X189player for helping me with my pictures and posting them for me. mcbrat thank you for offering to help as well.

I hope you can get a good look at the bass from the three pictures posted, it actually looks that good in person. Although I have not played it in years, I alwyas kept it safe in my closet where it was air temperature control along with the rest of the house. I've been playing it in the last two weeks and it still plays and sounds great. The case has seen better days, but it is still functional and the best thing it that it is original.

From 1968 to 1970 I toured with a rock band where we were the opening act for a few big time bands. You won't believe all the accolades I recieved over this bass, in fact it was used by the bass player from one of these bands in a concert we did in NY. He wanted to buy it off of me and I refused to sell it.

If anyone has seen and/or has one like this one I would like to hear from you. I'm concerned people bought this model in the late 60"s early 70"s not really realizing what a great instrument they had. Electra was not known in those days when the Gibson, Fender and the Hofner's ruled.

Wow! that's a beaut!!!!

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My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

Is that an ebony fretboard?

SWEET

I believe the fretboard is rosewood and no it is not ebony. However the finish is dark.

This is really a super bass. I was fortunate enough to buy one last Christmas for myself. I collect guitars and knew about Electra guitars but not that much. After spotting this bass I did some research and spoke with a couple of old rockers that were up on things. This is a very early version of an Electra guitar. To my knowledge Electra being the first American company to have their products built in Japan - in this case guitars. As you all well know, these are not second rate instruments, these are first class. The viola bass I bought is not in as good a shape as yours, it has it signs of age. However it plays great! It did not have a regular case, but an after market (and newer) gig bag. In case you are wondering, I paid $700 for this bass and I'm not sorry one bit. It looks amazing since it is so unique. This model was actually built on a real viola body and not a solid piece of wood or a non-musical body. With the history behind this brand and the fact this must be the first known product from Electra, I would have paid twice that. Enjoy it, I think it is awesome you have owned this from new - you can tell in the pictures it's been well taken care of. If you sell it, depending on where you live, make sure you get what it is worth. Good luck!

Very sweet...do you have an urge to play early Beatles with that beauty

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