@Boss, here's the story about my Custom bass :)
As you might know some musicians have names for their instrument, like BB King, for instance, names his guitar "Lucille"
I don't have an name for my Bass guitar but it sure feels like family. The story behind it is one which I would not quickly forget and I would love to share with you all.
It was about 20 years ago, at least, when I met Huub Boel. Huub started a guitar shop in our hometown Zutphen. First he sold mostly second hand guitars and doing repairs on guitars for his customers. At that time I played a lot of acoustic guitar and often went to his shop for strings and things. Huub and I had a click and often for a 5 minute visit to buy strings I would stay for hours talking about guitars, music, life.. All kinds of stuff. So we got along great. The shop of Huub was growing rappidly so that was a great thing. All local musicians bought stuff at Huub's shop because he also was one of the few guitar shops in a wide range.
Huub in his own shop
While the shop was expanding Huub and I where discussing going online, he didn't had a webshop then. So I offered him to build him a website, at that time it was a hobby of mine so I thought it would be fun to do and I loves doing something in return for Huub. It took me some time cause I really wanted it to be a great website for the customers of Huub. But finally it was finished and Huub was happy with the result. In the meantime I switched from guitar to bass guitar but still was often at Huub shop to have a chat, look at some of his own projects (guitars) and getting some updates to put on his website. It was around the same time I I noticed that Huub was too kind for some of the musicians I knew, they took advantage of his kindness and I was really annoyed about that. How can people take advantage of somebody that does everything for them for no money.... I just can't understand that.
Huub started with his own guitar line, building some great instruments. He was becomming a local hero, and for real when he starting to endorse one of Zutphen's greatest musicians (and now a big hot shot producer) Gordon Groothedde.
They build a great instrument together which was well received in dutch muscian land. So things were going well for Huub. In the meantime I was busy (well not really busy, it was fun to do) with his website. One day Huub called me to ask if I was at home that night, he had some things for the website. So, I thought nothing about it and said that I indeed was at home. So that night Huub dropped by, with a big gig-bag and he asked me to open it. So I did, and when I openend it I was speechless.... In the gig-bag there was the most beautiful bass guitar I ever seen. I did said to Huub you want a picture of this one for the website? (because Huub never ever did build a bass), and Huub said "No, this bass is for you, I build it for you because you have helped me a lot". First I didn't believed it, cause this instrument was such a beautiful instrument and I couldn't imagine Huub giving it to me.
Things were falling together
Still recovering from what just happened Huub was explaining why he build the bass. He was grateful for the things i did for him and wanted to suprise me with my own 'signature' bass. Huub never builded a bass guitar before and I got his very first one especially build for me... I was flabbergasted (is that english?). I didn't knew what to say.
In the neck there was an inlay just like John Myung of Dreamtheater always had in his Yamaha basses, and I suddenly remembered how Huub knew I loved that inlay. Huub had asked me months before If I would build a bass, what kind of bass it would be. I then told him that it would be a Jazz model , 5 string with the inlay of John Myung's signature Yamaha, just like on the picture.
So Huub was asking that because he'd already knew he was going to build a bass for me and he wanted it to be just the bass I'd always wanted.... I was really touched by his generousity. Of course I plugged the bass imediatly into my amp to try it, and it's sound was brilliant. The bass playes like a charm, it is an heavy instrument just like a bass should be... I have never felt so happy and uncomfortable at the same time. Happy because this was something I always wanted, a great instrument. And uncomfortable because I thought it was way to generous.. But Huub insisted that I accept the bass as token of his appreciation...
In the meantime I played a lot of gigs with this bass and I still cherrish it like it's my child.. It is an great instrument and I am Huub still thankfull that he has build this great instrument especially for me...
So now a few pictures of my own 'Lucille' , I am currious what you think of it's looks ;)
I'll bet it makes sense why I love this instrument so much. Just the story alone makes it one of the most valuable instruments I will ever own.
Have a great day and I hope you enjoyed this story..... I did for sure :)
That's a great story behind your instrument that makes it extra special. I've also spent a lot of time in guitar shops, but there are less of them around here now. They were always a great part of the local music scene.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
!LUV !PIZZA
There aren't that many here either. It looks like only the big shops survive, but those shops are , in my opinion, less music driven, but more commercial. I understand what youj mean with being a great part of the local music scene. You always meet fellow musicians and have a lot to talk about :)
@verhp11! I sent you a slice of $PIZZA on behalf of @steevc.
Learn more about $PIZZA Token at hive.pizza (4/10)
good story indeed 🖖 well done for helping the man out, keep up the good spirit!
Thank you, I will :)
Wow, that is really awesome. It is so cool that he did that for you. I am guessing all the work you did for him didn't really feel like work so it was kind of a nice trade off! Is he still around and making guitars today? Did he ever make anymore bass guitars or is that the only one he ever did?
It's such a humble guy, I never wanted something in return from him. He is still around, didnt made it with building guitars, he was a to little of a businessman. Pitty cause his instruments are awesome. He only build one bass again after mine, so it is a real collectorsitem;) , but one which will never leave my house. It one of my most precious belongings. For the instruments itself but mostly cause of the reason and way I got it.
Oh yeah, for sure. I totally understand your attachment to it!
@verhp11, you were given LUV from @steevc. About LUV: https://peakd.com/@luvshares
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