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Post subject: Help finding my Bass hero's guitar
Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:20 pm
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Anyone a fan of Mel Schacher (Grand Funk). When the "Grand Funk Live" album (anyone remember vinyl?) came out many moons ago my older sister purchased it. I was pretty young but always open to hearing new music so I borrowed it. I was instantly drawn to the bass playing of Mel Schacher. I was actually mesmerized by the raw power. I had never heard anything like it and knew I was destined to play the bass. I guess I should get to the point of this posting... I always loved the Jazz bass Mel played in the early years and swore someday I would have an identical bass...Did I ever buy one when it would have been reasonably affordable?..no of course not...anyway, does anyone out there know anything about it? (year etc.) It was sunburst with a tortoise shell pick guard, a chrome bridge cover and block pearl inlays. The pictures I have seen were between 1969 and 1972.
I guess this thread could go in two directions: A discussion about Mel and/or a discussion about his Jazz Bass...By the way, Hello I am new here.


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:04 pm
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I believe this is the guitar you described...

Image

I'm not sure of the year. His sound also came from his amp, settings, pedals (if any) and style. I've come pretty close to his sound with my standard Jazz and my Hartke amp.

I love his sound...


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:23 pm
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Leftyman, thanks for your reply. I had pretty much given up on the posting because until now there were no replies. Yup, that sure looks like it. Is it yours? Is that an autograoh I see on it? She is beautiful and I am jealous. I made another posting about the bass because I recently saw some old footage of Grand Funk (YouTube) and the bass clearly has a humbucker pick-up. I'm guessing Mel had it installed as a custom thing, but I was curious to find out if Fender ever offered the Jazz bass with a humbucker. Would you know anything about that? If you haven't already done so check out the old footage found on YouTube, it brought me back.
Thanks again.


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:37 pm
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I wish it were mine... and that is his autograph. Here's the other Jazz your talking about...

Image

He modified it or had it modified. He didn't use that bass until 1971. So the bass he used on the "Live Album" was the first one I posted.


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:47 pm
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You are the man! You solved the mystery on both counts. That is absolutely amazing! Thanks. By the way, where did you find those photos?


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 3:00 pm
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I found them on a Japanese website...

http://www009.upp.so-net.ne.jp/GrandFunkManiac/Mel.htm

You'll love this site my man...


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 3:55 pm
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Excellent site...However, I wish I could read Japanese. But the photos are great. Thanks again bro. I cannot believe you found those photos. You are my hero. So what is your story with Mel? You are obviously a serious fan too. Do we need to do the PM thing to chat back and forth? (I'm new to the forum thing).


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 4:14 pm
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I translated the site through google, but it's still hard to understand. But hell yeah PM me man. I'm new here as well. I found your post looking for info on Mel by the way... I do love GFRR too. Probably the most underrated band... Go ahead and PM me if you want man...


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 4:32 pm
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It says the PM is disabled. Go ahead and E mail me if you want.


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Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 5:24 pm
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I was fortunate enough to do some shows with Mark Farner during the last few years. I believe Mel's sound came from the fact that he was using an early 1970's Jazz Bass which was modified with a Gibson Humbucker. Mel is a great guy and one of the most under rated bass players ever. Another great and under rated player is Craig MacGregor from Foghat.


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