Author Topic: The Washburn Vulture II Bass (Read 7983 times)

rowo · « **on:** December 12, 2005, 01:59:28 AM »

Does anyone know anything about this bass?
It's a Washburn Vulture II, built in 1980. I guess that the Vulture bass (without a II) has been built past 1980, am I right?

Front view:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/to_the_galaxy/pict4495.jpg
Back view:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/to_the_galaxy/pict4497.jpg
Serial number 800199:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/to_the_galaxy/pict4498.jpg

Mel · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2005, 03:56:33 AM »

That is definately a Vulture Bass.I have the exact same model but mine was built in 1979.There is not much information out there because they are extremely rare.The History of Washburn Book refers to the Vulture Bass as a Prototype.They only would have made a few of these therefore a better definition would be a Pilot Model rather than prototype which infers one of a kind.

rowo · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2005, 12:05:40 AM »

Mel, I'm a bit confused.
Definately not a Vulture II? But that's what is written on my product description sheet... strange. Perhaps a mistake by Washburn?
Anyway, you proof my assumption that it's very rare bass, since I did find so few info about it.

Mel · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2005, 06:08:57 AM »

Hi Rowo,
just out of curiosity, what does your product information sheet say?There is a musician named Jim Self who has a webpage with a fretless version of what we have.He bought his new and he claims it was refered to as a Vulture II.There seems to be more questions than answers when it comes to finding information on old washburn basses.

rowo · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2005, 01:15:11 AM »

Hello Mel,
Yes, I know about that bass of Jim Self, take a look here:
http://www.washburn.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3298#12057
It really seems to be a de-fretted one. l just mailed to Jim Self and asked him about it.

rowo · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2005, 11:26:54 PM »

So I asked Jim Self about his fretless Vulture II bass. He answered me and allowed me to quote it here:

My Washburn is an original fretless bass--a gift from the company.

It also has a long detachable peg that you can use like a cello or even
standing.

That clears the case for his bass but leaves a little confusion to me about the difference between a Vulture and Vulture II.

Mel · « **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2006, 03:22:24 AM »

Hi Rowo,
just out of curiosity, what does your product information sheet say???

rowo · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2006, 06:32:51 AM »

Hello Mel,
Unfortunately I haven't found it yet. My appartment successfully hides it from me

kouka · « **Reply #8 on:** June 26, 2009, 03:32:45 PM »

Mel-

I would be VERY interested in taking yours of your hands if you're interested!

Mel · « **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2009, 05:11:19 PM »

Hi Kouka,
email me and we'll have a chat.

mlagana@picknowl.com.au

kouka · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2009, 02:14:25 PM »

I just got this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220481505212&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

I am SUPER stoked, but was wondering if I should worry about the pick-ups being replaced (as is said in the description). I don't know ANYTHING about basses, just that a musician I am obsessed with uses a 4 knob Vulture II (with 2 pick ups as well).. so any info on if this is a Vulture or what would be great!

kouka · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2009, 02:20:57 PM »

oh... and what's the difference between a Scavenger and a Vulture?

Rosco · « **Reply #12 on:** September 26, 2009, 06:28:37 AM »

Hey good thread .. I also have a Washie bass I brought from Canada a few years ago .. is this a Vulture of an Eagle bass ? No idea on age. Sorry about the ringins on either side ..

cheers

Rosco

kouka · « **Reply #13 on:** September 29, 2009, 06:05:36 PM »

the one in the middle is what I was after, and finally got one! I think yours is a scavenger (because of the plastic truss rod cover and jack on the front, instead of the side) and not a vulture/vulture II, but I could be wrong. Either way it's beautiful!

Let us know how you like it! Mine had the factory pickups replaces with EMGs - I honestly don't know the difference, but so far I am happy with it.

rowo · « **Reply #14 on:** October 23, 2009, 03:19:32 PM »

@Rosco: That is a very interesting photo. The bass in the middle definitely looks like a Vulture.

@kouka: The main difference between the Scavenger and the Vulture bass seems to be the second pickup for the Vulture.