Earthwood bass Information update

[Bassmedic14]

I spoke with Dan Norton today, he was involved in the Earthwood line and he gave me some real insight on the Earthwood’s. Some of you may already know this information but for those of you who don't here goes. Around 1972 they started and stopped in 1973 and then reopened it again 1973 or 1974 until sometime in 1985 when they ended the earthwood line. Earthwood's encompassed more than just ABG they also made acoustic guitars and electric too. Although there were fewer ABG made because I guess they didn't take off as well. He said that numbers start at 500 and ended at 1052 so approx. 552 were made total .He also said that about 100 or so got trashed for whatever reason (not up to spec.) He thinks about 250 are still around today. My bass is number 816 which would mean mine is the 317th Earthwood ABG made.

 

[Bassmedic14]

Here a few pics I love this thing!

 

[five7]

Great pictures! Thanks for posting.

 

[Bassmedic14]

No problem thanks for looking!

 

[bovinehost]

I want a shirt with that big "E" on it.

 

[Peter_Grant]

Prettier than mine, but I'll get my camera out. Dang, I wish I had the little wooden plate at the back. It was gone before I got mine.

 

[Peter_Grant]

Actually, if it started at 500, that would be the 317th one made (numbering starts at zero not one).

Mine is 572, so it's the 73rd one made. They certainly had it together by then.

Thanks for all the info, especially that the serials start with 500. Very cool.

 

[Bassmedic14]

LOL....nice catch.....and so I stand corrected mine is 317th made....thanks

 

[Earthwood Bass]

This is awesome information. I have one too - mine is labeled 934 on the inside.

Yours is in better condition than mine. Any idea on a couple things:

1. what to use to polish it up - has some surface cracks and wear on front.
2. how to appraise what mine is worth?

Thanks!

 

[Bassmedic14]

Some Musicman or Ernie Ball products should work on keeping it clean and polished but ask bovinehost

 

[Bassmedic14]

Check out this web page to see the Earthwood
MusicManPhotoRepository

 

[jvaleri]

Earthwood #854

Thanks for the info; I have been searching for details on my Bass for years.

I picked up an Earthwood ABG in the 80's, used in a guitar shop in Maryland. It is in near mint condition, in the original case, with the original strap, the original warranty card and even the Bass Neck Adjustment tool. It also has a pickup installed, doubt that was original but not sure?

The sound is unbelievable; nothing like it.

It is #854.

I have switched over to Guitar and want to raise funds to buy a high end Martin guitar. If anyone is interested in making me an offer, please do so.

 

[miltonjay]

Hi there. I have recently acquired an Earthwood bass no. 861. Oddly, it has no "E" logo, just blank space, unlike all other pictures I have been able to find. No "Brown Oval" either. It is fretless maple neck with inlaid light wood fretlines. Internal label is Earthwood. All other features seem standard. Despite no "E," it's very hard to imagine it's an imitation, given the exact other attributes.

Does anyone know sources for the date of manufacture and any other provenance details that might be reasonably available. Or steer me to any information site for these bases.

I also wonder if there is any current source for the special neck tilt adjustment tool I've heard is needed for this bass.

 

[miltonjay]

Earthwood no. 861:/Users/miltonjay/Downloads/earthwood1.webarchive

 

[miltonjay]

Picture of Earthwood Bass No. 861

Hi there. I have recently acquired an Earthwood bass no. 861. Oddly, it has no "E" logo, just blank space, unlike all other pictures I have been able to find. No "Brown Oval" either. It is fretless maple neck with inlaid light wood fretlines. Internal label is Earthwood. All other features seem standard. Despite no "E," it's very hard to imagine it's an imitation, given the exact other attributes.

Does anyone know sources for the date of manufacture and any other provenance details that might be reasonably available. Or steer me to any information site for these bases.

I also wonder if there is any current source for the special neck tilt adjustment tool I've heard is needed for this bass.

attached photos

 

[Mark Eckerle]

I just found and bought an Earthwood Bass - finally!
Does anyone know the recommended Ernie Ball Strings for the Earthwood?
Thanks,
Mark