Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
 Posted: 03/27/2008 at 12:58 PM Post subject: Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Hi all, I'm new here and figured I'd give a short intro especially since I'm probably not your average Bean owner. I don't play guitar, in fact I am pretty much devoid of any musical talent. I'm also abiut half deaf from years hanging around race cars. So what am I doing here? Now comes the story.
My older brother passed away earlier this month. His name was Rick Oblinger and was known here in LA as "Obe the Guitar Guy". He worked for Travis Bean for a couple of years at least. I don't recall when he started but I think he was there about to the end. After that he worked at Schecter Guitar and Tobias in Hollywood. For the last 15 years or so he built custom guitars and did repairs and restorations out of his house. I remember well in the late '70s he came over to my folks house and showed us a guitar he had built for himself at Travis Bean. It was an all black fretless bass. Damn it was beautiful. I told him it was a fantastic piece of design and would look right at home in the Museum of Modern Art.
I also remember Rick telling the story of meeting Jerry Garcia at the Bean shop. Rick was a major Dead Head from way back and I know he was really stoked about working on a guitar for Jerry. Rick never took to computers. One of his friends described him as an analog guy in a digital world. I actually found this site some time ago and I told him about it, encouraged him to look it up, how he could answer questions and give advice, even line up some repair work. He wouldn't have any of it. He just did things his own way.
If you are wondering if he had any TBs, yes he had some. I don't know how many right know because we haven't inventoried everything. I did open up one case and the guitar was padded in the case with original Travis Bean T-shirts.
I could go on and on, a lot to deal with.
If possible I would like to contact Travis Bean and any of the other guys that worked at he shop that may have known my brother. Well, that's all for now. As we sort stuff out I'll take photos and share them. Here's one for starters.
Later,
Kurt O.
http://img208.imageshack......g208/5613/beansigngy4.jpg
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
|
Disclosure: Any links to eBay or Amazon.com are affiliate links. Affiliate links may provide commission payments to the site based on purchases.
|
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 03/27/2008 at 1:27 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
One more thing, if anyone would like to shoot me a note, send it to motorphoto56 (at) gmail dot com
Thanks,
Kurt O.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
charlie
Joined:
06 Jan 2008
Posts: 250
|
| Posted: 03/31/2008 at 12:09 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Kurt,
This is great to see this stuff! If possible, please post more photos of anything. THANK YOU for sharing this information with us.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
BoulderBean
Joined:
04 Feb 2004
Posts: 309
|
| Posted: 04/06/2008 at 7:29 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Interesting. Keith Richards plays 5 string guitars and is known have a 5 string Bean 500. I wonder if this might have been made for him. Thanks for the photo. Perhaps others have more info.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
|
Disclosure: Any links to eBay or Amazon.com are affiliate links. Affiliate links may provide commission payments to the site based on purchases.
|
|
|
|
BoulderBean
Joined:
04 Feb 2004
Posts: 309
|
| Posted: 04/06/2008 at 7:32 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
The extra switches are most likely coil taps for the neck and bridge pickups. There are a few Artists and Standards out there with that feature (often retrofit).
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/06/2008 at 9:18 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Thanks for that BoulderBean. I'll have to search my brothers papers to see if their is any mention of this one. A couple of other neat points about this guitar. The neck is black imron except for the face of the headstock, which is natural aluminum. Also, in the little compartment of the case are two little ziplock bags, one with the keys for the case, and the other with three allen keys, and the sheet of paper with the care instructions.
Kurt O.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
BoulderBean
Joined:
04 Feb 2004
Posts: 309
|
| Posted: 04/07/2008 at 8:38 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
In the book posting from "3rdparty" the following info:
"There were also 6 five-string guitars made that were standards and are serial numbered 1732-1737. These went to Keith Richards, Travis Bean, Richard Oblinger, Mark McElwee, and Bill Lominac (the head machinist at the company). All of these were coated necks and were 1.375 inches thick."
I think that explains the 5 string.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/07/2008 at 9:07 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Thanks man, that pretty much nails it.
Kurt O.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
charlie
Joined:
06 Jan 2008
Posts: 250
|
| Posted: 04/07/2008 at 11:47 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
hey boulderbean, what is this 3rd party book you are referring to? It sounds like a good source of info. thanks, charlie
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
|
Disclosure: Any links to eBay or Amazon.com are affiliate links. Affiliate links may provide commission payments to the site based on purchases.
|
|
|
|
BoulderBean
Joined:
04 Feb 2004
Posts: 309
|
| Posted: 04/07/2008 at 11:57 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Check out this link: http://tinyurl.com/6x2kme
It was posted by the user "3rdparty" in a thread titled "Travis Bean book references"
Sorry for being too cryptic in my earlier posting.
-Peter
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
charlie
Joined:
06 Jan 2008
Posts: 250
|
| Posted: 04/07/2008 at 12:21 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
ooops , I missed that post from 3rd party, thanks for re-posting peter
Does anyone have the price book with the whole article scanned? I wonder who did that research seems like good details were gathered/recorded by someone.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/07/2008 at 10:08 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
The photo in the link below was taped to my brother's tool box on his workbench. He looked at it every day so it was special to him. It's out of focus, faded, and there are a couple of spots of what looks like polishing compound. But, it's still a cool image.
http://img358.imageshack....../img358/8954/jerryki8.jpg
Kurt O.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
3rdparty
Joined:
01 Jun 2001
Posts: 58
|
| Posted: 04/10/2008 at 12:17 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Kurt,
Do you mind if I upload your photos to my flickr account and post them to the flickr group:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/travisbean/ ?
keep 'em coming!
Thanks
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/10/2008 at 12:24 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
No problem, please do. There will be many, many more photos coming. I haven't even looked in my brothers personal photos yet. I expect there will be photos of the Bean shop in there.
And thanks for the link to the passage in the Blue Book about the 5-string, that blew me away.
Cheers,
Kurt
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/15/2008 at 10:03 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Some more pics. This is my brothers fretless bass. Long ago I nicknamed it "The Black Shadow" after my favorite motorcycle, the Vincent Black Shadow. My brother listed it on his inventory as a 1975/78. It was built in '75 and I assumed he reworked it in '78.
It looks like my brother had taken off the strings, nut and tuning gears to work on the fingerboard. All of the parts are with it. There are rough splotches on the fingerboard almost like some kind of oxidation. Otherwise, the condition is very good.
http://img181.imageshack......img181/135/tbfbassie3.jpg
http://img181.imageshack......1/5227/tbfbassneckxs0.jpg
On the back of the neck is a dedication.
http://img186.imageshack....../tbfbassdedicationbx6.jpg
May 17, 1975 was my brother's 25th birthday.
It is also signed by Travis Bean and Marc McElwee.
This one stays with me.
Kurt O.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Kevin
Joined:
16 Mar 2007
Posts: 147
|
| Posted: 04/15/2008 at 11:24 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Thank you for the amazing pics. Whats strange is I have standard 1569 and it too has the same writting in the pocket obscured by the over spray. In fact it looks just like mine. Strange.
That bass is fantastic.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Kevin
Joined:
16 Mar 2007
Posts: 147
|
| Posted: 04/16/2008 at 7:23 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
By the way is there anything in your notebook about artist number 1397?
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
admin
Joined:
01 Jun 2001
Posts: 1266
|
| Posted: 04/16/2008 at 9:49 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Hello Kurt
I sent you a couple of emails.. not sure if you've received them. I'd love to talk to you about some of that great Bean information. I think if would be fantastic to get some of that info up on the site somewhere.
Thanks!
admin
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/16/2008 at 11:34 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Admin,
Saw your emails late last night. I'm sure we could do something. I've got lots more info but some will need some investigation/interpretation. Remember, these were just personal notes and not really meant to be a conclusive or detailed record. There is a ton of stuff still to come! It's all taking time because I can only go to the shop or storage on weekends and I can only bring so much home. The wife asked last night, "How long are these guitars going to be under the bed?" I also have all the usual family and work responsibilities to deal with. (Reminder to self, mow back lawn after work.)
Hang in there kids!
Kurt
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/16/2008 at 10:01 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Kevin,
I show Standard #1569 being completed in June 1978 but no other info. Artist 1397 was completed in March/April 1979 but there is no other info. What is interesting is that Artist 1389 thru 1405 inclusive, have the note "PT" next to them, with the exception of 1397 and 1403 which do not. I don't know what "PT" signifies.
Cheers,
Kurt
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
frankintank
Joined:
01 Jun 2001
Posts: 33
|
| Posted: 04/16/2008 at 11:14 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Kurt,
I sorta lost touch with this forum for a while, but someone sent me your story.
I worked with Obe at TB & have forwarded this info to a few people who knew your brother. Can't say if they will be compelled to contact you. My email is frankkelleher@yahoo.com.
I have a few interesting pictures & stories to send you offline.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
admin
Joined:
01 Jun 2001
Posts: 1266
|
| Posted: 04/17/2008 at 7:18 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Hello Kurt
I completely understand... not a problem. Just shoot me an email when you're ready.
Thanks!
admin
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
admin
Joined:
01 Jun 2001
Posts: 1266
|
| Posted: 04/17/2008 at 7:18 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Hello frankintank!!
It's been a long long time. Glad to see you on the board again!
admin
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
murtha
Joined:
17 Apr 2008
Posts: 1
|
| Posted: 04/18/2008 at 12:15 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
I used to work with your brother at Travis Bean Guitars. I was only 21 at the time. I know your brother had about 5-6 years ( /-) on me. My position was paint production manager. Sorry to hear about Rick. I learned an awful lot working around him, Mark and Travis. You've done a great job putting this web site in order. I contacted others I worked with at Travis Bean - Frank and I email each other. I visited Mark last year when I was on a business trip in California (I live in Texas). I heard from Mitch once. I still have my Artist #160 that Rick did the pearl in-lays on. Everyone at the shop knew me as "Pat." Would like to hear more from you.
Take Care,
James
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 04/18/2008 at 11:04 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the note. I've seen your name in my brothers notes. I can't take credit for this website, that's due to someone else's hard work, I'm just a visitor here. I've had email from Mitch and also had some email and a long talk on the phone with Frank. If you would like to contact me directly you can email me at motorphoto56@gmail.com
I'd love to hear some of your stories my brother and the TB shop.
Thanks,
Kurt O.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Ezra
Joined:
15 Aug 2001
Posts: 69
|
| Posted: 04/18/2008 at 1:58 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Honestly, I think alot of us would like to hear the storys about the shop as well.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Kevin
Joined:
16 Mar 2007
Posts: 147
|
| Posted: 05/14/2008 at 7:00 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
If you ever decide to sell a set of those humbucking pickups please let me know. I have a 1000S with no pickups and that would be awesome to get a set. chrysler727 at aol dot com
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Seantseaton
Joined:
19 Mar 2008
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: 05/14/2008 at 7:26 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
As do I, seantseaton@gmail.com. That's some great stuff you got there
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
holmes
Joined:
29 Feb 2008
Posts: 182
|
| Posted: 05/14/2008 at 10:00 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
...me too, i have a 1000a that was totally butchered by the previous owner and doesnt have the bridge which was hacked out! it deserves better.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
AT13
Joined:
28 Apr 2008
Posts: 9
|
| Posted: 05/14/2008 at 12:32 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
help us obie (won) ur our only hope!
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 05/14/2008 at 9:39 PM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
"help us obie (won) ur our only hope! "
In that case you guys are all in deep kimchee!
Kurt
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Obie
Joined:
12 Mar 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: 05/15/2008 at 11:36 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Sorry gang, I was trying to be a little funny in my last note and I think I may have been misunderstood. The fact is the parts, and there are more than just the pickups, will be sold as well as the guitars. That includes the 5-string and the TB500 prototype. In addition there is a collection of Bean literature, brochures, price lists, etc. that will go as well. This is going to happen over time. The Beans constitute a very small part of my brother's overall collection so they will be spread out amongst all the rest of the stuff. We are going to do this through Ebay, despite its drawbacks. I don't want to get into a situation where I have to try and decide if one person is more deserving of something than another. My life is difficult enough as it is. I will try and give a heads up on here just before something gets listed.
Thanks,
Kurt
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
obetelecaster
Joined:
03 May 2020
Posts: 2
|
| Posted: 05/03/2020 at 8:42 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Hi, I just discovered this forum. I moved to Las Vegas and began buying and selling guitars on offerup.
I came across a candy apple red telecaster that was built by Rick "Obe" Oblinger for Ed Tree from Spencer Davis Group. The neck pocket is signed and it took a lot of sleuthing to find this forum. How cool is that?!
If anyone knows anything about this guitar please reach out on my instagram @vegasvintageguitars or here I guess... if anyone even uses this forum.
The telecaster rips so hard. It's easily the nicest guitar I own. I could tell from the offerup photos that it was nice but wow. Killer craftsmanship.
Thanks, if you see this.
Joseph
Joseph
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
pman
Joined:
11 Dec 2007
Posts: 23
|
| Posted: 05/03/2020 at 11:17 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Hi Joseph,
Sorry I don't do instagram.
Richard Worked for Schecter in the 80's and when he left he was given many parts.Mostly bodies and necks. ( I think he told me it was in lieu of payment owed to him.)
He built some guitars with those parts. I had a Seafoam Green Strat that in the neck pocket read built for Jackson Brown. I think it was dated '84. If you email me I can send you a picture of the neck pocket. ( per7777@verizon.net ) So I asume your Tele is one of those built from his home workshop.
Peace,
Pete
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
obetelecaster
Joined:
03 May 2020
Posts: 2
|
| Posted: 05/03/2020 at 11:53 AM Post subject: RE:Intro and a story |
link
|
|
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Sounds like a plan. I€„¢ll shoot ya an email with my neck pocket pic as well.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
|
|
|
