The Bass Centre Blockhead BassThe Bass Centre Blockhead BassThe Bass Centre Blockhead BassThe Bass Centre Blockhead BassThe Bass Centre Blockhead Bass

The Bass Centre Blockhead Bass

UK Price:  £645.00 Inc. 20% VAT
Worldwide Price: £537.50
+ Lined Fretless Fingerboard
+ EMG Pickups Upgrade
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Limited Stock Available - Buy Now!  

Limited Stock Available - Buy Now!

  (4 Reviews)

A TRIBUTE TO NORMAN WATT-ROY

Bombay-born and London-bred, Norman Watt-Roy has forged a fearsome reputation, both live and in on record, as one of the world's all-time great bass players.

Coming to prominence through his work on Ian Dury & The Blockheads (the effervescent, 16th note melody that drives Dury's 1979 UK #1 hit single "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" remains one of THE best bass performances committed to tape), Norman also appeared on Nick Lowe's classic "Jesus Of Cool" LP, The Clash's "Sandinista" and "Cut The Crap" albums, provided the original bass lines to Frankie Goes To Hollywood's global mega-hits "Relax" and "Two Tribes", as well as lending his powerhouse talents to sessions for Rachel Sweet, Jona Lewie, The Selecter, Wreckless Eric, Madness & Nick Cave.

The last decade has seen him continue to work tirelessly with The Blockheads and veteran British rhythm 'n' blues guitar slinger, Wilko Johnson, as well as stepping out to front his own outfit — Norman Watt-Roy & Friends — in support of his first solo album "Faith & Grace".

Authentic Tone and Classic Style

Between 2009 and 2013, Norman was most often seen using his original Bass Centre Blockhead — a meticulously reliced custom replica of the famous pre-CBS 1962 workhorse that was his main recording and stage bass from the mid-'80s onwards.

Th new 2022 Blockhead model revisits this concept, foregoing the forensicto deliver a pristine, strikingly beautiful and affordable instrument that combines cool retro style, a classic Badass hi-mass bridge, authentic tone, pro-grade fit and finish, an expert set-up, and astonishing value for money.

The BBM Blockhead Features

BODY Lightweight, balanced body contour
FINISH Metallic Rose Gold with matching headstock and period accurate, mint-green pickguard
NECK Satin finish Bass Centre "Super Slim Sixties"® maple neck
FINGERBOARD 20 fret Macassar ebony with pearloid dot markers
PICKUPS Vintage spec single-coil pickups with exposed pole pieces
BRIDGE Leo Quan Badass Bass II hi-mass bridge
HARDWARE Chrome "ashtray" pickup cover / Chrome control plate / Vintage style black control knobs / Bass "C" engraved 4-bolt chrome neck plate
STRINGS Bass Centre Elites
EXTRAS Premium Quality Bass Centre Padded Gig Bag Included

The Personal Touch

All Bass Collection and British Bass Masters instruments are re-strung and set up prior to despatch by Chris Ward, long serving Bass Centre guitar tech since 1984. Accordingly, you can choose which gauge and type of Elites Strings you prefer and specify set-up requirements (please use the "Comments" field when you check out).

Body Basswood
Finish Metallic gloss polyurethane, with matching headstock
PICKGUARD 3-ply vintage mint green
Neck Satin finish maple with Bass Centre "Super Slim Sixties"® profile
Fingerboard Macassar ebony with pearloid dot markers
Frets 20 medium nickel frets
PickupS Passive, vintage-style single coil pickups with exposed pole pieces
Controls Volume / Volume / Master tone
MACHINEHEADS Chrome, vintage-style, clover leaf, open-gear tuners
Hardware Chrome "ashtray" pickup cover / Chrome control plate with vintage style black knobs
NECK PLATE 4-bolt chrome plate with engraved Bass Centre "C" logo
Bridge Chrome Leo Quan Badass Bass II hi-mass bridge
Scale Length 34" (864mm)
Neck Width at Nut 38mm (1.5")
Neck Width at 12th Fret 57mm (2.24")
Neck Depth at 1st Fret 20mm (0.8")
Neck Depth at 12th Fret 22mm (0.87")
String Spacing at Nut 10mm (0.4")
String Spacing at Bridge 19mm (0.75")
Weight Approx. 4kg (8.9lb)
Strings Bass Centre Elites
InCLUDED Extras Premium quality Bass Centre padded gig bag with dual handles, cushioned shoulder strap and zip-up accessory pocket
Warranty All Bass Collection instruments come with a 1 year warranty
Country of Origin World Musical Instruments Co. Ltd., South Korea

NORMAN WATT-ROY

The original Bass Centre Blockhead Bass was custom made in the Czech Republic in the spirit of the pre-CBS 1962 shoreline gold Jazz Bass (pictured above) that had been Norman Watt-Roy's main recording and stage bass from the mid-'80s, as well as being informed by the great man's own exacting specifications. The superb replica featured a super-slim '60s profile neck, alder body, rosewood fingerboard, Seymour Duncan pickups, Leo Quan Badass Bass II bridge, aged reverse tuners, and a roadworn, period accurate finish for the complete 'been there, seen it, done it' look.

Two versions of the Blockhead were built for Norman, one with a script logo and one that more closely replicated the original's distressed look featuring the Bass Centre's Bass 'C' headstock brand.

From 2009 to 2013, with Norman's original retired from active service (and ultimately sold in 2012), the Blockhead was the powerhouse musican's constant companion for live performances with the Blockheads and veteran rhythm 'n' blues guitar slinger Wilko Johnson, as well as when stepping out to front his own outfit — Norman Watt-Roy & Friends — in support of his debut solo album "Faith & Grace", yet another milestone in the storied career of one of the UK's premier bass stylists.

Average Rating (4 Reviews):  
Write a Review and share your opinions!

Rating:  
Fast and efficient
29 April 2024  | 

The Blockhead Bass that arrived was exactly what I expected based on the website. I am in the US and it arrived very quickly and the courier tracking was excellent.

I would happily buy again, but I'm not allowed any more basses. I already have a Betsy, which everyone loves.


Rating:  
Best bass I have ever played
21 November 2020  | 

The Bass Collection Blockhead bass is the best bass I have ever played - it feels and sounds better than others I have played that are 3-4 times the price. It is an absolute joy to play and comes with a really good quality BC gigbag. The tone is stunning, even when playing acoustically it is a totally rewarding and inspirational experience - a lot of this must be down to the strings so I will be sticking with BC Elites on the Blockhead and upgrading to Elites on my other basses.

Also want to mention that the customer service at the Bass Centre is top notch. Just wish I had known about BC earlier.


Rating:  
Great bass at a great price!
17 June 2020  | 

Very happy with it, top to bottom, and it sounds almost as good as my Betsy!


Rating:  
Highly recommended
12 June 2018  | 

Great service and communication,and a really fantastic instrument. Vintage vibe at very affordable price.