OK everyone...here it is-- Rick Danko's fretless Ampeg AUB-1 Scroll Bass, serial #M120, played by Rick from 1969-1978.
As I understand it, this instrument was given to The Band by Ampeg following the recording of Big Pink in 1968. I'm assuming Rick ordered it with the P-Bass pickup modification, as was popular at the time, but it could also have been done by himself or with friends. The reason I lean toward the latter is that pickups are kind of jammed in there and uniquely bowed up the middle, which actually ends up allowing for a pretty incredible mid range. Rick used it to record some of The Band's self titled 2nd album, all of "Stage Fright," some of "Cahoots," and the entire "Rock of Ages" concert. He can also be seen in many video clips playing it including the recorded Woodstock '69 show (not the festival), "The Festival Express," the pre-recorded parts of The Last Waltz, Rick's instructional video and there are photos of him playing it in numerous concerts, including Bob Dylan's SNACK tour.
Let me be frank. This instrument is my favorite in our collection, it's an honor to be near it (let alone play it), and I would gladly be buried with it. However, I'm in need of a down payment on a house and willing to part ways for the right price. This is your opportunity to own an instrument that's emblematic of American musical history in a way that few other pieces can achieve.
This instrument was purchased through a Christie's musical instrument auction in NYC in 2004 and comes with the accompanying documentation. The Baby Bass case referenced in the ad was tattered and broken; I had a custom A&S case made for it in 2005.
This instrument is not haunted by the ghost of Rick Danko, it's haunted by the ghost of Edgar Willis.
http://youtu.be/dMbVXYQpJV8
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