So I've checked out my classroom and there are one or two Musser ";Amplibass"; marimba-things in there.  What are these typically used for?  I've done and heard of many things musically, but this thing takes the cake.  I'm clueless.

Is this it? 

Check out:  http://www.eurodelicias.com/shop/Musser-M400-AmpliBass-Electric,i220251747660,c41458.html

Beyond that, [i]I'm[/i] clueless.

Seems like I remember seeing this in the Ludwig catalog years ago (like 25 years or so).  At the time, I had no idea what it was, and haven't really thought about it since.  If nothing else, hopefully that gives you a timeline for when it was manufactured.

That's what it is.  I'm guessing it was used as a substitute for bass guitar in the jazz ensemble.  Either way, it's totally impractical for concert band use considering my space.

Will you try and get rid of those? It looks like a fun toy with which to mess around. How does it sound unamplified?

Haven't you guys ever heard of [i]Concertino for AmpliBass[/i]? It introduced the AmpliBass to the masses in the 1940s.



:) Just kidding. Never heard of the thing; I recommend selling it on Ebay and spending the money on something worthwhile.

How much you planning on asking for one?  And do they work when plugged into an amp?

I've had an amplibass in my percussion ensemble for the past 10 years.
it is by far better sounding then any key bass or even having a regular bass player in the ensemble.
this instrument sounds alot like a cuban bass. so for latin charts it's fantastic.
the only drawback is the range is alittle bit limited
if you are interested in selling those that you have i would be interested.

[quote author=traps link=topic=2696.msg14499#msg14499 date=1221615311]
I've had an amplibass in my percussion ensemble for the past 10 years.
it is by far better sounding then any key bass or even having a regular bass player in the ensemble.
this instrument sounds alot like a cuban bass. so for latin charts it's fantastic.
the only drawback is the range is alittle bit limited
if you are interested in selling those that you have i would be interested.


[/quote]

I don't know if I'd go that far...  this one is VERY clanky in the low end.  Seeing as I am currently a maternity leave individual, I will say that I am going to hold on to them for now.  However, should this teacher not return... maybe.

Hello guys,
I�m looking for this Musser M400 amplibass since some months but I haven�t succeeded.

@Cadet311: How about the bass in your classroom? Are you still in possession of it? Is there any little chance to buy it from you?
I�m despared cause I can�t find any other much less anyone knows about this bass not even huge shops...

I hope you can help me!

Thank you in anticipation

Sorry, no.  I don't teach there anymore.