| FS: 1982 Moonstone Eclipse
Sign in to disble this ad
Relisting as a FS thread...this is a rare early 80's Moonstone Eclipse bass, 1 of about 120 ever made. Very similar in look and feel to an Alembic, also made in California to very high standards. From what I can tell one of the first boutique builders out there. This is a great example for its age, clean overall with some tarnishing on the bridge and few nicks and dings but nothing ugly at all. Plays fantastic, kind of a jazz profile neck, maybe a tad bigger. All passive with bart jazz pickups - VVTT, the mini-toggle that I believe is a phase switch, it definately beefs up the tone. Come with original Moonstone labeled, form fitting HSC. It is a heavier bass, I would guess 10+ lbs and can get exact weight, but balances perfectly and is comfy to gig with. A high end jazz type bass, but with more heft and bite to the tone.
Here is some good info from the original thread from TB’er Kevin Woods:
After five years with a medium scale bass I played an '82 Moonstone Eclipse for 18 years. It was my main axe through thick and thin, so I can say for sure that these are really fantastic instruments. Mine was 33 1/2" scale, so definitely not short scale per se. The reason that it might look like a short scale is that the body is actually quite large. I have a really hard time relating to small body basses because of my long tenure with the Moonstone. Take note of the bridge placement: it is right in the center of that huge turn of wood and 5 or so inches in from the tail end of the bass, so it actually plays like a much longer scale instrument as far as the first few positions go. But that is the purpose: the upper range of the bass is supremely accessible. And I can tell you for sure that this bass sings beautifully as a soloing instrument. Unbelievably creamy tones are available on this axe! This is a bass that will teach you the delight of playing a neck- through bass. The focus of the tone and the singing sustain are truly inspiring. Last time I talked to Steve (6 years...?) he said he would build an Eclipse for about $4000. By the way, when Steve originally made these he was in Moonstone Heights, CA. I believe he is now in Eureka, CA. He also builds acoustic guitars that are considered to be masterful creations both visually and tonally. Anyway, this was a bit of nostalgia for me, so thank you! My Moonstone saw a ton of wild action: great blues gigs, car crashes, strip teases, pool cue fights and gushing blood wounds...don't get me started. All Moonstone instruments are deserving of great confidence.
$1,750 shipped via PayPal | 
