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Up for sale is a rare Tokai Works / Bass Revolution TW-1500 fretless bass, made in Japan in the late 1980s. This is one of Tokai's more unusual original designs from the Works / Bass Revolution line, with a compact, sculpted body shape that feels similar to a Spector-style curved bass while still being its own unique design.
This example is finished in a beautiful transparent blue over a quilted maple top/veneer. It features a matching finish bolt-on neck and headstock, an unlined ebony fretless fingerboard, Gotoh-style tuners, and a Schaller bridge with piezo saddles. The control layout is simple and effective: master volume with active bass and treble EQ. The bass also features two bottom strap buttons that can be used as an impromptu stand.
The piezo bridge system gives this bass a wide tonal range, from clear and hi-fi fretless tones to more nasal, upright-like sounds depending on EQ settings and right-hand position. It has a very comfortable 8.8 lb weight, a slim 1.55" nut width, and a Jazz Bass-like neck feel. The curved body and compact balance make it feel very comfortable on a strap or seated.
The bass is currently set up with low action, plays well, and has a clean, singing fretless response. This is a great choice for someone looking for a rare MIJ fretless that is more distinctive than the usual Jazz Bass copy, but still practical and easy to play.
Note: the truss rod works, the electronics function properly, and the bass has been set up with low action and new roundwound strings. I'm not sure whether this bass originally had side markers or if they've been removed, so the bridge has not been freshly intonated. A new owner may want to add their preferred side dots or markers and dial in the intonation to taste.
This example is finished in a beautiful transparent blue over a quilted maple top/veneer. It features a matching finish bolt-on neck and headstock, an unlined ebony fretless fingerboard, Gotoh-style tuners, and a Schaller bridge with piezo saddles. The control layout is simple and effective: master volume with active bass and treble EQ. The bass also features two bottom strap buttons that can be used as an impromptu stand.
The piezo bridge system gives this bass a wide tonal range, from clear and hi-fi fretless tones to more nasal, upright-like sounds depending on EQ settings and right-hand position. It has a very comfortable 8.8 lb weight, a slim 1.55" nut width, and a Jazz Bass-like neck feel. The curved body and compact balance make it feel very comfortable on a strap or seated.
The bass is currently set up with low action, plays well, and has a clean, singing fretless response. This is a great choice for someone looking for a rare MIJ fretless that is more distinctive than the usual Jazz Bass copy, but still practical and easy to play.
Note: the truss rod works, the electronics function properly, and the bass has been set up with low action and new roundwound strings. I'm not sure whether this bass originally had side markers or if they've been removed, so the bridge has not been freshly intonated. A new owner may want to add their preferred side dots or markers and dial in the intonation to taste.
