60's bass identification help

[jpatt2]

Hello everyone,
My friend picked up this bass for $20 yesterday, but I'm having a really hard time figuring out what brand it is/year/specs. The body was sanded and headstock have been sanded, but the headstock used to be black I think. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[carlos840]

For me that looks a lot like some kind of 60s 70s USSR bass!
The body shape, hardware, pickguard material and pickup really remind me of this kind of bass!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Soviet-Vintage-...R-/260701737827?pt=Guitar&hash=item3cb308d363
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-USSR-ba...r-/250736033131?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a61083d6b

 

[comet9]

looks like a harmony 801.could be as recent as the 1980's

 

[jpatt2]

It actually looks a lot like the 801...Thanks for your help! Did they make a bass version?

My guitar tech said it might be a Teisco, but those were a bit before my time so I'm not too familiar with them. It certainly would be cool if it was Soviet, Carlos.

 

[Headless Llama]

looks awesome! Especially for 20 bucks!

 

[Din Of Win]

Teisco... Kingston... Kent... Aria... Conrad... Norma...


Japanese basses are tricky to identify if the name isn't printed on the headstock

 

[kenfxj]

Teisco... Kingston... Kent... Aria... Conrad... Norma...


Japanese basses are tricky to identify if the name isn't printed on the headstock

This. Looks like it was bought at Sears or some such place sometime in the 60s-early 70s. I have a guitar laying around somewhere that I picked up at a yard sale for five bucks (came with a genuine vinyl gig bag!). Looks very similar.

 

[Thornton Davis]

Looks like a late 60's Kawai, which could have been imported into North America under a host of different brand names (as indicated above by D.O.W)

I might have some catalog photos that shows it. Will check it out for you.

TD

 

[GM60466]

KIngston

 

[Popps]

I would guess it is a Kent. I had a guitar once that looked the same, shape, pick-ups, pick guard..