Arbiter (Kasuga?) Rickenbacker copy, need info if you have it!

[Stringy]

Hi all,

I've had this old bass in my studio for well over a decade, I bought it second hand in the UK. It says 'Arbiter' on the truss rod cover and it says made in Japan on the neck bolt plate.

Google only brings up a few relevant hits but I've learnt that Arbiter brand was used for Kasuga imported copies from Japan, at least this is what I gathered from translating a German guitar forum post about these guitars! I'm really going on a shoestring of info here.

Does anyone have any information on Arbiter, Kasuga or Rickenbacker copies in general? I've no idea what the value of this bass is, I bought it from someone when I was a teenager and it's sat mysterious in my studio ever since.

From a little youtube research the sound is similar to genuine Rickenbacker 4001, I think it's a good copy.

features:
- Bolt-on neck plate; "Steel Adjustable Neck, Made in Japan, B763638"
- Has "standard" and "stereo sound" engraved on the input jack cover. Two inputs.

Does anyone know anything?

Thanks

 

[Snakeman1066]

Your bass was marketed by Rose Morris Co. in the UK...they came out the same factory (Hoshino Gakki) in Japan as Ibanez, Greco, and Penco all of which were relatively high quality for the period

Typical pricing for these is about $400.00 to $500.00 U.S....maybe a little more if in great shape...

 

[Stringy]

I came to the right place, thanks Snakeman that's great info. Much appreciated.

 

[Snakeman1066]

No problem...