Bizzare Chinese Bass Identification Help

[savit260]

Yep. Vintage Musicmasters were always Strat pups. That was the big difference between Musicmasters and Mustangs. The mustang used a small split coil (like a set of little oval P Bass pups) and Musicmasters had the covered Strat style pups. However, the "Vista Series" Squiers had the 4 polepiece pickups (shown in picture) that were designed for the bass.

Judging by the pics you posted, that Vista Series Squier seems to be a likely candidate for what this bass started out as.

Good Call DH!

 

[KramerBassFan]

It has a 51' P Bass style Pickup, and a Gibson SG Bass Bridge Humbucker. Interesting.

At least they look JUST Like them.

 

[lonote]

...It's just odd.

There were lots of...um...er..."eccentric" guitar makers in the nooks and crannies of the USA back in the 50's, 60's and 70's. There are tons of oddities, one-offs and custom made instruments, some of which were apparently custom made for non-earthlings.

 

[ProfGumby]

It doesn't need "filling". Look where the upper horn meets the neck - there is plenty of wood to make it a single cut, as shown in the picture above.

The person who modded it also shortened the lower horn and further cut it away.

Well, paint me pink and call me Susie! Now that makes sense! I didn't catch the lower cutout being at the base of the neck like that....

 

[knigel]

I know hardly anyone checks these updates, but here are some pics of the fretless I ended up with--a 2007 Squier Vintage Modified P, made fretless by a luthier at Becker Guitars. Amazing player, a+ job. I was a little worried when he said he removed the frets himself--then I saw the Becker workshop. Unbelievable neck, just feels so great. I've been jamming on the Superfly soundtrack all week.

Not only did he set it up, but if I decide to put flats on it I can take it back and he'll do another free set up. Sweet deal! 100 bucks!