Conrad bass?

[dfmpgh412]

I recently came across this 60s-70s Conrad bass. I know nothing about it and having hell of a time researching it. Any help or information would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[GretschWretch]

According to the book History of Japanese Electric Guitars, Conrad is a badge that came from the Matsumoku factory. Which is not as helpful as it might at first seem, since the book also contains several pics of what obviously the same bass only with different headstock badges and different factory connections. Throughout the book, this is not uncommon.

I suggest you peruse the links here to see what collective information you may be able to harvest.

vintage japanese bass guitars - Google Search

 

[RSBBass]

Your bass was "made for the trade". Distributors, stores and schools would contract for a manufacturer to make instruments for them, usually from a design the manufacturer was already making. The buyer would then badge it (i.e.,put a name on it). In Japan in the 60's and early 70's it was common for more than one manufacturer to make very similar instruments. It also was common for manufacturers to sub-contract all or part of the the instruments to other factories. So, while the owners of the Conrad name may have contracted with Matsumoku, they probably did business with other makers. Even if it was made by Matsumoku, the neck, body, etc, may of been made by another factory.

 

[creaturegods]

The two posters above are correct.

I wonder how many times this model of bass has been posted here, lol.