gday, and any assistance appreciated.

[johnnybillyd]

Hiyas,

Joined this forum today after spending a while googling information on my new 5 string. Couldn't find what I wanted so thought I'd ask here as there was more info here than anywhere else!

Have played a '75 Rickenbacker 4001 for years now, but after jamming with some stoner rock guys, realised the rick was no fan of extreme de-tuning thus the new purchase.

I've just bought a Schaller Rockoon "Super Material Guitar". About to get a full setup done but I'm trying to find the exact model number.

It's probably an RB-855S but I'm just not sure.

• Would love a link to a manual if anyone has one?
• Also no serial number visible, so if anyone knows where that's located, would also be nice.
• I think I've worked out the rotary controls config but I'd appreciate confirmation. - from the photo, top left is volume, top right is balance, bottom left is the bridge pickup, and bottom right is the neck pickup?
• Also not sure what the difference is between the two pickups....bass v treble? Which is which? I know, I should be able to tell by ear, but the tone on this is not something I'm very used to.

Found this link I have not seen posted anywhere else here that has the original brochures so hope that may help others:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Page 4 has what I think is mine

Also aware of this link, same as everyone else who has googled these:
[This invalid link has been removed]

I cannot wait for the setup. It plays so nicely already!

 

[GregC]

Hi, welcome to TB! I don’t know anything about Kawai basses, but when I searched the Basses forum for Kawai I found some short threads over the years. Here’s a recent one, you may want to contact the poster to see if he knows more: checking off of the GAS list with a 10 clownburst Kawai Rockoon LP

 

[johnnybillyd]

Hi, welcome to TB! I don’t know anything about Kawai basses, but when I searched the Basses forum for Kawai I found some short threads over the years. Here’s a recent one, you may want to contact the poster to see if he knows more: checking off of the GAS list with a 10 clownburst Kawai Rockoon LP

Thanks Greg, will do.

 

[Bass V]

clearly this is miles apart from my model but similar in design to the most common Rockoons seen, yet the script on the body may well indicate it's significantly different, some have Carbon Graphite necks and the general appearance of yours is unique to my limited experience. no matter who designed or crafted this 5er it's bound to be a keeper, Kawai was all about quality. you might contact the seller and see if they know some history or back stories 1989 Rockoon Japan (by Kawai) KRB-105K PJ Bass w/Schallers (Natural Koa) | eBay

 

[johnnybillyd]

So Bass V suggested I follow up with a guy called MojoStomp Boxes who was selling a different model Rockoon 5 string on ebay recently. Mojo said I should re-check the catalogue. He was right, seek and ye shall find .

Almost certain now mine is an RB-855S.
Body: White Ash
Neck: Rosewood on Hard Maple.
Pickups: Kawai JT-5

Not sure what colour mine is though. The catalog has choices as:
N, STW, STBL, UK and STV

From photos of other models, I think these are:
N: Neutral
STW: Satin(?) White
STB: Satin(?) Black
UK: ??
STV: ??

Anyone know what UK and STV may stand for?