Help recognize this made in Japan bass

[RTVRS]

Hey everyone!

I bought a bass and a guitar from a guy in Germany. The gear is on the way to me but it will take a week or so when i get my hands on the gear. While I know the guitar brand (it is a pretty rare item - Framus Strato Melody) I don't recognize the bass. I bought the items because of the guitar.

So maybe someone here can help me recognize the bass. As the items are on the way I only have these low quality pictures. I am really eager to know what exactly did I buy

It is clear that it was made in Japan. I spent a lot of time browsing the net but nothing.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JimmyM]

It looks like a late 60's build. Matsumoku factory (they all had that "Steel Reinforced Neck" neck plate). They released the same basses under whatever name you wanted if you ordered enough of them, so I couldn't tell you what the brand is.

 

[RTVRS]

Yeah! That could be the case. Just seems strange that I haven't come across this logo anywhere before. And I browse gear a lot

It looks like a late 60's build. Matsumoku factory (they all had that "Steel Reinforced Neck" neck plate). They released the same basses under whatever name you wanted if you ordered enough of them, so I couldn't tell you what the brand is.

 

[JimmyM]

Yeah! That could be the case. Just seems strange that I haven't come across this logo anywhere before. And I browse gear a lot

I thought that logo was homemade. It's not?

 

[RTVRS]

I don't believe it is homemade but it could be though. I will post update info here when I receive the instrument.

 

[JimmyM]

Well Matsumoku put out some pretty cool stuff in their day. Might turn out to have a very cool vibe.

 

[One_Dude]

Reminds me of some of the Univox branded instruments. I have a Univox guitar (335 copy) and a Univox bass ( P bass copy ) that have that same "steel reinforced neck" plate on the back. I suspect JimmyM is correct about its origins. Both my instruments play well and sound good, and reflect the good quality of the MIJ gear from that era.

Thump on,

One_Dude

 

[96tbird]

Like @JimmyM says, typical Matsumoku.

You know how you can order jackets, ball caps, water bottles, etc. And put your logo on them?

Same thing with Matsumoku except with guitars. For a minimum order you could put any name on it you wanted.

Cue pic of JimmyM’s cool “Realistic” Violin Bass. (I think I remember it being a “Realistic” brand… ie.: Radio Shack.)

 

[devnulljp]

One of thousands. The brand names don't matter, they were all built in the same factory. Used to see literally piles of these guitars in junk shops in Japan for $50 in the 90s.
Similar to this one branded Tempo

and this one branded Mayfair

 

[iiipopes]

If I had only picked all of them up for $50, so I could sell them for $300+ now!

 

[coy garcia]

I have one branded Tiempo. 60's Japanese piece of junk....but it sounds awesome and unique.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I had one, it brought a nice Ricky tone with rounds.

 

[coy garcia]

I had one, it brought a nice Ricky tone with rounds.

That is a good description of the tone.

 

[RTVRS]

Ok. Thanks guys! I will get back here with more information about this particular bass when I will receive it and have tried it out.