Kawai rb865a

[Shelflife112]

Does anyone know much about this bass? I found it in a local guitar center and was wondering if it's worth the $300. I can hardly find any information on it online. I didn't take any pictures, but this is exactly what it looks like (found these images on google):

I went to GC looking for a cheap used bass and came across a musicman sub4 for $180 in excellent condition, which I really liked. Then I saw this one for $300. I'm trying to decide which one to get. The musicman is cheaper and I like it's tone better, whereas the kawai looks nicer and has 5 strings. Thanks.

 

[Mark76]

It's almost cute. (I wonder if that was the intention when they came up with the name?)

 

[MEKer]

Obviously this bass is a figment of imagination. Why?

No pic = no bass

 

[DWBass]

Please post a pic.

 

[RED J]

Easy. That's an invisibass.

 

[Boristhespyder]

I have a Kawai piano which is very nice. Know nothing about their basses.

 

[abarson]

Kawai basses are well-built instruments that never got really popular. You're right that there isn't alot of information on the Web on this model: Getting Started
It looks like a few have been sold here on TB over the year, so it might be worthwhile to search those old threads and ask the previous owners. Without knowing its condition it's hard to guess at what it might be worth.

 

[Shelflife112]

Obviously this bass is a figment of imagination. Why?

No pic = no bass

Please post a pic.

Easy. That's an invisibass.

Pics added.

 

[MEKer]

Does anyone know much about this bass? I found it in a local guitar center and was wondering if it's worth the $300. I can hardly find any information on it online. I didn't take any pictures, but this is exactly what it looks like (found these images on google):

I went to GC looking for a cheap used bass and came across a musicman sub4 for $180 in excellent condition, which I really liked. Then I saw this one for $300. I'm trying to decide which one to get. The musicman is cheaper and I like it's tone better, whereas the kawai looks nicer and has 5 strings. Thanks.

Looks well made.

 

[abarson]

The holes in the back under the bridge looks like an amateur hack to try and make it a string through. Definitely reduces the value. I'd say no more than $175, as long as everything else is in working order.

 

[MrLenny1]

A 5 string for $300 is a good price.

 

[themarshall]

I'm about 99.987% sure the B and E string through feature is factory. I seem to recall a review of this bass in some mag bitd.

 

[Shelflife112]

The holes in the back under the bridge looks like an amateur hack to try and make it a string through. Definitely reduces the value. I'd say no more than $175, as long as everything else is in working order.

These are pictures I found on the Internet. Although I think the one I saw also had those holes. I'm not too sure though. Do you think a musicman sub 4 for $180 is a better deal than this for $300? Both in excellent condition.

 

[abarson]

I'm about 99.987% sure the B and E string through feature is factory. I seem to recall a review of this bass in some mag bitd.

Hmm... Google image search proves you right. Great solution for someone wanting different tension on their lower strings.

Might be worth the dough afterall.

 

[Shelflife112]

Kawai basses are well-built instruments that never got really popular. You're right that there isn't alot of information on the Web on this model: Getting Started
It looks like a few have been sold here on TB over the year, so it might be worthwhile to search those old threads and ask the previous owners. Without knowing its condition it's hard to guess at what it might be worth.

Good idea. Thanks.

 

[Shelflife112]

Hmm... Google image search proves you right. Great solution for someone wanting different tension on their lower strings.

Might be worth the dough afterall.

could you elaborate how that works?

 

[aaronious]

Does it say made in Japan on it?

 

[Shelflife112]

Does it say made in Japan on it?

No, it does not.

 

[Gully Foyle]

I had a kawai f2b, the alembicy one, and it was super nice, if very heavy, the build quality was superb. I'd keep an open mind on any kawai bass I came across

 

[roller]

A friend of mine back in college ran a music store that sold Kawai pianos. He (a bassist) bought one of their 4-strings with the graphite neck and played the snot out of it. It seemed like a great bass.

Anyone know who Kawai partnered with on those graphite necks?