NBD: Heartfield DR!

I had been searching for an active jazz bass, preferably from Japan, when this 1989 Heartfield DR4 came up on the local Craigslist. Unfortunately I missed it, so I continued looking at other options. Then this came up again on eBay, marked up a fair bit but I didn’t want to miss out a second time! I was able to pick it up locally, with hard-case, original receipts and owners manual still inside.

For anyone unfamiliar, these were made by Fender in Japan for a couple of years in the late 80’s and early 90’s. They featured a layer of graphite under the fretboard, and a pre-amp that produces some very interesting tones. It’s definitely not for everyone but I love the way it sounds. Much more unique than my passive Fender J bass. The photos don't do any justice to the fade in the paint, but it looks as interesting as it sounds. Also, fun fact, Steve Bailey used a fretless six string Heartfield on the Rippingtons Album, Tourist in Paradise!

 

Thanks!

After looking at the sales receipt more closely I need to correct the year: it’s a 1991. Also, it weighs 7lb 8oz!