Toyota made basses? Check this out

[abarson]

First Act did include a guitar with the purchase of a Volkswagon once. It's supposed to be a decent instrument and you could use the car's stereo to amplify it.
First Act VW GarageMaster Guitar - Consumer Feature - Motor Trend

 

[Luckydog]

I have a Toyota guitar from 70’s. Same finish as that bass.

 

[smittybass33]

I had a guitar student this last term that had bought a Toyota acoustic guitar. It was pretty cool with an adjustable bridge height. Made me double take when he brought it in.

 

[Shepsdad]

Hmmm....would be quite interesting to carry my Toyota in my Toyota, but not for $1200 lol

How about carrying your toyota bass in your toyota to play a gig AT a toyota dealership?

It’s absolutely mind boggling!

 

[mophead]

I bet that was made in Italy back then. Hardware and bridge is very similar to a Vox violin bass I own.

 

[Mike Vee]

More and more, I've been hearing people say their Volkswagen basses are just as good, if not even better, than Porsche basses.

...OR...

That's cool and all, but I'm saving up my bucks for a Lexus bass.

It’s a GTI bro it’s like basically literally made by Porsche bro they share the same rearview mirror and 15 of the screws are used in the Bugatti

 

[SwitchGear]

Oh what a feeling to play...

 

[FugaziBomb]

Lexus makes a version that's essentially same thing for more money

 

[StayLow]

Very likely NOT *that* Toyota.

Toyoda / Toyota is a fairly common Japanese surname.

 

[covermego]

I took mine in to get serviced ( I purchased the lifetime string-change option). Whew! I'm sure glad I went in, because there were 2 TSB's out for my model: 1) A faulty strap button, causing possible instant neck dive.
2) Entire bridge securing screw replacement (potential BOING!).
I guess the class-action lawsuit has been settled already.

 

[tim gueguen]

Very likely NOT *that* Toyota.

Toyoda / Toyota is a fairly common Japanese surname.

And probably made by Fujigen, Kawai, or one of the other usual suspects that made instruments for everyone.

 

[IamGroot]

My first impression was that it might be faked, as I've never heard of this before, and because the nameplate on the headstock is a bit off center - suggesting home-made. But after looking them up online, this seems very legit. Interesting find. Thanks for posting!

Toyota
Is there anything T. Kurosawa didn't attempt to manufacture in the 1970s? Yes, Toyota manufactured a high-end line of acoustic, electric and bass guitars from approximately 1972. Toyota ceased manufacturing guitars in a short span of time (probably because they didn't sell), although exactly when in the 1970s production ended.
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[IamGroot]

Keep your eye out for Toyota wives.

They are very popular reliable, go anywhere last forever, handle well, low maintenance.

They come from Kazakhstan.

 

[Ellery]

I think those basses have a recall on the airbags.

 

[neo 7]

I wanted to buy a Toyota but could only afford a Fender

 

[dave64o]

I was browsing gear on CL and saw this bass. Very interesting and not a lot of info but it's from the auto manufacturer.

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Toyota - Let's go play-ces.

 

[Demole]

Suzuki: "Hold my beer"

 

[J Wilson]

Well, I hope the tone is just Supra.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

"It's our holiday sales event! Come in today and receive a FREE electric bass with your new Toyota!"

(restrictions may apply, see dealer for details)

 

[BassToGoGo]

These are real. I collect these basses and have seen the Toyota brand from time to time.

These were made at the Matsumoku factory in Japan. There are several brands; Toyota, Aria, Conrad, Pan, Epiphone (EA-260, which seems to have more value though all of these basses are basically the same), I'm sure there more just can't think of them at the moment.

The majority are two pickup with rounded or pointed cutaways, I have also seen one pickup and single cutaway models. I own a Pan Version in translucent brown with a Thunderbird/Firebird headstock, there are guitars with Trini Lopez diamond f-holes. I have yet to find a bass version but I'm looking.

They are well made (for 60's/70's MIJ) instruments that sound amazing.

Here is a guitar Trini Lopez model.