What bass do I have here?

[bassdudestevo]

Any suggestions as to what this bass is? There’s no markings anywhere. Could be a complete custom made a long time ago. Thanks for any advice!

 

[ajkula66]

Similar bridges were used on many Japanese and Korean basses in the early '80s. Ditto for pickups. J pickup that close to the bridge was also somewhat of a trademark of many Japanese basses at the time.

I've seen similar basses with different headstock designs, under various names.

My best guess is Japan, somewhere between '78 and '83 let's say. Probably a very playable instrument.

Enjoy it!

 

[bassdudestevo]

Similar bridges were used on many Japanese and Korean basses in the early '80s. Ditto for pickups. J pickup that close to the bridge was also somewhat of a trademark of many Japanese basses at the time.

I've seen similar basses with different headstock designs, under various names.

My best guess is Japan, somewhere between '78 and '83 let's say. Probably a very playable instrument.

Enjoy it!

Thanks! It actually plays and sounds really well. It has its own unique woody tone but it’s actually super interesting and usable. Someone replaced the preamp at some point with an Aguilar OBP3

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

Yomamaha

 

[HaphAsSard]

Any suggestions as to what this bass is? There’s no markings anywhere. Could be a complete custom made a long time ago. Thanks for any advice!

Reminds me of Eighties' basses by the Vantage (Matsumoku) brand

The ”Made In Japan” gallery

These are the models that were produced in Japan. Not complete and triplechecked… Vantage electric and bass guitars By modelname ‘The First One’ V-100 AV Series ‘Avenger&#82…

www.vantage-guitars.com

Headstock shape is no match (the typical Vantage one is straight-lined, Aria-esque), but this one *might* have been reworked.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

Maybe Kramer,/Travis Bean pre Aluminum necks. If there ever was a pre aluminum neck time.

 

[coryr1000]

It does look similar to a Vantage I had in the early 80's with the exception of the headstock. Maybe made in the same factory like a Westone?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Other than finish it looks pretty similar to this Cort. 80s dating could be correct but it could also be earlier.

https://reverb.com/item/88419330-19...-string-1980-s-glossy-brown-black-wood-finish

 

[EriktheRed]

Fine-lookin' instrument, whatever it is.

How does it play?

 

[DanAdams]

It has the same distinctive fret dot markers as an oddball Austin Hatchet bass I own. Similar knobs pickups and bridge too.
Cort factory I think.
https://reverb.com/item/18133859-vi...-travel-bass-guitar-natural-stained-body-rare

 

[Prodigus Filius]

It has the same distinctive fret dot markers as an oddball Austin Hatchet bass I own. Similar knobs pickups and bridge too.
Cort factory I think.
https://reverb.com/item/18133859-vi...-travel-bass-guitar-natural-stained-body-rare

There was a travel guitar too. CIrca early 80’s. Pic is from Reverb

 

[Watchootognbout]

Vantage.

 

[Erik Stokley]

Definitely a 70s/ 80s era cort/Kay bass. Looks like at some point they slimmed down the head stock and changed the bridge (my guess would be 80s as the headstock is consistent with other examples I've seen)

 

[definenredefine]

Definitely a 70s/ 80s era cort/Kay bass. Looks like at some point they slimmed down the head stock and changed the bridge (my guess would be 80s as the headstock is consistent with other examples I've seen)
View attachment 7205970View attachment 7205971

My first thought was Vantage or Aria but the Cort pictured here is a dead ringer...

 

[ctmullins]

My first thought was Vantage or Aria but the Cort pictured here is a dead ringer...

Except for the knob layout.

 

[ardgedee]

Except for the knob layout.

Layout looks the same to me. Each has a different pot missing a knob though.

 

[ctmullins]

Layout looks the same to me. Each has a different pot missing a knob though.

We’re talking about the two photos that @Erik Stokley posted?

If so then no, they are definitely different. Also the first photo isn’t missing a knob.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Any suggestions as to what this bass is? There’s no markings anywhere. Could be a complete custom made a long time ago. Thanks for any advice!

Definitely a 70s/ 80s era cort/Kay bass. Looks like at some point they slimmed down the head stock and changed the bridge (my guess would be 80s as the headstock is consistent with other examples I've seen)
View attachment 7205970View attachment 7205971

My first thought was Vantage or Aria but the Cort pictured here is a dead ringer...

Except for the knob layout.

Layout looks the same to me. Each has a different pot missing a knob though.

We’re talking about the two photos that @Erik Stokley posted?

If so then no, they are definitely different. Also the first photo isn’t missing a knob.

Most of youze are talking about the OP's bass, compared to the second Stokley photo (depicting a Cort bass with the right headstock shape).

Former:


Latter:


[Missing knob (in each) in double circles.]

 

[ctmullins]

gotcha.

 

[newfuture]

You have a fistful of awesome.

I have vague recollections of that headstock wearing a Cort logo circa 1984 when I was a wee tyke polishing guitars in a mom n pop shop