What the hell is this thing?

[CityEscape]

So, my friend gave me a bass recently so that I could learn how to play it this summer. I have next to no knowledge about this instrument. I have no idea what a "P" or "J" bass is or any of that. But, in the time between now and when I have my first lesson, I would like to know...what the hell is this thing? All I know is that it's a Lotus, which is a company that is apparently dead since the 90s. Is anyone familiar with this bass?

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[David Jayne]

It's a variation of the P bass design. Should sound like a P bass, which is usually a good thing. Can't help beyond that.

 

[bongomania]

Japanese, late 1970's - early/mid 1980's, probably made in the Matsumoku factory (based on the bridge, one of their designs). It's got a P bass pickup in the normal P location, so it will sound essentially just like a P bass. It's a very popular sound, especially for rock and funk.

This is what a "real" P bass looks like:

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[CityEscape]

What makes it a P bass?

 

[bassteban]

What makes that bass P-esque is the pickup & the fact the neck is bolted onto the body; google *Fender Precision Bass* and look at some images, or history.

 

[aus_bass]

Could you tell me what qualifies it to be a P bass? Or a "variation" of it?

The pickup type & position.

 

[LCW]

i have a lotus bass i bought for 80$ but it does look like a P bass black and white guard its ripped apart lieing around somewhere now

 

[CityEscape]

Thanks