• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Yamaha SB50 from 1972

AaronVonRock

AaronVonRock

Feb 22, 2013
3,512
4,893
Bangkok
#1
This bass just popped up on a local Facebook page that sells gear. I've never heard of or seen one of these basses before. Comes with original case, selling for around $US650.

Anyone know anything about these? I'm kind of interested in it.
bass1.jpg
bass2.jpg
bass3.jpg
bass4.jpg
bass6.jpg
bass5.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: infamusblkdeath, HaphAsSard, ed morgan and 2 others
#3
I have 2 Yamahas from this era, both SA70's with a short scale.
Extremely well engineered, good hardware, and a high standard of construction. Both are extremely playable.
The weak area would be the electronics.
There is a very narrow market demand for these SA50's in the U.S. I see them on eBay occaisioally and they never seem to draw an enormous amount of attention or $$$
That said, I think that this one looks all original, in excellent condition, and would make a great roots rock short scale thumper.
If it was,in my area I'd buy it for $300 in person to make sure it was structurally sound and could be made playable.
HTH
 
  • Like
Reactions: R Briere
#5
Sorry that I'm late to this thread.
I LOVE these basses - I have 2 SB-50's already and am always on the hunt for more. I have the burst model that is mint and the solid brown with cream binding that's a little beat up but is my go-to short scale. The black one you pictured about is a beauty esp with original case - I hope you bought it at that price since it's very reasonable.

If you did get it - enjoy..........or sell it to me anytime!!

Dave
IMG_2655.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: R Briere
#6
Just ordered the single pickup SB-30 for my daughter who is 11. Should be in tomorrow. She is super psyched. She loves the quirky look. Anyone know where a good place to find the bridge/pickup covers and knobs.
 
#7
I have the same bass but it's missing the pickup cover and bridge cover (and that strangely pointless black plastic thing on the top right of the body). Seems they were only made in 1972 and are pretty rare (according to the one and only site I've seen listing one of these...FoundSound in Australia). That site has a pristine version listed for AUD 1199 (or around US$ 920). I know I'm late to the party but would love to know more about my bass. I bought it for about $120 in 1987 and wasn't even sure it was a real Yamaha until today. Imagine my surprise when a Japanese Vintage Guitar forum on Facebook points me in the direction of 70s Yamaha SGs (and SBs). Found Sound || YAMAHA - SB-50 Bass
Yamaha SB50 Bass.jpg
 
#9
Update - Yes. Looking for parts as well. Ours is missing the Covers and thumb rest. Sounds great though. What a fun bass. My daughter is loving it.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back