One of my favorite Japanese basses. This instrument features many ergonomic and well-thought-out design solutions that in no way conflict with the classic “vintage” bass philosophy. It makes playing easier, offers a very wide tonal palette, and at the same time can deliver a truly old-school, classic bass sound.
What do I mean by “ergonomic solutions”?
Contoured pickups – the pickup covers are rounded on the top. This results in more even string-to-string volume, and the pickup housing itself works perfectly as a ramp. Both pickups share this profile.
Coil-configuration switches – two switches allow different coil wiring options. One setting delivers a classic Precision-style “bell-like” tone, while the other produces a more modern sound, slightly in the direction of a Music Man. Both pickups have their own switching options.
Unusual neck pickup design – the magnet layout is similar to a P-Bass, but the coils span the full width of the pickup. A thinner 0.05 mm wire (instead of the typical 0.06 mm) allows for more windings. As a result, despite the large magnets, the pickup does not sound muddy (unlike, for example, a Seymour Duncan SPB-3). It remains very articulate, with a solid low end and a well-balanced frequency response.
Bridge pickup – tap-coil design – two coils on a single bobbin, also switchable between two wiring options. In addition, the pickups can be combined in various configurations, further expanding the tonal possibilities.
Bridge & construction
The bridge is worth mentioning as well — essentially a Japanese take on the “BadAss” style bridge. Made of zamak (just like the original BadAss), and likely even heavier. The bridge is recessed into the body, contributing to excellent sustain.
The bass features an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard.
This is a factory-equipped instrument done right: smart wood selection, a massive bridge, excellent Alnico pickups, precise neck-to-body fit, and oil-bath tuners. There is absolutely nothing here that needs upgrading or replacing. In this price range, it’s a real killer deal. Highly recommended.
Work performed on the instrument:
fret leveling, rounding, and polishing
body polish
hardware polishing
electronics cleaning and maintenance
fingerboard cleaning and conditioning
nut adjustment
new strings
new output jack
full professional setup

The Guyatone EB-9 Sharp 5 Bass (sometimes just called Guyatone Sharp 5 Bass or EB9 Sharp Five) is a signature bass from the late 1960s, created specifically for the iconic Japanese instrumental band The Sharp 5 – Japan’s answer to The Ventures. The band played eleki/surf rock in true ’60s style, and Guyatone (one of Japan’s oldest brands, active since 1933) built an entire Sharp 5 series for them: the LG-350T guitar and the perfectly matching EB-9 bass.
The model debuted around 1967–1968 and quickly became an icon of Japanese luthiery. Its distinctive offset shape (clear influences from Mosrite and Fender Jaguar), high build quality for the era, and stunning colors made these basses highly sought-after by collectors and players chasing that unique vintage vibe. This isn’t just another „Japanese copy” – it’s an original, high-class instrument that actually rocked stages in Japan during the golden age of surf and spy-movie soundtracks.
Current specs after full restoration:
Body: alder/mahogany laminate
Neck: maple – super slim and fast „racecar” profile
Fingerboard: rosewood with decorative binding, new medium-jumbo frets
Scale length: 33.5” (850 mm)
Nut width: 40 mm
Pickups: 2 × single-coil, vintage output (low, classic)
Electronics: 3-way toggle switch, master volume + master tone
Tone & Feel
With those two single-coils, this bass delivers punchy, clear tone with that signature „twang” and surfy attack – perfect for instrumental rock, psychedelia, garage rock, or even modern pedal setups. The original-style pickups have lower output (around 6–7 kΩ), giving beautiful vintage dynamics while responding amazingly to overdrive, fuzz, or distortion. Playability is outstanding – slim neck, low action, and surprisingly good sustain for a ’60s instrument.
What we did to this example:
The bass underwent a complete professional restoration:
Old finish stripped from neck and body, new nitrocellulose lacquer applied in a gorgeous pastel purple
Fingerboard leveled, new medium-jumbo frets installed
Hardware cleaned and polished, but we kept the original patina – the new nitro was lightly aged for character
Brand-new pickguard made + new headstock logo
Fresh electronics, new strings, and a super-soft, player-friendly setup
These basses are hugely desirable – overseas (e.g., on Reverb) they fetch serious money, and most surviving examples are in rough shape. Here you get an instrument that not only looks phenomenal but is fully functional and ready to play right out of the box!
Highly recommended!
Hard case not included in the sale.

The SB-500 debuted in the mid-1970s (e.g., examples from 1977) as a bass aimed at professionals and amateurs seeking a solid instrument at a reasonable price. It was used by many musicians in Japan and abroad, especially in rock, funk, and jazz, thanks to its „growly” sound and durability. In those times, Yamaha copied elements from Fender but added its own innovations, like a massive die-cast bridge, tuners, and ergonomic pickup covers, which gave it a unique character. The model with transparent brown finish (often called „brown” or „mocha-brown”) was popular because it highlighted the natural wood grain. Today, the SB-500 is a collector’s rarity – auction prices range from 500 to 1500 USD, depending on condition, and examples from 1976-1978 are considered „early specs” with the best materials. After 1982, the series evolved into more modern lines like BB or TRBX, but the SB-500 remains a symbol of the golden era of Japanese vintage basses.
Construction and Technical Specifications
The Yamaha Super Bass SB-500 is a 4-string electric bass with a solid body construction. Its design is inspired by the Fender Jazz Bass, but with a unique, slightly „wonky” body shape (asymmetrical horns) and characteristic „dirty-70s charm.” Here are the key details, with emphasis on your specifications:
Body: Made from nato (wood from the mahogany family, often confused or called mahogany due to similar properties – dense, resonant, providing warm sound). Typically 2-piece, weighing about 4.5 kg, which gives solid resonance. Shape: double cutaway, with a 3-layer black pickguard. It’s not lightweight wood, so the bass has a „meaty” feel.
Neck: Maple (maple), one-piece (1-piece), bolt-on (bolted to the body). Profile: somewhat chunky, similar to a Precision Bass, but comfortable (slightly thicker than a standard Jazz). Nut width: About 43 mm. Number of frets: 20-21. Scale: Long scale, about 34″.
Finish: Transparent brown lacquer (brown or translucent brown), which highlights the natural wood grain. It’s gloss (shiny) polyurethane.
Electronics and Hardware:
Pickups: JB-type (Jazz Bass style), original Yamaha 8-pole single-coil, passive. Two pickups: bridge and neck, providing versatile sound.
Electronics: Simple – 2 volumes (for each pickup), 1 tone.
Bridge: Die-cast, high-mass.
Tuners: Flower pedal type (open, in vintage style).
Sound and Playability
The SB-500 is famous for its „growly” and punchy sound – deep low-end, tight sound, with high sound pressure and midrange. Nato/mahogany provides warmth and sustain, the maple neck adds attack and clarity, and the transparent lacquer doesn’t affect the tone but visually emphasizes the wood. The bass is versatile: strong in rock (like P-Bass), funky in slap (like Jazz), but with a unique low-end. A delicate touch allows for nuances, and heavy attack – for aggression. Compared to Fender, it has more mids and growl, making it ideal for vintage sound. The weight and nice chunky neck make it comfortable for long sessions.
Condition and Maintenance
The guitar has undergone a full renovation, specifically:
Fret leveling, crowning, and polishing,
Lacquer polishing,
Hardware polishing,
Electronics cleaning and maintenance,
New jack,
New strings,
Pro set-up.
Despite several decades, the instrument is really well-maintained and has normal signs of use for a several- or dozen-year-old guitar.
I recommend it!

Fender Jazz Bass Standard in an exceptional candy-like orange color. And with vintage Shaller pickups in cream covers! A bass that’s impossible to ignore on stage.
Body made of alder, neck is maple with rosewood fingerboard. Tuners, bridge and most hardware are solid Japanese Gotoh. Passive electronics: 2× volume + tone.
Bone nut, width at nut 38 mm. Radius 9.5”, C profile neck, medium jumbo frets.
The tone is classic, proven Japanese quality – a solid Jazz Bass with balanced frequency response, good dynamics, lively and resonant. It just makes you want to play!
After our full guitar spa treatment the instrument looks fantastic and you absolutely can’t tell it’s already 30 years old.
Highly recommended!
Work done on the bass:
fret level, crown and polish
body/neck polish
hardware polish
cleaning and maintenance of electronics
cleaning and conditioning of fingerboard
nut correction / adjustment
new strings
new output jack
pro set-up

For sale: an almost fully original Greco Jazz Bass from the 1980s, in excellent condition! This guitar has undergone a thorough restoration and is ready to play without any issues.
Specifications:
Body: Solid mahogany with alder top and back, finished in a classic high-gloss 3-tone sunburst.
Neck: Maple, coated in a clear amber-tinted lacquer.
Fretboard: Rosewood, meticulously cleaned and conditioned.
Pickguard: Tortoise shell made from genuine celluloid.
Pickups: Two Alnico single-coil pickups in a 1970s spacing.
Electronics: Passive, with 2x Volume + Tone controls.
Bridge: Classic vintage-style.
Tuners: Fully functional Gotoh GB-10.
Extras: New output jack, new strings, and a few replacement screws.
Restoration Work:
Re-gluing, leveling, crowning, and polishing of frets.
Nut adjustment for improved playability.
Polishing of the lacquer and hardware.
Cleaning and conditioning of the electronics and fretboard.
Professional setup for optimal comfort and playability.
This guitar is in superb visual and technical condition – perfect for fans of vintage tone and aesthetics. Highly recommended!