Yamaha Super Bass SB-500 3300 zł 776 EUR ​

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!