Japanese Vintage?

[lowregisterhead]

I had one of these in 1979, loved it, but had to take it back to the shop when the neck when banana-like within a couple of months. They couldn't get another one because Yamaha stopped making them in 1976 (things took a while to filter through to North-East Scotland in the 70's.)

Then a couple of weeks ago I spotted this being sold by a dealer in Japan, and I think it's in better nick than the one I had nearly 35 years ago. The neck's been re-lacquered, but otherwise it's 100% original. It's bright, resonant, sounds great and is lovely to play. The body shape may be a slightly acquired taste, but it's the best jazz bass I've ever played, and gawd knows I've played a few. Makes me feel like a teenager rehearsing in my grandad's loft again... It's a Yamaha SB55, by the way!

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Edited November 19, 2013 by lowregisterhead

[LukeFRC]

looks great! When were these made then?

[lowregisterhead]

Between 1973 and 1976 I believe. There was a slightly flasher version, the SB75, which had block inlays on the neck instead of dots, but all in all any variant of the model seem to be very rare.

[LeftyJ]

Love these! I've seen Peter Vink perform with Yamaha SB's often. He still frequently uses an SB600.

[Chris Horton]

Thanks for sharing this bass with us, I love seeing these old "under the radar" basses

[lowregisterhead]

Thanks Chris - it's not just a trip down memory lane, it's a real gem of a bass too. Some of the Japanese output in the 70's might be considered a bit suspect by today's standards, and I was worried I might be disappointed when it arrived, but it's really well built, plays beautifully and sounds great.

[Jono Bolton]

Holy smokes, that's awesome!

[KK Jale]

Beautiful, haven't seen one for years. I guess it's like a less extreme Yamaha SBV bass with the horns swapped round... so it's a J with just a soupçon of Mosrite... really like it!