Vintage MIJ (formerly J@pCr@p) Spotting

[Bassassin]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='835392' date='May 12 2010, 04:06 PM']PS: I lived in Japan for four years. Being illiterate got stale REAL FAST, hence plenty of motivation for the reading and writing bit.[/quote]
Ross mate, you are going to be [i]so[/i] useful in translating all the Japanese catalogues - here you go:

[url="http://www.geocities.jp/guitarofworld/cataroueMAIN.html"]http://www.geocities.jp/guitarofworld/cataroueMAIN.html[/url]

Let me know when you're done.

J.

(btw & )

[Annoying Twit]

I wouldn't mind translating some of these if the results were put up somewhere. I couldn't promise lots of time, but I could do a page here and a page there and it could build up. The first one would be tricky as I'd have to learn the specialist language. E.g. someone unfamiliar with guitars might read an English document and wonder what these "machine heads" are, wondering why they are mentioning "robot craniums".

But the scans I looked at are too small. E.g. this:



I can pick up many words from the grey bit, but there are too many of the more intricate Chinese characters which are not clear at that resolution. Even with the Fernandes scan you posted before, I couldn't quite read the right hand side of the character after "Mahogany". But I could guess that one from context. On the above scan the text under the guitars themselves is way too small. No chance.

Are there bigger scans?

Edited May 12, 2010 by Annoying Twit

[Happy Jack]

Careful Ross, all Jon is offering you is the truth.

Take the blue pill and you'll wake up safely at home and in bed.

[attachment=49588:Morpheus..._500_568.jpg]

[Bassassin]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='835557' date='May 12 2010, 06:46 PM']Are there bigger scans?[/quote]
It's a real pity that this site doesn't have bigger/better quality scans, particularly the more esoteric brands. I've found a few Japanese catalogue archives over the years and some of the images are ridiculously small - even worse than these. Realistically you're safe from me pressing you into translation service, I have been threatening for years to do a JapCrap website (a book would be better, my vanity says) but it would largely be photos & my verbal diarrhoea, I imagine. If it ever happens!

I wouldn't let any of the JapCrap forums get wind of your linguistic versatility though - they've been after translations of various Japanese vintage guitar books & magazines for years...

Anyway if you're interested (not for translation purposes!) there are better quality Greco catalogue scans here:

[url="http://psyco.jp/greco/cata.html"]http://psyco.jp/greco/cata.html[/url]

And a mass of scans from numerous brands - predominantly acoustics, but there are a few basses & electric guitars:

[url="http://www.oldguitar.jp/catalog/catalog.htm"]http://www.oldguitar.jp/catalog/catalog.htm[/url]

But never mind the Japanese - check out that dot-neck Rickenfaker in the 1973 Greco catalogue. :brow:

J.

[pete.young]

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='835591' date='May 12 2010, 07:27 PM']Careful Ross, all Jon is offering you is the truth.

Take the blue pill and you'll wake up safely at home and in bed.[/quote]
ROFL

[razze06]

Anyone for cricket? Washburn on [url="http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/edinburgh/38/58485138.html"]Edinburgh gumtree[/url]

[razze06]

[quote name='razze06' post='836226' date='May 13 2010, 02:54 PM']Anyone for cricket? Washburn on [url="http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/edinburgh/38/58485138.html"]Edinburgh gumtree[/url][/quote]

oops its in the for sale section here on BC too

[Bassassin]

[quote name='razze06' post='836226' date='May 13 2010, 02:54 PM']Anyone for cricket? Washburn on [url="http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/edinburgh/38/58485138.html"]Edinburgh gumtree[/url][/quote]
That's a very good price - these are stoopidly rare. If it still had its frets, I'd have had no choice.

Looks like he bought it off a BCer in Edinburgh a couple of years back:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=10647&hl=washburn+bantam"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...washburn+bantam[/url]

J.

[backwater]

Yep, me

If it still had frets I would have kept it as it is light, easy to play and looks pretty good. Half-tempted to buy it back and get it fretted but I'd probably get killed by the wife

Andy

[quote name='Bassassin' post='836249' date='May 13 2010, 03:19 PM']That's a very good price - these are stoopidly rare. If it still had its frets, I'd have had no choice.

Looks like he bought it off a BCer in Edinburgh a couple of years back:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=10647&hl=washburn+bantam"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...washburn+bantam[/url]

J.[/quote]

[Mr. Foxen]

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-String-Bass-Guitar-/250632453448?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3a5adbbd48"]Dun if jap, but nice ash body, and might be hex pole pickup.[/url]

[Bassassin]

[quote name='backwater' post='836290' date='May 13 2010, 04:01 PM']Yep, me

If it still had frets I would have kept it as it is light, easy to play and looks pretty good. Half-tempted to buy it back and get it fretted but I'd probably get killed by the wife

Andy [/quote]

It's tiny - just stick it in a cupboard or behind the couch, she'll never know.

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='836431' date='May 13 2010, 06:05 PM'][url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-String-Bass-Guitar-/250632453448?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3a5adbbd48"]Dun if jap, but nice ash body, and might be hex pole pickup.[/url][/quote]
Nice - I think that might be a Melody, from It'ly, although I'd need to see the back (neck construction & plate type) to be sure. Could be an old Dimarzio or Schaller pup stuck in it, too.

J.

[Annoying Twit]

There were so many Aria SBs on ebay a while ago. Seem to have been far fewer lately.

Here's a bass said to probably be a SB700. Starting bid @ £600 seems high though.

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ARIA-PRO-ll-BASS-GUITAR-/220605828157?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item335d21cc3d"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ARIA-PRO-ll-BASS-GUI...=item335d21cc3d[/url]

Edit: Antoria Precision. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Antoria-Electric-Bass-Guitar-/120569579171?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1c1281c6a3"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Antoria-Electric-Bas...=item1c1281c6a3[/url]

Were all Antoria instruments MIJ?

Edited May 14, 2010 by Annoying Twit

[pete.young]

Very nice Aria precision copy [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aria-Pro-II-Primary-Bass-/130389528637?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1e5bd2503d"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aria-Pro-II-Primary-...=item1e5bd2503d[/url]

This looks more like a '70s Precision than my CIJ 70's Precision re-issue!

[TankJon]

[quote name='pete.young' post='838083' date='May 15 2010, 12:44 PM']Very nice Aria precision copy [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aria-Pro-II-Primary-Bass-/130389528637?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1e5bd2503d"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aria-Pro-II-Primary-...=item1e5bd2503d[/url]

This looks more like a '70s Precision than my CIJ 70's Precision re-issue![/quote]

Yeah, I've got my beady eye on that too! ...Although less so after forgetting about a £75 bid I put on a Squier P-bass standard in silver with matching headstock ...it went for £72.

[Annoying Twit]

Westone Thunder III. I really like the way this looks from the front, with the dark finish with wood grain. And the proper through neck.

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-1985-Westone-Thunder-III-Bass-Matsumoku-Japan-/220606326459?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item335d2966bb"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-1985-Westone...=item335d2966bb[/url]

[TankJon]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='838637' date='May 16 2010, 09:37 AM']Westone Thunder III. I really like the way this looks from the front, with the dark finish with wood grain. And the proper through neck.

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-1985-Westone-Thunder-III-Bass-Matsumoku-Japan-/220606326459?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item335d2966bb"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-1985-Westone...=item335d2966bb[/url][/quote]

What an awesome looking bass! Shame about the crack in the neck though.

[Annoying Twit]

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-MADE-JAPAN-JAPANESE-MAYA-/260604402009?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cad3b9959"]Maya Precision[/url]

Interesting looking pickup, would that classify as a "lipstick" pickup?

This talkbass thread has a whole lot of discussion as to what a similar looking bass might be. One post says that the bass in the talkbass thread might be Korean not Japanese. Same for the one on ebay as per the above link?

[Mr. Foxen]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='840309' date='May 17 2010, 10:26 PM'][url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-MADE-JAPAN-JAPANESE-MAYA-/260604402009?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cad3b9959"]Maya Precision[/url]

Interesting looking pickup, would that classify as a "lipstick" pickup?

This talkbass thread has a whole lot of discussion as to what a similar looking bass might be. One post says that the bass in the talkbass thread might be Korean not Japanese. Same for the one on ebay as per the above link?[/quote]

The 'Made in Japan' on the neck plate is a bit of a giveaway in this case. Looks to be not solid wood.

[LukeFRC]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='840309' date='May 17 2010, 10:26 PM'][url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-MADE-JAPAN-JAPANESE-MAYA-/260604402009?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cad3b9959"]Maya Precision[/url]

Interesting looking pickup, would that classify as a "lipstick" pickup?

This talkbass thread has a whole lot of discussion as to what a similar looking bass might be. One post says that the bass in the talkbass thread might be Korean not Japanese. Same for the one on ebay as per the above link?[/quote]


i think that would classify as a telecaster neck pickup they picked up from the production line next to the bass one!

[Annoying Twit]

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='840394' date='May 17 2010, 11:58 PM']The 'Made in Japan' on the neck plate is a bit of a giveaway in this case. Looks to be not solid wood.[/quote]

Yes, when I peer at it, that does look more like "Made in Japan" than "Made in (Somewhere else)".

[Bassassin]

[quote name='LukeFRC' post='840413' date='May 18 2010, 12:40 AM']i think that would classify as a telecaster neck pickup they picked up from the production line next to the bass one![/quote]

That's exactly what they are. I had a Maya J copy with these pups, and they were identical to the ones in a Fujigen-built Eros Tele copy I had:

[attachment=50044:fullfront.jpg] [attachment=50045:fullfront.jpg]

Sounded alright - but definitely better in the Tele. And you can see why all the old Jap Fender copies had ashtrays fitted, can't you?


Edit: Ross, what's this TB thread of which you speak? Are they discussing JapCrap? They know nothing, them Septics...

J.

Edited May 18, 2010 by Bassassin

[Annoying Twit]

[quote name='Bassassin' post='840958' date='May 18 2010, 03:12 PM']Edit: Ross, what's this TB thread of which you speak? Are they discussing JapCrap? They know nothing, them Septics... [/quote]

Whoops! I forgot to include the link. It's this page: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=613277"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=613277[/url]

But, after reading that thread, I don't think I was any wiser than I was before I read it.

[Bassassin]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='840995' date='May 18 2010, 03:41 PM']Whoops! I forgot to include the link. It's this page: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=613277"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=613277[/url]

But, after reading that thread, I don't think I was any wiser than I was before I read it.[/quote]
A 1980s Korean Maya, then.

Cheers for the link - but as I rather smugly expected, a bunch of ill-informed ignorance. I wonder if "ElectraPlayer", the self-proclaimed Electra expert, is aware that Kasuga & Fujigen built Electras as well s Matsumoku. And that there were 2 unconnected Electra brands in the US during the 70s.

J.

[LukeFRC]

It's like the time the straight A student at A levels (or advanced highers) top of the class the whole time and she knows everything. Then she goes to uni and meets the proffesor who wrote the text books and realises she knows nothing.

Nothing I tell ya

[Maverick]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='838637' date='May 16 2010, 09:37 AM']Westone Thunder III. I really like the way this looks from the front, with the dark finish with wood grain. And the proper through neck.

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-1985-Westone-Thunder-III-Bass-Matsumoku-Japan-/220606326459?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item335d2966bb"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-1985-Westone...=item335d2966bb[/url][/quote]

Was just looking through completed listings and noticed that this went at just over £300. But look 5 days further back, and it appears that the same bass went for £200:

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Westone-Thunder-3-Active-Bass-Guitar-case-1985-/330432868694?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4cef557156#ht_500wt_1182"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Westone-Thunder-3-Ac...6#ht_500wt_1182[/url]