Yamaha Super Bass SB500S Black 1981

Yamaha SB500S Super Bass, black, made in Japan in 1981. These are so cool… in a wonky kinda way. You get a hell of a bass, that’s for sure. The body is approximately J-flavoured, but with a big round wonky top side; it’s kinda half offset. The neck is a chunky D shape akin to an 50s P in profile; there’s a lot of woof in your hand and that translates to a certain tonal snappiness. The single coil pickups are in a slightly weird housing, but they’re a fairly standard high quality 8-pole single coil. There’s a mammoth dose of growl and bark through the midrange and an enormous low end punch, all held together by a definite and sparkly top end. This really does sound huge, it’s so satisfying to hear. This one has weathered the decades gracefully; it’s in great shape. This quirky little partystarter that will surelygarner some strong opinions from both sides, but hey: super by name, super by nature.

Model: Yamaha Super Bass SB500S
Made: 1981, Japan, (serial 002342)
Finish: black,gloss poly
Body: nato, 2-piece
Weight: 4.555kg
Neck: maple, 1-piece w/ skunk stripe, 12″ radius, 34″ scale
Mods:none
Pickup: Yamaha 8-pole J-stylesingle coil x2
Case:vintage hard case, good quality and condition

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has some minor scuffs around the body, no major marks. The sides are pretty clean are pretty clean, just some dimples in the elbow area. The front has a few dimples around the bridge and some play wear on the horns; no major marks. Overall:excellent condition (9/10).

Playing conditionnotes:Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have very little wear, 9/10 for fret life left. All electrics tested and working properly. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.