This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More
ELK BS-450 VINTAGE MIJ BASS - VERY RARE
From the body and head shape you could be forgiven for thinking, 'superficially Precision-like' - but really, that is where the resemblance ends.
This is a late 1960s or early 70s Japan Golden era short-scale that has to be played and heard. There are very few basses like it.
For a start, the 3 pickup combination is uncommon for a factory bass. 2 single coil lipstick-types to neck and bridge with a mini humbucker in centre. The tone goes from a menacing rumble to a gutsy wood pop - and all points in between.
On its own each pickup has a distinctive quality. But when you start to mix and match between the 3 - that's when the fun really begins.
Elk guitars and amps are renowned for their high build quality. You may know that Elk built all Fender's Japanese amps from the late 70s on. But the guitars also had legions of followers including a few very notable star endorsees from the late 60s on.
In terms of condition the body and headstock have some bumps and touch-ins, especially to the body edges. We have tried to capture the worst of this ghastly horridness in the photos.
The back of the very lovely 3 piece maple neck also has some digs but these cannot be felt while playing.
The strap button has been moved. Quite sensibly in fact since it balances very well. But the old hole remains, so to speak.
The Elk decals were erased long ago from both headstock & pick guard. Totally unnecessary butchery since this super little bass can definitely hold its own with the big boys.
The original frets have wear but there is no choking anywhere across the neck. It plays beautifully.
Indeed, this one just got back from a full pro set up.
Whilst in dry dock we decided to renew the nut (the original was ok but had an old crack repair) along with a brand new zero fret replacement. So now the action and intonation are absolutely spot on and should remain so for the foreseeable.
In summary, a rare and multi-tonal vintage Japanese beastie that deserves to be let out of its cage more often. Plus it comes with the vintage 70s bass case pictured so it should reach you in the same condition as you see it here.
Specs:
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Everything for sale in this Reverb shop is coming from a 40+years personal collection of guitars, basses, amps & studio gear.
As the shop name suggests these are predominantly Vintage, Eclectic or Japanese - so if you are looking for something specific, please get in touch. Maybe we have got something you've been searching for.
VEJ
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A Note On Shipping:
We want you to be fully satisfied with everything - from the item itself (naturally!) through the shipping, packaging, communication etc.
Of course there is nothing we can do about customs duty, local taxes etc at your end. But we can keep the overall price as competitive as is decently possible.
The Japan post office service (EMS) is reliable and efficient but shipping costs from Japan to Europe or the states are unavoidably expensive.
For this reason none of the shipping costs we quote reflect the actual price we have to pay. We are more than willing to take a hit on that to make things as attractive for you as possible.
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Vintage Instruments & Equipment
Shipping by air plus climatic changes can affect how a guitar is set up - no matter how well it is packed. Consequently there is no guarantee that an instrument arrives with exactly the same set up as stated. After a period of acclimatisation, you may still need to make any adjustments at your own expense.
| Listed | 20 days ago |
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