Bacchus BEB-1 Scroll Bass Cherry Fade 2012
Bacchus BEB-1, cherry fade, made in Deviser's Philippines factory around 2012. Back in the 60s, USA firm Ampeg were lighting up the world of bass with their big juicy valve bass amps and their innovative bass guitars. They debuted the AEB-1 'Scroll Bass' for the NAMM show in 1966, the idea being to translate some of the aesthetic and tonal qualities of an upright bass into a compact electric form. They're a bit of a cult vintage classic now, and if you can find one for under A$10k, you've done very well indeed. This model was made by Bacchus as a limited run for their biggest Japan dealer, Ikebe Gakki. I'm not sure how many were made, but I'd be surprised if it was over 100. The design borrows heavily from the AEB-1, but the sometimes problematic original style of bridge got swapped for a sturdy stoptail and tune-O-matic combo, and you get a nice reliable passive humbucking pickup delivering the goods. The neck is super comfy, and at a short 30.5" scale, it's compact without feeling cramped. The unusual F-holes take some weight out of the body and look delightfully quirky; the whole thing feels very agreeable in the hands. The tone is plump, round and warm, with a nice thick fundamental note rounded out with an understated smooth top end. It will happily cover jazz, blues or folk stuff, but with a bit of dirt added the naturally short sustain and barky midrange will cover punk and surf stuff with gusto too. As best I can tell, this is the only BEB-1 for sale in the world at time of writing, so you've got one shot. Otherwise, scroll on!
Model: Bacchus BEB-1
Made: Philippines, Deviser factory, 2012 approx.
Serial: none
Finish: cherry fade, gloss poly
Body: mango, solid construction
Neck: maple. rosewood fretboard, 30.5" scale, 12" radius, medium D shape
Weight: 4.050kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Bacchus passive humbucker
Accessories: padded non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the end and dimples on the sides of the scroll section. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, some minor scuffs on the edge of the board and some dimples on the back, no major marks. The back has scuffs around the neck plate, F-holes and middle of the body and some dimples in the elbow area and back edge. The sides have minor dimples on the top horn, elbow area and bottom horn and some surface scratches near the jack. The front has dimples in the elbow area and near the jack and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 45/105 strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only