Charvel Refinement R-SB48, silver finish, made in Japan 2000. Charvel and Jackson were one beast in the nineties, and they were making all sorts of excellent shred machines out of the well regarded Chushin Gakki factory in Japan. The Refinement series shared a catalog page with the cult favourite Surfcaster models, they were among Charvel's rounder and more vintage-styled offerings at the time. Here we have a bass roughly stylised on the Gibson Les Paul Bass, but with a slim maple bol-on neck and a handy set of satin-chrome covered P/J pickups. The tone is awesome: the P pickup is fat and round with heaps of hefty low mids, the J pickup is snarly and aggressive with heaps of high mids... with both pickups on, it's a nice balance that's convincingly hi-fi. The styling has a bit of a 90s sci-fi aesthetic, which has a certain quirky appeal. The scale is slightly shorter than a regular P or J bass, and that combined with a quick and shreddable neck and a lightweight body make this a super easy bass to play. This is a whole lot of bass for not much cash, and plus, it's got that robot-steeze, right?

Model: Charvel Refinement R-SB48
Made: Japan, 2000, (serial C111908)
Finish: silver (called PT, presumably pewter?) 
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, satin finish w/ rosewood board, 13.75" radius, 33.3" scale, 40mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.935kg
Mods: none 
Pickups: Charvel GCB300 split single, GCB400 J-style single
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on theback only. The back has widespread light surface scratches and a few little dimples but no major marks. The sides have a few little chips and dimples near the front strap pin, elbow area and near the jack. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples near the knobs and in the elbow area and some play wear on the horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 strings.