(SOLD) Fender Japan Acoustic Precision Bass PBAC-100 Sunburst Fretless 1991
Fender Japan PBAC-100, sunburst, made in Japan 1991. When someone says 'acoustic bass', this probably isn't what you think of, but oh boy, it's a cool thing. The body is in the shape of a classic P bass, but it's a hollow mahogany body with a block through the middle like an ES-335, paired with a solid spruce top with an F-hole. The neck is basically the same as a '70 style Precision, so it'll feel familiar to many players. This one has been professionally converted to fretless, although you could get a fretless version from the factory too. It's also had a crack in the top coming off the F-hole professionally repaired: we had our local repairer glue and fill the crack, reinforce it from underneath and then touch up the finish so it's all super smooth. In good original condition these often sell for $2000-2500aud, so it's a bit of a 'players grade' bargain at this dime. Aside from the unusual body construction, this has some cool electronics too. You get a great quality P-bass pickup by Lace Sensor, as well as a piezo pickup for a more 'acoustic' tone, with an active blend control and a treble boost/cut. You can dial in all sorts of tones, from something pretty close to a regular P bass to a pretty accurate upright style talkative rounded growl. It's not really loud enough to play unplugged with an acoustic guitar, but then again, most 'acoustic bass' instruments are too quiet anyhow, so at least this one knows what it is trying to achieve and nails it. If you need a bass for jazz and folk gigs that can cover plenty of other genres if need be, this one is a lot of fun. Plus, it's kinda delightfully weird, right?
Model: Fender Japan Acoustic Precision Bass PBAC-100
Made: Japan, 1991 approx, Fujigen plant (serial K016595)
Finish: sunburst (3TS)
Body: solid spruce top, mahogany back/sides
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 34" scale, 40mm nut, C shape
Weight: 3.400kg
Mods: converted to fretless, crack in top repaired
Pickup: Lace Sensor P-Bass Silver split single coil, piezo under-saddle
Case: deluxe Fender Japan faux-leather gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge as well as some light scuffs on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a scratch near the ferrules and widespread minor dimples and light scuffs, no major marks. The sides have minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The front has a crack coming off the F-hole in the elbow area, which we've had professionally glued, reinforced and touched-up on the finish, as well as a chip on the corner in the elbow area and on the bottom horn, widespread light dimples and some scuffs from play. Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The fretless conversion was a pro job and the board is in great shape. Wearing Fender tape-wound strings.