Greco RB1000 bass, made in Japan 1974. This bruiser is Greco's take on the classic Rickenbacker 4001, and it's really quite brilliant. Dating pre-serial Grecos is tricky, but this one matches the 1974 catalog perfectly, and given these models changed a lot over those few years, it's moderately certain to date to that year. It's brilliantly made; not a single CNC router existed in Japanese guitar making in the 70s; this was crafted entirely by meticulous hands. The quality of the maple used the precision of the workmanship is remarkable; it's easy to see why these gave US manufacturers such a scare. The tradition Ric-style fireglo finish is in great shape and shows off the grain beautifully; it's really mellowed to a killer vintage look. This really does look amazing! The original pickups dole out that classic 4001-thunder; it's a tone with a stack of roundness, punch, presence and growl; kind of like a supercharged P-bass. Our local luthier ninja installed a maple block in the 'swimming pool' under the neck pickup to correct the neck angle; a common repair on Rics and copies of this age. The Badass Bridge is easy to adjust and adds some precision and brightness to the tone; it looks a little odd but is a very practical mod. These are increasingly scarce, and even in their homeland of Japan are beginning to fetch outrageous prices; a nice clean one like this is a brilliant score. This was the most expensive item in the 1974 Greco catalog; it's a brilliant example of just how good these vintage Japanese basses can be. Attitude to burn!

Model: Greco RB1000
Made: Japan, 1974 (best estimate, no serial, based on catalog and logos etc)
Finish: fireglo/cherry sunburst
Body: maple (best info available)
Neck: maple with rosewood board, gloss finish
Mods: Badass II bridge installed, maple block installed under neck pickup, one knob non-original
Pickups: original Greco pickups
Case: very basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's some minor dents in the front of the body, most notably on the top horn and above the bridge pickup. There's a couple of little chips near the input jack, as well a few little scratches on the back. Pretty amazing shape considering the age. There's some extra holes from the long-removed pickup cover and the replaced bridge. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics all tested and working properly. There's some normal wear on the frets, but heaps of height still, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 45/105s and ready to roll.