(SOLD) Moon JB4 Classic Sunburst 1995
Moon JB4 Classic, made in Japan circa 1995, sunburst. Moon Custom Guitars don't use the word 'custom' lightly: if you want one, you order one from their small Tokyo-based workshop, pay your ¥320000 (around $3300aud) and you wait. Their website says they will rush a build for no man, so you might be waiting a while. Moon basses rose to prominence when a JJ model landed in the hands of Larry Graham, who's more or less credited with inventing the slap bass technique. Moon JJs have also been played by Victor Bailey (Weather Report) and Darryl Jones (Sting, Rolling Stones), among many other notable luminaries over the years. The JB4 Classic model is fairly closely based on the early sixties version of the Jazz Bass. There's some cool vintage appointments: clay dot fret markers, reverse tuners, dark tort guard... as well as some modern conveniences like a modern bridge and neck shape. The finish is super thin gloss nitro, so there's plenty of wear showing around the edges, which looks awesome. Moon are notoriously picky about wood selection, and the two piece centre joined alder on show here is really gorgeous. Between really good wood, great workmanship and the super thin finish, this feels extremely lively and responsive in the hands. It's awesome plugged in too: heaps of attack, singing clarity through the highs, bass that kicks you in the chest... so good. You can cover all that 70s funk stuff easily, but it'll happily slay across any number of other genres. There's nothing quite like a Moon to brighten up those dark and lonely nights.
Model: Moon JB4 Classic
Made: Japan, 1995 approx (serial 55170)
Finish: sunburst, gloss nitro
Body: alder, 2-piece centre centre join
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 34" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C shape, 38mm nut
Weight: 4.295kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Moon Oxlais passive single coil x2 (not 100% verified)
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and marks on the end and bottom edge, as well as on the front near the PGM logo. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has a decent bald patch near the neck plate and bottom corner, as well as some widespread scuffs around the body most notably along the belly carve and in the elbow area. The sides have some rub wear and bald patches on the top horn, near the rear strap pin and near the jack, as well as some chips and dimples in the elbow area and bottom horn. The front has a few marks and chips near the jack and in the elbow area, as well as some dimples near the bridge and up from the neck pickup, as well as some rub wear on the guard and horns. Overall condition: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.