Washburn Force 40, trans cherry red, made in Japan 1981. These vintage Washburn basses enjoy a good reputation, they're a niche thing but their loyalist really enjoy them. This Force model was made at the Yamaki plant, which was doing some excellent work at the time. Yamaki's Daion and Washburn branded instruments enjoy a cult following to this day. This feels really well made: it's perfectly balanced in the hands, the neck is straight and stable, it's loud and lively unplugged, the hardware is really sturdy and it holds tune really well. The P-style pickup delivers a big, wide, thick take on the classic P-punch, but with extra sustain and extra aggression through the mids. You can wind the tone back a whisker and get a convincing vintage P tone, or max it for a hairy, warm, creamy growl. The bridge pickup is comically close to the bridge itself, so it's a very bright and snappy tone. On it's own, it's a bit unsatisfying, but with the switch in middle position and the bridge pickup on about half volume, you can get this enormous thick juicy tone with a really defined, crisp attack and top end... it's a delight with a bit of overdrive and perfect for grunge or punk stuff. The cherry finish lets the grain show through, and the gold bell knobs and cream pickup covers make it pop nicely. The shape has attracted mixed opinions in the store: some say hideous, others say gorgeous... you decide? We had our local luthier do a full re-fret, so that saves you $400 or so; you're welcome! It's a Force for sure.

Model: Washburn Force 40
Made: Japan, Yamaki plant, 1981 (serial 812333)
Finish: cherry red, gloss poly
Body: ash wings, maple/walnut neck-through
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 34" scale, 12" radius
Mods: frets replaced, headstock joint repaired
Weight: 3.990kg
Pickup: Gotoh split-coil and J-style single coil
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and dimples on the end and edges, nothing nasty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and scuffs on the back only. We had our local pro luthier repair a minor crack in the headstock joint. The back has widespread scuffs and dimples, and some minor chips in the belly carve, around the ferrules, on the bottom horn and on the bottom edge below the cavity. The sides have a decent chip on the end of each horn as well as widespread minor dimples around the whole body. The front has a little chip on the bottom corner near the knobs, scuffs on the bottom horn and near the bridge and in the elbow area and some dimples around the whole body, nothing major. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have just been replaced, 10/10 for fret life left. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.