(SOLD) Yamaha Pulser Bass PB400 w/ Squier Silver Series MIJ Neck Sunburst 1979
Yamaha PB400 Pulser Bass, sunburst, 1979; wearing a Squier MIJ Silver Series neck. This is a bit of a Topshelf-partscaster. We received the Yamaha bass, and unknown to us at the time, the truss rod was broken. The rod can be replaced, but the job is very time consuming and difficult, so the cost of repair is very high. As such, we sourced a cool little alternative neck: a Fujigen-made Japanese Squier neck from 1993. Our local pro luthier adjusted the pocket slightly for a tight fit, and boom, you're away. The neck is satin finished and features a tidy dark rosewood board; it feels great and certainly complements the body nicely. The body is a great example of vintage sen ash: beautiful striking grain on show under a thin and yellowed poly over sunburst... dank. The tone on offer is awesome. There's a heap of midrange growl, delivered with a huge punching attack and a rounded, full body. If you're after a monster P and don't mind adopting one with a chequered past, this friendly oddball is surely a fun friend to have. Original neck included for good luck.
Model: Yamaha Pulser Bass PB400 (body), Squier Silver Series SPB33 (neck)
Made: Japan, 1979 (best estimate, serial 003723; Squier 1993, serial L029094)
Finish: natural gloss over sen ash, 3-ply white guard
Body: sen ash, 3-piece
Neck: maple with maple board, dot inlays, 34" scale
Weight: 4.180kg
Mods: thumb rest attached and removed, strap pins moved, neck replaced and neck pocket professionally adjusted slightly to fit
Pickup: original Yamaha P-style split-single coil
Case: vintage Yamaha faux leather gig bag
Bonus: original neck included; truss rod broken
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and scratches on the back. Neck has a few minor marks on the back plus a couple of missing inlay markers on the top side on 9 and17th frets. The back is pretty clean, there's some minor dimples in the middle and and extra hole from an ill-placed and since removed strap pin on the top horn. The sides have a few marks: minor scuffs on both horns, a couple of little chips and a hole from a since removed strap pin on the back edge, minor dimples around from the jack. The front is pretty tidy, just some extra screws from a since removed bridge cover, a couple of minor marks around the bridge and some play wear on the guard and top horn. 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. Frets look pretty good with minor wear only; 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45-105s.