Yamaha SB5A, bright red, made in Japan 1967. The 'Flying Samurai' was a Yamaha original shape that debuted in 1967; they were made for five or so years before disappearing into obscurity for several decades. The bass in the line came in two versions, this one was the higher-end version with two pickups instead of one. It's a medium scale with a moderately slim neck, and the odd body shape balances remarkably well...  it's a heap of fun in the hands, it really feels terrific. The pickups are fairly hot, so there's a big, beefy bottom end on offer on the neck pickup and a grindy, snarly midrange on the bridge pickup. It's a great tone for punk, surf or indie stuff, it sits on the bottom end of a mix assuredly. This one includes the cute original case and is in remarkable shape for a sixties instrument, so it'd be a cool little score for vintage Japan enthusiasts. I honestly love this, it's so cool, right?

Model: Yamaha SB5A
Made: 1967, Japan (serial 5612)
Finish: fiesta red
Body: nato (not verified)
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 32" scale, 12" radius
Mods: covers and thumb rest removed, new bone nut installed
Weight: 4.190kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coils x2
Case: original Yamaha hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and edges, as well as a couple of little chips on the front near the Yamaha badge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, rub wear on the edges of the board and minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and minor dimples, no major marks. The sides have a few minor dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack, as well as a small chip and some scuffs on the bottom horn. The front is pretty clean, just a few dimples in the elbow area, as well as a dimple near the jack and a crack in the guard in the bottom corner, as well as some dimples around the bridge, and some fading and play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: 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 are pretty even with minor wear only, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.