(SOLD) Yamaha Billy Sheehan Attitude Special Bass Surf Green 1999
Yamaha Bill Sheehan Attitude Special, made in Taiwan 1999, surf green. We always enjoy getting these in, they're such cool basses. Mr Sheehan made his name playing for Mr Big, among others; he's a giant of the rock bass world and a noted tonelord. This was the fairly short-lived version of his signature 'Attitude' bass. These were made for a couple of years out of Taiwan and sold at a less eye-watering price than the MIJ models, while still featuring some classic Billy appointments. The neck is fairly slim with a 40mm nut; slightly bigger than a vintage style Jazz Bass but not as big as a traditional P. It's very slick in the hands; the satin finish and 12" radius make it pretty shred-friendly. It's nice and lightweight, so it'd be handy if you're doing long sets as it's super comfy to play. The pickup combo and electronics is unique: you get a standard P pickup with it's own volume knob but no tone knob, as well as the signature big passive HB in the neck, which also has a separate volume as well as a tone control. Basically, you can start off with a juicy, growling P-style tone, then use the neck pickup to dial in a whole world of extra fatness and low-end heft. It's a glorious time. This is a hell of a bass, even leaving aside the fact it's very affordable. Billy knows, and we all must learn.
Model: Yamaha ATT-SPL
Made: Taiwan, 1999 (serial PM15216)
Finish: surf green, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, 1-piece, 34" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 4.025kg
Mods: strap pins replaced
Pickup: Yamah split single-coil and passive humbucker
Case: no case
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some light marks on the end and edges. The neck has a faded patch from a since removed sticker, as well as minor dimples on the back and play wear on the edge of the board, it's clean and smooth in the hands. The back has a decent pair of chips on the bottom corner as well as widespread light dimples and scuffs. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body as well as a dent and some scuffs near the jack. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples near the bridge, in the elbow area and on the top horn as well as some standard play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 fret life left. All electrics tested and working properly. Set up with fresh 45/105 DR strings.