Yamaha PB400 Pulser Bass, made in Japan in 1980. The Pulser Bass was Yamaha's perfectly titled P-style offering, made from 1977-80 in Japan. You get a tasty sen ash body and a chunky maple neck and board, so you're starting out with a heap of natural attack and brightness. There's a mammoth, grindy, punchy midrange, loads of spank and attack in the top end and heaps of fat, rounded low end... this sounds huge. The neck feels awesome, it's got that tasty well-played satin-ish feel and feels super resonant in the hands. If you're after a cool vintage P with heaps of mojo and without the hefty price tag, this will surely do the job with courage and class.

Model: Yamaha PB400 Pulser Bass
Made: Japan, 1980 (best estimate, serial 006767)
Finish: black gloss, 3-ply white guard
Body: sen ash
Neck: maple with maple board, 9.5" radius, 34" scale
Mods: tuners, knobs and bridge replaced
Pickup: Yamaha P-style split-single coil
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread but light scuffs, no major marks. The sides have a few dimples on the top horn, elbow area and near the jack. The front has a pair of extra holes around the bridge from since removed covers, plus widespread light scuffs and play wear. 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 have some normal wear; they're low in height but nice and even without major buzz issues; 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45-105 Moonshiners strings.