Duesenberg Starplayer Bass, refinished to pink. This bass is two things: shrouded in mystery, and inexplicably appealing. The serial number info on older Duesenbergs was inside the F-hole, but that info has been lost in the refinish... the last owner thought it dated to 1990, but the Starplayer shape debuted in 1995, so it's very difficult to pinpoint a year of manufacture. The bridge, tailpiece and pickup appear to be original. The back still features the original trans-black finish, showing off some stunning high-grade flame maple. The spruce top is underneath that pink somewhere; it lends the bass a whole lot of warmth, clarity and punch. The bass really does sound brilliant: thick, rich, smooth, articulate and full of character. The slim neck is perfectly made and very easy on the hands, and the weighting is very balanced and super friendly on your back. A new Starplayer Bass (in a sensible finish) would set you back something like $3.5k, so if you're happy to add a bit of outrageous awesomeness to your life, this is surely a deadset bargain. Sure, you could play a sunburst P-bass... or, how about this 24-hour party machine?

Model: Duesenberg Starplayer Bass
Made: Germany, year unknown (serial lost in the refinish)
Finish: pink top, trans-black over flame maple back and sides
Body: sassafrass (QLD)
Weight: 3.5kg approx
Neck: maple with rosewood board, fretless
Mods: refinished, pickup surround replaced, possibly other mods too; history a bit foggy
Pickups: Duesenberg BassBucker
Case: basic Cort branded gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's some chips in the pink paint on the body near the fretboard join and the bridge poles. There's some scratches on the back in the buckle-rash zone, as well as a a few dings here and there. There's some scratches on the guard from play. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. No frets, so no fretwear to discuss. All electrics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 45/105s.