Greco JB500, made in Japan 1981, refinished to satin black. This bass is endowed with huge amounts of swagger and attitude. Dating to 1981 and made in the legendary Fujigen factory, this is a great example of proper vintage MIJ mojo. The very next year, the same plant began producing the legendary JV-serial Fender instruments; this comes from a fine pedigree indeed. The body has been refinished to a satin black; the original finish was likely a sunburst, judging by some clues in the neck pocket and peaking out through some minor chips on the back. It must've been done quite some time ago, as the new finish is showing plenty of signs of age; it's spent most of it's life as a black beast. The neck is slim and extremely sturdy, it feels brilliant in the hands and you can feel notes pulsing up and down it as you play. The sen ash body is similarly resonant, it adds a whole lot of punch and snap to the tone. Plugged-in, this has an aggressive, snarly tone with heaps of rumble and heft, it's very satisfying indeed. The bass is perfect for big, dirty riffs, although it's a cooperative and superbly playable animal that'll happily do all sorts of tricks. This is a winner!

Model: Greco JB500
Made: Japan, Fujigen Gakki factory, May 1981 (serial E812397)
Finish: satin black, likely a refinish, original finish likely to be sunburst
Body: sen ash
Neck: maple with maple board, black block inlays
Weight: 4.4kg
Mods: refinished, otherwise original
Pickups: Original Greco JB singles
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The neck and headstock are fairly clean, just a few dents on the end of the headstock. The front of the body has some scratches near the bridge, a couple of extra holes from previous thumb rests, some scratches on the guard and a few minor dings here and there. The back has some scratches in the buckle-rash area, some uneven fading from a sticker, and a couple of very minor chips showing some of the reddish hue below the black. Chrome parts have aged but all work well, and the maple board has yellowed to a superb rich golden brown. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. There's some normal wear on the frets, but there's heaps of life in them, around 7/10 for life left. Electronics all tested and working properly. Set up with fresh 45/105s. Definitely has attitude.