Onyx P-style, made in Korea in 1989, silverburst, This is a cool looking bass. Onyx was a project of an Australian instrument importer and distributor in the 80s and 90s; they made a stack of Fender and Gibson style instruments as well as some shred-flavoured offerings out of Japan and Korea. The finish is pretty unusual, especially on a lower end model, and with a few scars and some yellowing from age, it's got a cool pirate-chic that's quite endearing. It's got pretty reasonable hardware and holds tune well; it feels remarkably good for a basic instrument. The tone has a dose of classic P-style thump; it's simple and effective. If you're after a basher to get you going that'll hold up fine for your first few gigs, this silver fox is your friend.

Model: Onyx Custom Craft P-style
Made: Korea, 1989 (best estimate, serial 891939)
Finish: silverburst, 3-ply white pearl guard
Body: laminate, likely to be agathis
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 12" radius, 34" scale
Weight: 3.9kg approx
Mods: thumb rest attached, pickguard replaced, one tuner replaced, knobs replaced
Pickup: original split-single coil
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dings on the end and bottom edge as well as an extra hole from a former strap pin on the back, as well as a very minor crack off the low-E machine head; it's glued up, stable and inconsequential. The neck has a bunch of very minor marks up and down the back, nothing that inhibits play or is especially noticeable. The back has some widespread buckle rash scuffs and dimples, as well as some long rub-wear marks on the bottom edge and the edge of the contour. There's some little gashes on the top horn and some big gashes on the body carve area and back side of the shoulder. The bottom side has some minor marks on the bottom horn and some chips and dings around from the knobs to up past the rear strap pin. The front is pretty clean, just some minor marks around the knobs, top horn and shoulder area, some drag marks behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard. Overall: fair condition (6/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets are pretty good; 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 45-105s.