Yamaha Pulser Bass, made in Japan in 1979. These are a superb bass, there's really a whole lot to love. For a start, it looks awesome. The natural finish has worn over time to a semi-satin look, showing off the grain of the sen ash superbly. The swirling rain of the body contrasts perfectly against the attractive golden brown board and headstock; it has a certain legit-vintage swagger that is never replicated in a new instrument. The ash/maple combo lends this a spanky, growling midrange with a heap of cut and attack balanced by a rounded, warm bottom-end... it's a seriously tasty tone. The neck has been 'played-in' and is slick and smooth in the hands; combined with the light body and slightly slimmer nut width, this is an absolute banger in the hands. These Pulser Bass models are still a little 'under the radar', but owing to their simple majesty and growing renown, they're a pretty safe bet to increase in value in coming decades. Plus.. the name is delightfully tacky, no? 

Model: Yamaha Pulser Bass PB400
Made: Japan, 1979 (best estimate, serial 004222)
Finish: natural gloss over sen ash, 3-ply white guard
Body: sen ash, 3-piece
Neck: maple with maple board, dot inlays, 34" scale
Weight: 4.1kg approx
Mods: thumb rest attached
Pickup: original Yamaha P-style split-single coil
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock is looking good, just a couple of very minor marks on the end and edges. The neck is in remarkable shape, just a couple of dimples near the headstock end but overall very clean and extra smooth. The back has a lot of uneven fading from long-since-removed stickers, so there's just some mild buckle rash. The sides have a lot of very small, inconsequential marks; from the top side up from the pickup all the way round to the bottom side down from the pickup, there's a mild rash of dimples. The front is pretty good; just a couple of little marks on the top horn, above and below the bridge  and near the jack and a sticker fade mark near the bridge, otherwise pretty clean. Overall: good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets look recently dressed and polished, there's plenty of height there too; 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 45-105s.