Yamaha SBV500, blue, made in Taiwan 2000. The original line of Flying Samurai guitars and basses debuted in 1967, and I reckon they're some of the most original and awesome shapes ever made. This example is from the short-lived reissue models of the early 00s, so it benefits from modern hardware and electronics but maintains the exceptionally wacky shape of the original Samurai basses. It's surprisingly well balanced in the hands, with a comfy round neck, a lightweight body and plenty of natural resonance. The tone on offer is in the Jazz Bass genre, but with a certain plump stankyness that lends it a slightly surfy, punk edge. The rich metallic blue finish is superb, the light hits it in all sorts of ways and the cream and chrome features offset it all sublimely. Outstanding.

Model: Yamaha SBV500 Flying Samurai Bass
Made: Taiwan, 2000 (serial QN17008)
Finish: Metallic Blue, 3-ply cream guard
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple with rosewood board, 34" scale, 12" radius, rounded C shape, 40mm  nut
Weight: 3.770kg
Mods: None
Pickup: Yamaha J-style single coil x2
Accessories: None

Cosmetic Condition: Minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's a scuff on the back behind the ninth fret approx. and some dimples on the back, plus the finish has largely rubbed to a gloss feel with play. The back has widespread surface scuffs and dimples around the whole body, especially on the elbow area but fairly widely distributed. The sides have a dent on the top horn, dimples in the elbow area, dimples and scuffs near the jack and some dimples on the bottom horn. The front has a patch of scuffing on the top horn, dimples in the elbow area, dimples around the bridge and knobs and some play wear on the guard and horns. There's a decent chip around the bottom strap button as well as a dent half-way up the left side.
Very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing Condition: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.