1976 Greco VB-450 Violin Bass Hollowbody Beatle Bass (MIJ) (w/ OHSC)

1976 Greco VB-450 Violin Bass Hollowbody Beatle Bass (MIJ) (w/ OHSC)

Probably most accurately described as the bass guitar equivalent of those old station wagons with the wooden panels on the side, the classic violin bass is an instrument that needs no introduction. If you don't know who made this particular style of bass famous, you've probably been living under an extremely large boulder your entire life. Because of this fame by association, many companies have copied this legendary little bass and made it their own, including none other than the Fujigen factory in Japan. There are a few different levels made under the Greco moniker, this one being the bolt-on VB-450. Spruce top with a maple back, the bass is fully hollow and has a beautiful open sound to it. Featuring original Maxon pickups, wooden bridge and 30" scale length, this is an excellent example of the classic Hofner design.

The neck is 3 piece maple crafted into a nice and deep C shape profile and feels excellent in the hands for those who are a fan of a nicely curved neck with plenty of depth. The nut measures 40mm in width and sits somewhere between a J and P nut profile. The rosewood fingerboard features pearloid dot inlays and low but comfortable original frets with no pitting or dents present with a solid 90% fret life intact.

The original Maxon "humbuckers" (single coils in disguise) have a nice healthy output despite the bridge being significantly hotter in output (definitely not a bad thing). They sound excellent with healthy output meaning plenty of balanced bass, mid and treble response. The control panel also features a "RHYTHM/SOLO" switch which offers nice tonal versatility, giving the ability to switch between a low, tamed output and full on, wide open pickups.

The condition of this bass is excellent with very little playwear or general wear evident. There is some nice lacquer checking evident on the spruce top as well as a few light dings and dents throughout and moderate pitting on the nickel hardware, however all is in keeping with the age of the bass and definitely adds to the vintage vibe. Professionally serviced and setup with 45-100s, it's playing smoothly with a low action, straight neck and accurate intonation. Comes with its original hard shell case!

Specifications:

Make: Greco

Model: VB-450 Violin Bass

Origin: Fujigen, Japan, 1976

Body: Spruce Top w/ Maple Back & Sides

Neck: 3 Piece Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Pickups: Original Maxon Humbuckers, Neck: 3.3kOhms, Middle: 2.3kOhms, Bridge: 8.2kOhms

Neck Profile: 30" Short Scale, Medium C Gloss Finish, 40mm Nut Width, 9.5" Radius

Frets: 22 Small Vintage Frets

Finish: Tobacco Sunburst

Weight: 2.3kg

Shipping & Returns:

Domestic AU Shipping (Insured) - $Free

International Shipping (Insured) - $199.99

Local Pickup/Click & Collect - 135 New Canterbury Road, Lewisham 2049

The item is sold as is - if it is broken or damaged on arrival, we will offer you a return/refund. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or offer any warranty on used/vintage items.