Early 1970s Greco VB-450 Violin Bass Hollowbody Beatle Bass (MIJ) (w/ HSC)

Early 1970s Greco VB-450 Violin Bass Hollowbody Beatle Bass (MIJ) (w/ HSC)

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 Matsumoku 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 "Greco" embossed Maxon pickups, wooden bridge and 30" scale length, this is an excellent example of a classic 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.

The original Maxon humbuckers are embossed with the "Greco" logo, a rare and cool feature that not every VB bass features. They sound excellent with a nice medium range 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. Only the smallest of chips and dings are present and the finish is bright and vibrant. The bass is all original aside from a new set of potentiometers and new screws all round to ensure stability and longevity of the instrument. It's had a professional setup with 45-100s and is playing smoothly with a nice low action and no dead spots. Comes with a violin bass shaped hard case, although likely not original as it's not 100% fitted - but it still does the trick just fine!

Specifications:

Make: Greco

Model: VB-450 Violin Bass

Origin: Matsumoku, Japan, Early 1970s

Body: Spruce Top w/ Maple 

Neck: One Piece Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Pickups: Original Maxon Embossed Humbuckers, Neck: 7.7kOhms, Middle: 4.0kOhms, Bridge: 8.4kOhms

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

Frets: 22 Small Vintage Frets

Finish: Tobacco Sunburst

Weight: 2.5kg

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.