Late-1960s Teisco BR-1 Short-Scale Bass Guitar Black (MIJ)

Late-1960s Teisco BR-1 Short-Scale Bass Guitar Black (MIJ)

A quirky and increasingly hard-to-find piece of Japanese guitar history, the Teisco BR-1 is a compact short-scale bass produced during the Kawai-era of Teisco manufacturing in the late-1960s. Drawing clear inspiration from the Mosrite designs that were hugely popular at the time, the BR-1 combines futuristic styling with a surprisingly practical and comfortable playing experience. Its ultra-short 24.75" scale length (due in part to sharing necks with guitar variations of this model) gives it a unique feel compared to traditional basses, while the lightweight construction and single-pickup layout deliver a direct, punchy tone packed with vintage character. Finished in classic black, this example captures the charm and individuality that have made vintage Japanese instruments increasingly sought after by players and collectors alike.

The maple bolt-on neck features a comfortable medium C profile and is paired with a rosewood fingerboard adorned with pearloid dot inlays. Measuring 24.75" in scale length with a 42mm plastic nut and a 9.5" fingerboard radius, it offers an approachable feel that is equally inviting for guitarists looking to explore bass or bassists seeking a more compact instrument. The gloss polyurethane finish provides a smooth playing surface, while the 22 medium nickel silver frets offer excellent playability across the entire register and have solid fret life at around 80% with freshly dressed tops.

Electronics are kept refreshingly simple, with a single Teisco square pole single coil pickup and a single volume and tone control. Known for their articulate response and distinctive vintage voice, these pickups deliver a focused low end, clear midrange presence and plenty of old-school character. The straightforward control layout allows the natural personality of the instrument to shine through, making it equally at home in garage rock, surf, indie and lo-fi recordings.

Lightweight at just 3.0kg, the BR-1 is an effortlessly comfortable vintage instrument that stands apart from the crowd both visually and sonically. In solid condition for its age, this BR-1 is free from any structural issues and has received a fret dress and a full service and setup with 45-105s. It's playing beautifully with a low action and a thick and wooly vintage tone.

Specifications:

Make: Teisco

Model: BR-1

Origin: Japan, Kawai Factory, Late-1960s

Body: Sen Ash

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ Pearloid Dot Inlays

Pickups: 1 x Teisco Square Pole Single Coil, Neck: 4.6kOhms

Neck Profile: 24.75" Scale, Medium C Profile, Gloss Polyurethane Finish, 9.5" Radius, 42mm Nut Width (Plastic)

Frets: 22 Medium Nickel Silver Frets

Finish: Black

Weight: 3.0kg

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.