1976 Westminster RP460S Ripper Bass Sunburst (MIJ Matsumoku) (w/ OHSC)

1976 Westminster RP460S Ripper Bass Sunburst (MIJ Matsumoku) (w/ OHSC)

A striking bass from Japan's golden era of guitar manufacturing, the Westminster RP460S is a faithful interpretation of the iconic Gibson Ripper bass, built in 1976 by the renowned Matsumoku factory. Combining bold styling with robust construction and versatile electronics, the RP460S delivers the distinctive aesthetic of its American inspiration while showcasing the craftsmanship that made Matsumoku instruments so highly regarded. Finished in classic sunnburst, this bass offers a powerful blend of vintage character, playability, and tonal flexibility that continues to appeal to players and collectors alike.

The body is crafted from Shina and paired with a maple neck featuring a comfortable medium C profile. A rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays provides a classic look and feel, while the 34" scale length delivers the familiar response and authority expected from a full-scale bass. The neck features a gloss polyurethane finish, a 9.5" fingerboard radius, and a 40mm plastic nut, creating a fast and approachable playing experience. Completing the package are 20 medium nickel silver frets that offer smooth playability across the fingerboard with this particular example sporting plenty of fret life at around 90%.

Electronics consist of a pair of Westminster single-coil pickups governed by a versatile four-way switching system which offers series/parallel voicing but no neck on its own (believe it or not, that's factory spec). The interesting configuration allows for unique tonal combinations from the pickups, yielding a substantial midrange presence, output, and low-end authority. This expanded switching arrangement gives the RP460S a surprisingly diverse tonal palette, ranging from articulate vintage bass tones to thick, punchy sounds well suited to rock and heavier styles.

Weighing 4.4kg, the RP460S balances substantial feel with excellent resonance and sustain. Professionally setup with 45-105s, it's playing smoothly with low action and accurate intonation. With its classic Tobacco Sunburst finish, distinctive 1970s styling, and Matsumoku-built pedigree, this bass stands as a superb example of the high-quality Japanese instruments that emerged during the lawsuit-era period. Comes with its original hard shell case!

Specifications:

Make: Westminster

Model: RP460S

Origin: Japan, Matsumoku Factory, 1976

Body: Shina

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ Pearloid Dot Inlays

Pickups: 2 x Westminster Single Coils w/ 4-Way Switch, Neck: 7.0kOhms, Middle: 14.0kOhms, Bridge: 7.0kOhms

Neck Profile: 34" Scale, Medium C Profile, Gloss Polyurethane Finish, 9.5" Radius, 40mm Nut Width (Plastic)

Frets: 20 Medium Nickel Silver Frets

Finish: Sunburst

Weight: 4.4kg

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.