1978 BC Rich Bich 8-String Vintage Neck Through Bass Natural Koa w/ Case & Hangtag

Up for sale, a 1978 B.C. Rich Bich 8-string bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtag. This rare, early Bich Bass iteration features maple neck-through construction with figured koa body wings, active electronics, and a replacement pair of Bartolini P-Bass split coil pickups.

The neck-through construction results in terrific natural sustain and sonic authority, and this Bich Bass weighs 9lbs 7oz. The Bartolini P-Bass split-coil pickups are big and bold, with plenty of low end power and oomph, and there is a broad array of tones achievable via the active electronics, including independent Boosts, Phase switching, “Dual Sound” (coil tap) switches, and a six-position rotary Varitone control. This Bich Bass Eight-string has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar, dialed in with 105-20 roundwound strings, easy-playing action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Maple
• Shape: Round C, measuring .865” 1st fret, .999” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood slab, 24-fret, cloud inlay
• Frets: Medium jumbo, faint wear on frets 1-9
• Scale Length: 30”
• Nut: 1 11/16”, brass
• Tuners: Grover open-gear, Super Rotomatic (second course)
• Serialization: 8-prefix (1978) stamp

Body Specs:

• Wood: Koa
• Pickups: Bartolini P-Bass split-coil x2
• Controls: Master Volume, Boost On/Off toggle x2, Phase toggle, Boost Volume x2, Neck pickup Volume, Varitone, Dual Sound (coil tap) toggle x2, Master Tone, Three-way pickup selector
• Harness: CTS pots date to ‘78, active electronics powered by 9V batteries
• Hardware: Leo Quan Badass bridge
• Plastics: Reflector knobs, chickenhead knob (Varitone)

The gloss Natural finish highlights the construction of the instrument and the tight birdseye figuring in the koa body wings. There are a couple small plugs from strap buttons on the lower body points and a cleanly doweled strap button mounting hole central to the back. Cosmetic wear includes some buckle rash on the back, pick wear on top, modest wear along the body edges and minor dings on the body. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean, with a few shallow marks along the profile length that are not distracting to the palm while fretting.

The original black tolex hardshell case is included, along with the serialized warranty card.