Fresher Personal Bass PB III Gen. – Sunburst, Lawsuit era, 1977-1980

Fresher Personal Bass PB is a Japanese instrument from the turn of the 1970s and 1980s, manufactured at the Chushin factory. This model is a replica of a PB-style bass, featuring a single Split-Coil pickup. The body is finished with 3-Tone Sunburst lacquer and equipped with a three-ply pickguard. In our workshop, the bass underwent a full luthier service, including fret replacement and electronics circuit shielding.

Technical specification

• Manufacturer: Fresher (Kyowa Shokai)
• Model: Personal Bass PB
• Year of production: Turn of the 70s and 80s
• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: Medium (Condition: 100% – new)
• Pickups: 1x PB Split-Coil
• Electronics: Passive (1x Volume, 1x Tone)
• Visual condition: 7 out of 10
• Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst
• Weight: 4.10 kg / 9.04 lbs

Body and construction The solid body is made of alder. The instrument features a 3-Tone Sunburst lacquer finish, characterized by a three-color transition (black-red-yellow). A three-ply pickguard (white-black-white) is mounted on the front. A standard Bolt-on construction is used, with truss rod access from the body end. In our workshop, the electronics cavities were shielded with copper foil.

Neck and ergonomics The maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard equipped with light dot inlays. As part of the service work, the worn frets were removed and new Medium-size frets were installed, allowing for proper intonation and string action setup across the entire length of the fingerboard. The wood was cleaned and conditioned.

Sound The instrument features a passive electronic circuit based on a single Split-Coil pickup.

• Characteristics: This configuration offers a frequency response with a pronounced lower mid-range, characteristic of PB designs with an alder body.
• Dynamics: The passive electronics, controlled by two metal potentiometers, directly reflect the force of finger or pick attack. The applied shielding isolates the signal from electromagnetic interference and hum.

Additional information

The instrument represents the third generation (designated as III Logo) of the Fresher brand, owned by the Japanese distribution company Kyowa Shokai.

The production of this specific model was outsourced to the Chushin Gakki factory, operating during the so-called Lawsuit era.

The performed luthier service included: fret replacement with new ones (Medium), full shielding of the electronics cavities, fingerboard conditioning, and adjustment of the neck relief and intonation.

The use of a three-ply pickguard (white-black-white) is a direct reference to the aesthetic standards of American instruments from the 1960s and 1970s.

Hardware

• Bridge: Vintage Style PB – a steel construction with independently adjustable saddles allowing for intonation and string height setup.
• Tuners: Vintage Open Gear – open-back mechanisms with classic "clover" buttons. The hardware retains its full mechanical efficiency after cleaning.

Instrument condition

• Technical condition: 10 out of 10 – the instrument is fully functional mechanically and electronically, after a full luthier inspection. The truss rod works properly.
• Visual condition: 7 out of 10 – visible signs of wear appropriate for the instrument's age. There are lacquer chips and scratches on the body edges.
• Setup and Modifications: Fret replacement (Medium), copper electronics circuit shielding, fingerboard conditioning, and a setup for 45-105 strings were performed.

Why choose this instrument

• New frets: The use of new Medium-size frets eliminates the need for additional costs at a luthier service.
• Circuit shielding: Securing the cavities with copper foil effectively lowers the background noise level.
• PB Configuration: A single Split-Coil pickup with two potentiometers is a simple and proven electronic layout.
• Japanese production: The instrument manufactured at the Chushin Gakki factory reflects the craftsmanship standards of the Lawsuit era.