1970s Epiphone ET-280 Short Scale Bass MIJ Matsumoku - Natural Stripped / Select by EMG Modded (As-Is Seized Truss Rod / Wiring Project)

A 1970s Japanese-made Epiphone ET-280 short-scale bass built at the Matsumoku factory, featuring a stripped natural hardwood body and Select by EMG pickups—sold strictly as an as-is bench project with a tight/seized truss rod, wiring issues, and structural/cosmetic project needs.

IMPORTANT SALE TERMS: AS-IS / PROJECT STATUS

THIS INSTRUMENT IS SOLD STRICTLY AS-IS FOR PARTS OR REPAIR.

• Setup & Diagnosis: This bass has not been benchmarked, fully dressed, aligned, or setup by Ypsi Guitars. It is offered strictly as acquired for bench work, lutherie repair, or DIY player restoration.
• Queue Notice: This item is actively sitting in our shop restoration queue. If it does not sell prior to its scheduled bench slot, this listing will be ended immediately without notice to begin in-house restoration work.
• Return Policy: All sales are final. No returns, partial refunds, or post-sale credits will be issued under any circumstances for unlisted or undetected flaws.

MISSING / REQUIRED ATTENTION

• Truss Rod Warning: The truss rod nut only turns slightly and feels extremely tight / potentially seized. Buyer should anticipate needing heat treatment, lubrication, thread backing, or lutherie bench work to safely adjust relief.
• Electronics & Harness: Output produces sound in all 3 toggle switch positions, but the Volume pot crackles and cuts out at lower settings. Tone control functions, but the entire harness appears aftermarket and needs bench service/rewiring.
• Pickguard & Cavity Obstruction: Pickguard is visibly lifted around the tone knob area due to an internal obstruction inside the cavity preventing it from sitting flush.
• Finish & Body Condition: Original factory Cherry finish was stripped down to raw wood. Exhibits heavy sanding scratches, wood grain exposure, and foam residue stuck to a portion of the body.

INCLUDED & HARDWARE BREAKDOWN

• General: Vintage 1970s Japanese offset short-scale project bass (30.5" scale length).
• Body: Solid hardwood offset body, stripped natural. Displays heavy scratches, finish remnants, and foam residue.
• Neck & Fingerboard: Bolt-on maple neck with dark rosewood fingerboard. Headstock overlay with Epiphone script logo and "E" truss rod cover intact.
• Truss Rod: Tight / potentially seized (turns only slightly under pressure).
• Hardware Included: Vintage 4-saddle chrome bridge, original 4-screw neck plate stamped "STEEL ADJUSTABLE NECK", original 2x2 tuning machines, strap buttons, non-original control knobs, and modified 3-ply black pickguard.
• Electronics Included: Select by EMG passive bass pickup set, 3-way toggle switch, master volume, master tone, and 1/4" output jack (all sold as-is needing bench repair).

THE YPSI GUITARS TAKE

This ET-280 is a true lutherie project for someone with bench experience. While the 30.5" scale Matsumoku neck profile and Select by EMG pickups provide a great foundation, the tight truss rod, lifted pickguard obstruction, and scratchy volume pot mean it needs proper hands-on work before hitting the stage. Price reflects the extra work needed to get this Japanese vintage player back in action.