NATIONAL
VAL-PRO
BASS “85”
1961
“SUPER COOL THUMPER”
[Amp shown in photos for display only. It is not for sale. Thanks.]
My first guitar came in the mail to me from Sears and Roebuck
in 1966 when I was 16. It was a
Silvertone “dolphin nose” bass. I bought
it because it had 4 strings and I figured it would have been easier to learn to
play. It was not. What I needed was some sort of directional
plan like a….
“MAP”
And now I have one (in fact several).
From my collection:
1961 NATIONAL VAL-PRO BASS “85”
The coolest bass anywhere.
RES-O-GLAS (Fiberglass body) with double pickups: (1) BASS SOUND and (1) SILVER SOUND. Real Brazilian
Rosewood fretboard with PEARL inlays.
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.
Just use the “MAP” when playing.
NOTE: “The ‘map-shaped’
bass in the National Res-O-Glas collection-so named because it looks vaguely
like a silhouette of the U.S.- started out as the Val-Pro 85. It differed
slightly from the National 85 that replaced it in several cosmetic areas; the
Val-Pro had rounded cutaways, the backward flair of the pointed cutaway horns
on the National gave its upper bout a slightly smaller look; the two knobs on
the Val-Pro lined up at an angle to the strings -instead of parallel; and some -if
not most- of the tuners on the earlier looked like a curved blade, versus the
more normal-looking tuners on our specimen.” From online sources.
SPECIFICATIONS:
SCALE: 24 ¼”
BODY: 16”
Wide, 19” Long, 1 ¾” Deep
BODY is “RES-O-GLAS” Fiberglass molded into two
pieces (front/back).
NECK is wood “Pro True”
FRETBOARD is Brazilian Rosewood.
INLAYS are Pearl.
TWO PICKUPS (one in neck position and other in
bridge)
Chrome hardware.
MASTER Volume Control.
“SPECIAL distortion free tone mixer control”.
Does not include original case.
CONDITION:
1. Body/Neck.
The body is in GOOD condition. As
with most of the fiberglass bodies of this ere, it has small surface cracks
around the smaller extrusion points, e.g. input jack. The white finish has aged to a beautiful “cream”
patina while the headstock front has remained white. Also there are several finish spots showing
brown where the finish has absorbed stains of use over its life. This is a player guitar.
2. Hardware.
The tuning keys are in excellent condition. Not much sign of corrosion. Tailpiece and chrome neck pickup are in
excellent condition as well but the black painting normally seen on these parts
has been “cleaned away”.
3. Electronics.
All electronics have been checked and are in GOOD condition. Everything works.
Please remember to read our policies and
procedures listed below.
The guarantee.
1. The
guitar is in GOOD cosmetic condition and is as described in this ad.
2. The
guitar is in fully operational condition.
3. Buyer
has 48 hrs. to inspect the guitar or have it inspected. Any defects,
damage, misrepresentations or other problems must be reported within that time
period in writing to the Seller.
4.In the
case of damage during shipment, Buyer shall immediately inform seller of such
damage and will maintain all original packing materials and box for inspection
by the transportation company.
5. If
other problems are discovered, Seller will either arrange for repair etc. at a
location near the Buyer or request that the Buyer return the guitar to the
Seller (Seller will reimburse Buyer for cost of shipment of guitar back to
Seller).
6. Seller
will correct indicated problems and ship the guitar back to the Buyer within 7
days of receiving it.
7. In
the event that the guitar cannot be repaired or replaced with a similar item
from Seller’s inventory, the Seller will give the Buyer the option of a Credit
against current or future inventory of Seller or refund.
For
buyers outside the continental USA, please ask for shipping quote before buying
this item. Thank you.