Firstman Teisco/Gen Gakki Baroque Custom 1967-69 Black

First man guitars were owned and operated by Kazuo Morioka who is credited as making the first electronic organ in Japan and worked for Kawai in the late 50's as an engineer. He left Kawai in the early 60's to be a sales manager for Teisco while also owning a large music shop in Kobe. In 1967 Kazuo started Firstman (or First man) with some truly unique guitar designs that were manufactured in Teisco's Gen Gakki factory.

The Baroque Custom that you see here was obviously a somewhat late attempt to ride the wave of Beatlemania as it is clearly inspired by Paul McCartney's famous Hofner bass. It is a short scale hollow body bass with proprietary pickups that goes full throttle with the violin bass concept with its tailpiece and scrolled headstock. 

The bass is fully functional, with noise free electronics, a mostly straight neck (slightly twisted in the direction of the low e string), and an adjustable truss rod. The frets are quite low and will be in need of a refret soon. There are scratches, dents and chips out of the paint throughout (see photos) but the hardware is rust free with only minor signs of corrosion at the tuning pegs and the binding is solid.  

When playing the pickups are surprisingly powerful while hollowbody gives the tone a thump that's perfect for garage rock and the like. 

Guitars and basses from Japan's short-lived bizarre guitar era are becoming harder and harder to find in playable condition. As First man was only operational for two years this is a rarity indeed! 

A non-original softcase is included. 

Condition:

Frets remaining: 30% approx. 
Neck: Slight twist
Truss rod: Adjustable

Specifications:

Body wood: Unknown laminate
Neck: Unknown
Fretboard: Rosewood
No. of frets: 21 (+ zero fret) 
Scale: Short 774mm / 30.47" approx. 

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*Should an item be returned to Mion Instruments due buyer’s failure to pay any taxes, customs fees, etc. the cost of the return shipping charges will be subtracted from the refund amount.

*When packing an instrument for shipment we take every precaution to prevent damage during transit.

* We always try to accurately convey the condition of our products, however please bear in mind that feel, performance and even condition are subjective. In light of this, please examine the photos carefully!

* When examining a truss rod on a straight neck, we check that it can turn up to about 45 degrees in both directions. When we say the truss rod can be adjusted, we mean it can be adjusted up to 45 degrees. Anything beyond that risks damaging the instrument.

* Please note that the product description was made at the time of listing and there may be a slight variance when you receive your instrument due to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

*Regarding accessories, only those shown in the photo or listed as "Accessories" in the description are available.

*This item is also on offer locally and might sell elsewhere.

*If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us. We are based in Japan so there may be some time lag between your initial communication and our response. We are not ignoring you! Please be patient.

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