Washburn B-20 1981 Explorer Bass

Rare 1981 Washburn B-20 4 string bass guitar, explorer shape and high quality in make.
These came in a few finishes but this one is all black. New these retailed 40 years ago for almost this price so you can imagine what one new would cost now.

High attention to detail. The body and headstock all has thin binding around in it. This is neck through construction featuring an Ash Body. The rear electronic cover for the pots and the cover for the pickup selector are made of Ash wood that’s painted black matching the bass, just another detailed aspect of the bass rather then using plastic. The neck is maple with a madagascar ebony fretboard that shows nice grain. The dots on the fretboard are metal brass circles and match the binding in color. The neck has a V shape to the rear of it and a 1 5/8" nut width and brass nut tops it off. This bass plays great with comfortable action. It also has some nice sustain due to the neck through construction but also the high mass brass saddled bridge that strings through the body. I believe the P pickup is not original and I do not know exactly what it is , the blade style leads me to believe it’s likely a Bill Lawrence pickup - regardless it sounds good. The bass has a 3 way pickup selector to isolate with the P or J pickup or run them together. Each pickup has its own master volume and master tone.

Condition wise the frets are very clean. The body has some bumps, scratches , dents but it overall presents very well. Their are some chips around the input Jack body area I assume from cables banging into it. The rear of the neck is pretty clean. The frets are in great shape. The headstock logo is clean. As I said it has comfortable action and a straight neck. I just serviced the bass. The fretboard was cleaned/oiled , frets polished , body cleaned and polished , electronic cleaner to all electronics which work flawlessly and lastly some new round wound strings. Weight is 9 pounds 3 ounces which for this type of bass is great , my Fender P is heavier. For over 40 years old it’s ready to rock and could be gigged today.

These basses aren’t that common and as said these are very quality. Metallica’s original bass player used this exact model in white, Ron Mcgovney. I’ve attached a photo of him and James Hetfleid in 1982 where he used a white version of this he still has.

Additionally the original case is included. Finding a case for one of these would be a challenge but this original case is in overall great shape. It’s a high quality case and fits the bass well. It has some scuffs but is overall a nice case. All latches are working, handle intact, interior storage compartment , no smells etc

[Orders are shipped out ASAP -within under 24 hours with Insured Shipping. Packaged professionally with brand new packaging supplies and a new box. I only use FedEx or UPS and I will NOT ship to PO Boxes. Signature required for all shipments. ]