Washburn Status Series 1000 1988 - 1989 Headless 4-String Bass

Pictured is my 1988/89 Washburn Bass, Status series 1000 (S70) model. I bought this new sometime around 1990. This bass was built by Washburn, licensed from the original Status design – which is the single coolest and most ergonomic bass design ever. Featuring beefy solid brass hardware, maple neck-through-body construction with a translucent deep green finish that lets the walnut and ash wood grain shine through. It has a maple neck and a carbonite fingerboard.

I also changed out the original pick-ups (which were a bit boomy) for active J-style EMGs, which sound amazing. Note that this bass also sounds great in passive mode, but when you plug in a 9V battery (just one!) you get a nice, crisp high end and beefy bottom. (Sorry, the original pickups are long gone.)

If you’re looking at this bass you already know how rare they are, especially in this condition. I babied this bass for decades, and it has very little if any buckle rash and virtually no dings. This was my main axe throughout numerous bands. It is the most comfortable, easy-playing bass ever, with cutaways and slopes on the body in all the right places.

Even comes with original Washburn hard shell case in very good condition (just a few dings – extremely well-made!)

The active electronics offer a wide variety in shaping the tone. The tuning stability on this headless design is absolutely amazing. The resulting piano-like sustain from the straight pull at the bridge only adds to the character of this seldom-seen gem. And never worry about hitting your mic stand with your head stock again!

ISSUES: Of late, the D string bridge saddle has become a bit bitey. I’ve popped a few strings, which it never used to do. I think it might need a little TLC from a skilled luthier (not me.) The intonation, fretboard are all very good; the frets are good, although there is definitely some wear. I think I had a few frets replaced around ten years ago.

The bass is in very good condition for its age, and has been kept in its case in a climate-controlled environment.

EXTRAS: Comes with a top-quality Levy’s leather strap for playing comfort, as well as a sh*t-ton of old double-ball-end strings, many of which can be brought back to life with a bit of isopropyl alcohol. Enjoy!