GUYATONE EB-9 'SHARP 5' BASS VINTAGE 1960s ORIGINAL w/OHSC

Introduced in 1967 these appear first in Guyatone catalogues for 1968.

They are known in Japan as 'Sharp Five' models since both the guitar and bass versions were popularised by the surf group, Munetaka Inoue & His Sharp Five.

This distinctive long offset Guyatone body design has been in production pretty much continuously since the 60s and while later 80s/90s examples are reasonably common, first generation models are not.

And this lad is an original from around 1969, right down to the somewhat battered but serviceable Guyatone hard case.

Condition-wise...

Original hardware is in good shape bridge, controls, tuners etc. The first tuner is very slightly skewed but it doesn't interfere with tuning in any way.

There are scuffs and scrapes to the original paint finish commensurate with age and coating splits, especially to the body back. All this is cosmetic only, nothing structural. At some point a strap button was added/removed. (See photos)

The long-scale neck is in very nice shape along with the rosewood fretboard. A few marks and digs but remarkably well preserved. Frets have bags of life left in them.

In Action...

We just got it back from a full pro setup.

The action is now even lower and smoother. Electrics were also serviced.

It plays true and is very comfortable up and down the lovely slim neck.

Sharp 5 basses have a special tonal quality. These vintage single coil pickups are superb - and not just for surf sound.

There is a serious depth to this bass. It's a real growler. But it can also really cut through if needed. Worth experimenting with strings. (We have nice warm flat wounds on this at present.)

In Summary...

A rare vintage original late-60s Guyatone 'Sharp 5' bass.

One of those special 60s body shapes with a sound as distinctive as its looks.

Comes with the original well-used but functional Guyatone case. The handle, hinges and 2 of the 3 catches work fine and the interior is acceptable with no nasty niffs.

Specs:

• GUYATONE EB-9 'SHARP 5' BASS VINTAGE 60s - in original Blue Sparkle finish
• Solid contoured reverse offset body w/upper binding
• Super Slim bound neck
• 21 fret rosewood fretboard (incl Zero fret) w/dot markers
• Original bridge, tuners, pick guard, knobs
• Original single coil pickups
• Volume & Tone Controls; 3-way selector switch
• Scale 33 1/2" / 85.5cm
• Nut: 38mm
• Weight: 4.4kg / 9.7lbs
• Original Guyatone hard case included
  

*** WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE ***

Australia, Germany, Spain & Denmark Buyers:

Unfortunately the post office in these countries now limits package sizes so our regular EMS (Japan Post Office) shipping rates do not apply. (Unless we ship it disassembled)

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Almost everything for sale here is coming from a 40+years personal collection. As the shop name suggests these are predominantly Vintage, Eclectic or Japanese - so if you are looking for something specific, please get in touch. Maybe we have got something you've been searching for. VEJ

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A Note On Shipping:

We want you to be fully satisfied with everything - from the item itself (naturally!) through the shipping, packaging, communication etc.

Of course there is nothing we can do about customs duty, local taxes etc at your end. But we can keep the overall price as competitive as is decently possible.

The Japan post office service (EMS) is reliable and efficient but shipping costs from Japan to Europe or the states are unavoidably expensive.

For this reason none of the shipping costs we quote reflect the actual price we have to pay. We are more than willing to take a hit on that to make things as attractive for you as possible.

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Vintage Instruments & Equipment

Shipping by air plus climatic changes can affect how a guitar is set up - no matter how well it is packed. Consequently there is no guarantee that an instrument arrives with exactly the same set up as stated. After a period of acclimatisation, you may still need to make any adjustments at your own expense.