Memphis Precision‑Style 4‑String Bass – Black, Late 70s / Early 80s

Vintage Memphis Precision‑style 4‑string bass in black with maple neck and fingerboard, believed to be from the late 1970s / early 1980s based on the script Memphis logo and Fender‑style headstock. I originally bought it because of the connection to The Jesus Lizard and David Wm. Sims’ use of Memphis‑branded basses, and it definitely has that aggressive, punchy P‑bass vibe. Currently strung with Rotosound RB45 Rotobass nickel roundwound strings (45–105). I have it set up with medium action and it plays great up and down the neck.

Pickups / electronics

The bass is loaded with a genuine Fender ’62 Reissue Precision Bass split‑coil pickup. Volume and tone controls work properly, and the pickup has a strong, even output with warm lows, clear highs, and that classic P‑bass mid punch these ’62‑style pickups are known for.

Condition

Condition: Good / Very Good for its age. This is a well‑kept vintage player with honest wear but no structural issues. The black body shows scattered small dings, edge chips, and surface scratches on the front and back, plus some light rub wear in the usual contact areas, but nothing that affects playability. The neck and maple fingerboard are in very good structural shape with normal cosmetic wear for a bass of this era and no breaks or repairs. Frets show typical wear but it plays clean across the board with the current setup. I have it set up with medium action, which feels great to me; setups are personal and can change with climate and string choice, so you may want to have your own tech dial it in after you receive it. Hardware shows some light tarnish and scratches but works as it should. Truss rod works, and there is room on the saddles and rod to adjust the action up or down to taste.

Included

Bass will ship in a hard‑shell case (HSC) that has typical exterior scuffs and wear but fully working latches. I’ll pack the bass and case carefully for shipping.

Dating / background

There are no serial numbers or country‑of‑origin markings on the headstock or neck plate, which is common on Memphis instruments from this era. Dating is based on the logo, headstock shape, construction, and general features. Because of that, I’m listing it as “late 70s / early 80s, likely Japanese‑made,” but please check the photos closely and ask any questions you have before purchasing.

Shipping / returns

Shipping is $50 to the lower 48 U.S. states. I’ll pack the bass securely in its hard‑shell case and box it well for transit. If the bass arrives damaged or significantly not as described, I’ll work with you and Reverb to make it right in line with Reverb’s protections for buyers and sellers. If you simply don’t bond with it or prefer a different setup, I’m happy to accept a return within my shop’s return window as long as you cover the return shipping and send it back in the same condition it left.

I want the buyer to be completely happy, so please message me with any questions or if you’d like specific measurements, additional photos, or a quick playing clip before you buy.