Epiphone Embassy Standard IV Bass Guitar ( Passive) 2004 Factory Prototype (E-PROTO) w/ Hard Case

Rare Epiphone Embassy Standard IV Bass featuring an internal factory label marked "E-PROTO Epi Proto Instrument" with serial number P-01270401 and date 01/27/04. Photos of the pickup cavities are included. Handwritten factory markings are visible beneath the pickups, further supporting the instrument's unusual factory provenance.

The bass features a transparent cherry finish over a beautifully grained ash body, bolt-on maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, dual soapbar pickups, black hardware, and a passive 3-knob control layout.

While the standard retail production models that launched later in 2004 featured an active 2-band EQ preamp and a 4-knob control layout, this "E-PROTO" unit captures the instrument in its development phase. It features a completely passive electronics configuration with a 3-knob layout (Volume/Volume/Tone) running on B500k pots. This makes it not only a rare collector's item but a distinct sounding bass compared to any production model on the market.

Key Features & Specs:

• Provenance: Authentic "E-PROTO / Epi Proto Instrument" factory sticker intact on the inside of the back plate, displaying Serial # P-01270401 and the build date of 01/27/04.
• Body: Contoured Swamp Ash body with a gorgeous, highly defined wood grain.
• Neck: Bolt-on Maple neck with a comfortable profile and surprisingly clean figuring/flame on the back.
• Fretboard: Rosewood with dot inlays (frets show virtually no wear).
• Electronics: Dual factory humbuckers wired to a completely passive, 3-knob control setup.
• Hardware: Black die-cast tuners and high-mass adjustable black bridge.

Condition & Accessories:

The bass is in excellent condition. The gloss finish looks beautiful, the neck is straight, and the electronics work perfectly with zero scratchy pots. Because it was a factory prototype, it offers an incredibly clean look at what the engineers were testing before the final retail assembly line was locked in.

Includes a fitted hardshell case to protect that unique, elongated upper horn design.

This is an absolute must-have for Epiphone enthusiasts, prototype collectors, or anyone wanting a stellar, gig-ready bass that nobody else at the show will have.

Ships securely packaged and fully insured.