1982 B.C. Rich Bich 8-string Bass Black Case OHSC Made in USA Real Deal Case Queen

This Bich model 8-string bass is a superb example of the might & majesty that was B.C. Rich in the late 70’s & early 80’s. It is in exceptional condition for its age, with just three very small dings in the finish that are through to the wood – one on the front lower horn, one on the back lower horn, and once on the back edge of the lower curve, which appears to have been finished over in clear. I would grade this instrument as near-mint, but please check the images & judge this for yourself.  

The finish is solid black, but is very thin & almost an “open-pore.” The grain of the wood underneath can be seen from certain viewing angles, although I was not able to capture this on camera due to the reflective properties of the finish.

From the grain patterns, it appears to me that the body wings are Koa with a Maple neck, which was a common combination for this model when they were being produced. The instrument weights 9.5 Lbs.

This is a 30.5” short-scale instrument.  It has a brass nut, Grover Imperial machine heads, Badass bridge, dual DiMarzio Model-P pickups, and the full Moser Bich electronics with dual preamps.  The electronics have been tested & are fully operational, but the Varitone and mini switches could stand to be cleaned.  

The Badass bridge has a fair amount of oxidation on the top that has eaten through the chrome – I find this strange considering how pristine the rest of the instrument is.However, it is fully functional and even the octave strings intonate perfectly – surprising considering that they share saddles with the root strings.

The neck is straight and the frets are in excellent condition. I adjusted the truss rod and the nut is turning in both directions with minimal force.  

Note that there are not anchor screws for the octave string machine heads. There are no drill holes present for these, so I assume that the factory did not deem them necessary.

The instrument plays well and sounds great.  It comes with the original hardshell case which is also in excellent condition with just some tears in the vinyl along the top & bottom edges.

All in all, I feel that this is a collector-grade instrument that is a rare an wonderful find in this day and age.