Yamaha SB-2A Flying Samurai Bass Pearl Blue 1966

Yamaha SB-2A Flying Samurai Bass Pearl Blue 1966

Yamaha SB-2A, pearl blue, made in Japan1966. The Flying Samurai of guitars and basses were among Yamaha's first ever electric instruments. The shape is wildly original: there's shades of Mosrite and Fender, but really these are a beast all their own. 60s era Japan made stuff isn't always made with perfect precision, but this is beautifully executed; excellent woodwork, quirky but impressive hardware, well finished... some stuff from this era by Teisco or Guyatone feels a little unrefined, but this is super classy and feels very convincing in the  hands. The pickup is fairly hot, and being placed so far up towards the neck, this does one sound best: fat, thumpy, doomy growl. It's got a tuneful and punchy fundamental note and an abundance of lows and low mids, with just enough snap on the top end when you dig to keep things percussive and pleasing. The bridge has been replaced: there's some extra holes left behind, but from a functional perspective, this is easy to adjust and nicely intonated; life is good. I'm a huge fan of these original Samurai models, and I reckon they're a fun little investment too. It's unreasonably cool.

Model: Yamaha SB-2A
Made: Japan, 1966, Nippon Gakki factory
Serial: 2596
Finish: pearl blue, gloss poly
Body: nato
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 31.5" scale, 10.5" radius, 42mm nut, moderate C shape
Weight: 3.675kg
Mods: bridge replaced, thumb rest moved
Pickups: Yamaha single coil
Accessories: brand new DCM hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples and scuffs on the end and edges, as well as some dimples on the back and front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some bald patches from play on the back only. The back has dimples on the horns, around the neck plate and in the elbow area, as well as widespread minor scuffs around the whole body. The sides have dimples on the top horn, dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and back edge, and some dimples near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has scuffs along the top side and elbow area, dents and scratches along the back edge, dimples near the jack and some extra holes from the previous bridge visible, as well as play wear on the guard and horns. The cap on  the tone knob is missing.
Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only