Bacchus Handmade Standard-4 Black Oil 2004
Bacchus Standard-4, black oil, made in Japan 2004. We love Bacchus basses around here, they're such great instruments. Bacchus kicked off in 1998, under the Deviser Co umbrella, offering vintage-style models, made completely by hand to the local Japan market. This one is a mid-00s Handmade series, so these were pretty high end in their day; with a list price of ¥189000, this cost around triple the asking price for a normal Fender Japan Jazz Bass. That means you get super classy woodwork: amazing ash for the body, super tight maple and some excellent ebony for the neck, all dialed and finished to a very high standard. It's very enjoyable to play: the neck is quick, it balances nicely, and the natural resonance and responsiveness is exemplary. The black oil finish has faded and rubbed around the edges like a favourite pair of jeans; it looks super cool. The tone is Jazz Bass-ish, but with a modern twist via the active preamp: clear, fat, articulate, growly, immediate. This is a a brilliant bass, it delivers the goods.
Model: Bacchus Handmade Standard-4
Made: Japan, 2005, Aska workshop
Serial: 130358
Finish: black oil
Body: lightweight ash
Neck: maple, ebony fretboard, 34" scale, 38mm nut, 12" radius, slim C to D shape
Weight: 4.520kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Bacchus JB-ALV single coil x2, Bartolini XTCT active preamp
Accessories: basic Bacchus gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge. The is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has rub wear on the horns, scuffs along the belly carve, back edge and elbow area and some rub wear on the bottom edge. The sides have dimples and rub wear around the whole body, no major marks. The front has a bald patch above the bridge pickup, scuffs around the knobs, dimples along the back edge, rub wear in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
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: 8/10, minor wear only