This guitar is a commission sale. If you have a high-end or vintage guitar you are interested in selling please contact us.
Here for sale we have a Westone Thunder I Electric Bass in Natural Gloss finish. Made in the Matsumoku plant in Japan, this guitar is part of a well-regarded era in the Japanese production of guitars, with many brands having instruments manufactured by the Matsumoku company due to their excellent build quality. This was largely thanks to the combined use of CNC machines and skilled labour to complete the instruments. Guitars of this era are quite easily recognised by their similar appearance and 3-pc necks. Other brands produced by Matsumoku include Aria Pro II & Westbury.
Built in 1983, this bass consists of a Laminated Ash/Maple/Walnut body, a 3-piece Maple neck, and a 20-fret Rosewood fingerboard. Other appointments include Gold hardware, a 4-saddle top-loading bridge, and sealed die-cast tuners. The pickup installed is a split-coil single coil pickup that is wired to a master volume and a master tone.
The 3pc Maple neck plays exceptionally well, with a profile which might be described as a moderately-sized 'D' shape. With a slightly flattened area to the centre of the profile, the neck encourages ergonomic thumb positioning in all fingerboard positions. The Gloss finish to the rear of the neck assists with smooth navigation of the 34" scale, whilst the through-neck construction and generous double cutaways enhance access to the upper register. The Rosewood of the fretboard is pleasant under the fingers, providing a smooth and durable playing surface.
The Split Single-Coil pickup installed in this guitar delivers great fundamental bass tone as soon as you plug the instrument in. The low end is thick and full-bodied, ensuring that your bass playing fills out the mix nicely. The mids are punchy and clear, whilst the sparkly top end captures all the spank and attack of your playing, keeping you in the front of the mix. The simple controls offer comprehensive control of your tone without over-complicating things.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Westone Thunder I Natural Gloss 1983 Electric Bass
Brand- Westone
Model- Thunder I
Finish- Natural Gloss
Year- 1983
Made In- Japan
Body- Laminated Ash/Maple/Walnut
Neck- 3-pc Maple
Neck Profile- 'D'
Fingerboard- Rosewood
Frets- 20
Scale Length- 34"
Nut Width- 1.615"
Pickups- Single Split Coil Pickup
Controls- Volume, Tone
Luthier Report
Our ID: 1120526208004
Weight: 9.25lbs
Serial: 3072579
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall very good condition. All aspects of the headstock display light to mild indentations, the most apparent of these can be seen to the top edges where the finish has lightly chipped exposing the wood beneath. Light to mild discoloration is present to all aspects of the headstock, the most noticeable of these can be seen on the front face surrounding the tuning machines.
Neck: Overall very good condition. Light indentations are present to the rear of the neck across the register, the most apparent of these can be seen to the 2nd fret which also displays light discoloration. The Satin finish to the rear of the neck has been polished to a Gloss finish through regular past use.
Body: Overall very good condition. Light to moderate indentations are present to all aspects of the body, the most apparent of these can be seen scattered across the rear face most prominently to the bass side horn, these can be consistent with buckle rash. The Satin finish in high contact areas has been polished to a Gloss finish through regular past use, this is most apparent to the rear face waist contour and front face arm contour. Light to mild scratching is present to all aspects of the body which can be seen under direct light.
Condition of Frets:
The frets demonstrate very light signs of use, not affecting playability. Very light denting and flattening of the frets is apparent throughout the register.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (5mm hex) not included.
Hardware: Overall good condition. All aspects of the metal hardware display light to moderate tarnishing and oxidation, this is most apparent to the bridge consistent with past use.
Structural: No concerns or issues to note.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret-2mm - Bass 2.5mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
Strings on Guitar - 45-100
This guitar demonstrates mild fret noise to the G string in the higher register which is not apparent when amplified. This noise does not affect sustain of notes, nor does it affect bending the notes. The new owner may choose to raise the action to alleviate this.
Electrics: Fully functional.
Case & AccessoriesUnbranded hard case.
Overall very good condition and fully functional. Part of the lining to the interior has pulled away exposing the wood beneath, this can be seen near where the headstock is situated.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.