This made-in-Japan instrument (a 'lawsuit' copy of a Rickenbacker® 4001® bass) would have been made in the 1970s. Kasuga were apparently contracted by Tokai during the height of the 'lawsuit' era, as they were the only guitar factory (Gakki) that were up to Tokai's high standards. A joint venture was established between Tokai USA and Kasuga called Kasuga International. In 1972, Kasuga guitars began to be sent to America and later to Europe. Guitars were mostly 'lawsuit' copies of the most popular Gibson®, Fender®, and Martin® acoustic and electric solid body designs.

The era it copies is the 'checkered binding' era which ran from 1964 until the early 1970s. This copy is not entirely accurate, as the bass has a bolt-on neck and a single mono output jack, but in many other respects it is remarkably well-detailed.

This bass is in superb, almost unplayed condition. There are some marks on the back of the body, and a chip here and there, but that's about it. There is otherwise virtually no play wear on this superb guitar at all. The bass weighs 4.5kg (9.9 pounds). There is no case with this one, so it will be shipped securely boxed.

These Japanese copies are becoming extremely collectable and sought-after in their own right, as the vigilance by Rickenbacker International Corporation in protecting their trademarks has ensured that no more copies have been made for many years.

Sold to Greg in Canada