The VintAxe Guitar Forum

[DriftHappy]

I picked this Apollo Bass up a while back. Its in amazing shape. I pretty much no nothing about these older Japanese axes. It looks alot like an ARIA A-200 but there are some differences. Trying to get an idea on the year, model, value, etc... Any info to contribute would be appreciated, guys.

Thanks!!












_________________
'91 Ibanez RG550 (Candy Apple)
'92 Ibanez RG550 Custom (Walnut)
'04 Ibanez RG7321 (Black)
'89 Fender HM Strat (Salmon Pink)
etc....

[VintAxe]

Hi DriftHappy,

I can't put an exact date on your bass but my best guess would be 1970-72.

The reason your bass looks alot like an Aria is because Apollo, Aria, Electra and others during this era were all being made by Matsumoku in Japan.

The bridge cover is the reason I think your Jazz Bass is an earlier rather than a later model. By 1973, all the Matsumoku Jazz bass copies I have seen are true copies, down to the Jazz ashtray bridge cover. In fact, in the 1971 Aria catalog, all the Jazz basses already have the ashtray cover, only the Tele Bass still has the telecaster style cover that is on your bass.

Here is a Jazz Bass on the Electra site that looks pretty similar to yours although the picture is so small it is hard to see much detail:

http://www.rivercityamps.com/electra/2271.php

There is a Forum for players that love Matsumoku produced instruments at:

http://www.matsumoku.org/ggboard/index.php

There are some very knowledgeable guys that browse that Forum, they might be able to provide some useful information as well. I think the bridge cover and those pickup switches will be key to getting a more accurate ID on your bass. As far as value you you are probably looking at something around $300. Shiploads of Matsumoku Jazz Bass copies were imported into the States.

[DriftHappy]

Much appreciated on the info!!!
_________________
'91 Ibanez RG550 (Candy Apple)
'92 Ibanez RG550 Custom (Walnut)
'04 Ibanez RG7321 (Black)
'89 Fender HM Strat (Salmon Pink)
etc....