A friend of mine has had this for years, no serial, no model or even manufacturer anywhere on the bass. The tuners have been replaced, but maybe the headstock is a clue. Also, the pickups are original and very unique. The knobs have been replaced, but the knob configuration is not typical of a Hofner or copy. Any help would be appreciated.
Rooster, I don't know what to tell you. The bass definitely looks Japanese but I have no idea who built it. That headstock shape is unique and is the key to identifying the builder; I just haven't seen that shape on any Hofner copies I've looked at so far. I'll keep an eye out, it's bound to turn up sooner or later.