Telestar Hollowbody Bass Guitar

[seahorse_audio]

Hello. I just picked up an old bass the other day, and I was wondering if anyone could help me date it, or give any kind of information whatsoever.

Its an (old) Telestar bass - hollow body (almost shaped like an epihpone casino in alot of respects)

I've been unable to find any real information on it, and if anyone knows anything, I'd appreciate learning.

[wietse]

nice!!
looks to me kawai made, the pu's are very similar in design to those they used on their guitars in the 70's.
the fretmarkers are similar to those on my kay widlwood hollowbody, also kawai, and that loose controlplate is also a typical thing they used to do.

[Bob K]

That's a cool looking bass!!

[VintAxe]

Hi seahorse,

Looks like wieste is right again. It is made by Kawai and is pictured in a catalog page reproduced in the book Bizarre Guitars of the 60's. Looks like the model was K7 and it had 2 sister models: the K6 was a one pickup version and the K8 was a shorter neck version. The catalog isn't dated but it is probably later 60's. sb

[Big Beat]

Yes, definitely Kawai-made, '69 -'70 or so.

[Dusty]

That sure is a looker! With a finger AND a thumb rest.
I love the Hang Ten sticker on the tailpiece too.

How's it play/sound?

I've played an old bandmates Harmony that was similar and it had a great woody/dry tone to it. It was a single PU.