Mystery Japanese EB-0 bass copy. Help, please!

[JohnRedcorn]

I purchased this used in 1993. I've seen others with similar features and identical hardware over the years (including a "Jadee" EB-2 style bass I picked up a couple of years ago for fun) but never another just like it. Does anyone have any idea as to which factory it may have come from? It's been a burning question I've had for 2 decades. Thanks!

PS sorry for the fuzzy photos. The grain of the body doesn't really come through well unless the screen is tilted a little.

[JohnRedcorn]

Three more shots.

[VintAxe]

Hi John and welcome to the Forum.

As you are aware, this is a difficult task since many Japanese companies copied EB-O basses. At first look it has several qualities in common with some Fujigen EB-O's but as you have already observed, not quite a match.

Let's start by figuring out a date. Can you remove the control cover on the back and take a clear photo of the pot codes?

Finding any other marking on the bottom of the bridge, pups etc. would be useful, but I understand if you don't want to do that type of disassembly. Japanese copies of Gibson's are some of the most difficult guitars to research and any information helps.

[JohnRedcorn]

Hello and thanks for the response! I'm attaching a couple of photos of the cavity and pots. The inked labeling came through pretty clear. I also popped them out and the only pressed markings I could find on either was a "3" on each casing that appears to denote the #3 solder lug that it's next to. I've had the whole thing apart over the years and have never found any kind of markings on the hardware. When I refretted it about 15 years ago (repair tech and builder) I didn't find anything in the neck pocket either. I can't believe I didn't think of dating the pots though, of course! Thanks again for your help!

[VintAxe]

Good photos John.

Of course Japanese pot codes are not nearly as well documented as American pots but they do give us a chance. I'll look into the codes over the holiday. If you discover anything before then let us know.

I'm confident we can figure this out