LeftyBassist.com

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Left-Hande ... 2030255113

I think I would love this one with a different pick guard.

I have that same model. I got it direct from Ishibashi Music back before Fender pulled the plug on them selling new Fender Japan basses to US customers. It plays nice, sounds terrific. I swapped out the white pick guard for a righty "gold" anodized which I mounted reversed. It fit except a couple of holes didn't line up, no big deal. Also added a tug bar. Now it looks great and pretty authentic. Not gonna fool any experts but from a distance...

Tim,

Many Thanks for Posting, this is one of two basses on the must have list, I purchased this AM and I will advise once it is received. I am going to order the Gold Anodized Pick Guard now for Fender Japan Basses. I have a White 57 RI from Fender Japan that I love and this two tone burst will fit in the collection nicely. Again thanks for posting, as not sure I would have seen this in ebay quick enough.

Thanks,
Bob
PS: It always feels a little less guilty purchasing a bass the day after Fathers Day!

You're welcome! I'm glad my compulsive shopping can help others

Dang you beat me to it.....If it doesn't work out for you PM me.

All,

I was shocked when I purchased Monday 8AM (EDT) and it arrived via UPS from Japan on Wed 10AM, two days from 1/2 way around the globe is amazing. That to advise from ADSR and Wolf, I mounted a gold pickguard and it really shines. This is an amazing bass, I have a 57P from Japan in White and this bass is just as amazing. I have been on the hunt for this bass for about 6 years!
Thanks again for all your help on the pickguard and for Tim for posting.

You gotta love nearly instant gratification. That's a real beauty. I bet she sounds as awesome as she looks. Congrats!

Is that one made out of basswood?

Happy to help. Looks great! Glad everything came together. I've always been pleased with mine.

So, are the holes on the "correct" side of that pickguard countersunk? Seems to work pretty well mounted lefty. Looks great.

I believe so. That is my only reluctance to buy some of these sweet looking offerings from Japan. It may not make much of a sonic/visual difference, but I just wonder why they make so few instruments out of the traditional alder or ash.

Looks great Bob

I'm right there with ya

Hey BobJ,
Yes when I bought mine from Ishibashi Music it arrived vary fast. In fact my recollection that the transaction went down mid week going into a holiday weekend and it was delivered on that Sunday, caught me completely by surprise.

Bass looks great with the gold guard. Looks like you added the thumb rest too.

In my case Ishibashi included shipping in the final price which was very fair, and there were no other charges. That was about 11 years ago. Curious to know if you had to pay anything beyond the selling price for duty fees, tariffs, etc.

Hi Guys, two items here:

The Pickguard, I got great advise from Wolf whom I emailed as he has several basses with gold pickguards and we both agree there are several places that will cut one for you but it could run up to $100 bucks. In the email Wolf noted " You'll need a drill press with a depth gauge you can set for drilling the correct bevel depth without going too deep and all the way through. Also you if you go a bit too deep but not through the silver under the gold will show around the edges of the screws. Just drill a little bit at a time until you're at the right depth and then lock the gauge. I kept mine just a hair higher than the righty side to be safe and it worked fine." This worked out for me, at work we have a medium size machine shop and the guys there did it for me using the advise above.

Taxes, Tarriff's. Sometime's I do not ask questions. I was ready to have to pay UPS for Import fees however I called them and they noted no charges, I still was ready with a check and cash when they delivered however there was no charge. I don't know why, I figured there should be as in some cases if a product is returning to country of origin there is no case but not with this bass. It is manufactured in Japan and shipped to the US. So I was happy no charges but I did not ask why.

Hi Bob, fantastic job you did there! Both the catch and the pickguard change.
Could you maybe share a close-up shot from the playing perspective (read the side of the pickguard)? I'm curious as how the beveling ended up!

I forgot about the beveling issue on reversing the pickguard, glad you worked that out. On mine I just used a manual drill and beveled the holes carefully by eye. I kept the depth on the conservative side. I also found a sort of compromise rounded flathead screw that didn't need much beveling. Not quite as authentic looking as yours up close but it's fine.

I think because your bass is purchased as used, less rules apply for duty fees, etc. Mine was purchased as a new item so there were more restrictions. Turned out that under a certain amount ($800 USD I think) there were no extra fees so it worked out great for me too. Was curious to know if the rules had gotten any tighter since then, I guess not.

Here's one more, in Scotland. I believe this used to be mine, I think the seller is sblueplanet of this board.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instru ... 1175799475