I think the Foundation is such a vastly underrated bass, particularly considering price/ value/ built in the USA- the whole platform (build quality, hardware, electronics, playability and tone) all convey a sense of a bass that should cost much more than it did/ does- at least that’s certainly the case with the pre- 1990’s models.
Mine is a bit different (I've owned it for several years, but if anyone here is responsible for it’s backstory please chime in as I have no idea who, where or when): at some point a previous owner had this pristine 1987 model professionally modified including a Bartolini NSTMB 18 preamp with volume, balance, concentric bass/treble, mid (all EQ are boost/cut) and 3-way mid-EQ frequency shift switch. I don’t know how long ago this preamp was on the market, it’s no longer listed on the Bartolini site but a google search turned up an old description of it on a builder’s website (Dave King in Portland Or):
“This is Bill Bartolini's latest and most refined design. It is as quiet as anything out there (106 dB S/N) and really sounds good. To quote from the spec. sheet "(The bipolar) +9V/ -9V system allows a completely DC coupled signal path. There are no capacitors to diminish in any way the low end punch, clarity and frequency response of the instrument" (THD .003% @ 100Hz). Bill has used wide bands that overlap slightly to avoid the honky sound of other midrange controls.” The 250Hz mid could be useful as a cut option when recording. Includes a gain trimmer to match outputs with your other axes. Needs two 9V batteries".PJ described the Foundation as “kinda like a J bass on steroids”, and describing this one as a Deluxe J bass on steroids isn’t far off the mark- although it’s actually better than that in just about every regard. I'm definitely no expert on installing preamps and it would never have occurred to me to combine the stock passive Super Ferrite pickups with an 18v Bartolini active circuit... but whoever did, it was a stroke of genius- this is a mod I can highly recommend! The tonal versatility and power of this thing is unbelievable! It is easily right up there with some of the best sounding active basses I own.
The black pearloid pickguard and back plates were a nice added touch of class too. Have any of you guys ever made any changes on yours?
But it does illustrate that the stock Foundation- despite its great sound and build quality- was a fairly mundane utilitarian looking instrument. Perhaps that had an impact on it's market perception? Imo adding that pearloid treatment elevated this one to a new level aesthetically!