Author Topic: Samurai, at last  (Read 399 times)

ilan

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Samurai, at last
« on: March 27, 2024, 05:23:06 AM »
Just bought this yesterday from a friend who got it off eBay two months ago, but now has a better use for the money towards a vintage Fender Rhoads. So, meet my new c.1966-68 Yamaha SB-5A "Samurai bass" in pearl white.

The guy who bought the same bass twice — first in 1977 and again in 2023

Basvarken

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2024, 06:52:11 AM »
Nice score! Congrats

Pilgrim

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2024, 09:15:23 AM »
Very classy!
"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any other invention with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."

morrow

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2024, 10:49:43 AM »
You got an original! I have a yellow reissue , they’re 34 instead of 32.

A friend described them to me as being like a Jazz bass on steroids. And they are. I think of them as a Japanese surf bass. I like mine a lot. They’re also kind of shaped like an upside down Ric. But the body is much rounder. Congratulations … they are fun things.

Dave W

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2024, 04:07:27 PM »
Nice! And better than a Fender Rhodes.

morrow

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2024, 05:00:55 AM »

gearHed289

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2024, 07:31:42 AM »
Nice score! Looks great.

Pilgrim

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2024, 12:57:52 PM »
"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any other invention with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."

Chris P.

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2024, 04:12:24 PM »
Super cool! I used to have a sunburst one. A small bass!

amptech

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2024, 02:53:58 AM »
Soooo nice. And White! Always wanted one, this doesn't help  ;D

BTL

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2024, 05:48:39 AM »
Congrats, those always looked like fun!

morrow

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #11 on: April 25, 2024, 05:22:33 AM »


A blue reissue Samurai recently popped up on our local kijiji , initially asking a market price. Nobody moved on it. Yesterday it went to our L&M , the big music retailer in Canada , and a friend there called to say one was in and was set aside in case I wanted it. Very good price.
I couldn’t resist , and am very grateful that I came to mind when it came in. I’ll pick it up this morning.

ilan

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #12 on: April 25, 2024, 10:38:06 AM »
Nice! Any neck dive? Mine is a 1967, medium scale, I wouldn't call it a neck diver but it's not perfectly balanced so I'm using a counterweight at the body end. Yours is a long scale.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2024, 05:14:55 AM by ilan »
The guy who bought the same bass twice — first in 1977 and again in 2023

morrow

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #13 on: April 25, 2024, 11:59:52 AM »


Mine are 34 in scale , the reissue made in Singapore. I just put on a strap and raised both arms above my head , it’s perfectly balanced. I have Thomastik flats on the yellow one , the blue has some older rounds , I’m liking how they sound. The blue one is in surprising shape , one tiny ding on the headstock , and one more by the output jack. I’ve been playing around with the setup. It’s feeling really good.
I’m feeling very thankful that my name came up when it arrived in the shop. It did not make it to the floor. They just set it aside with my name on it.
These are mid weight , slightly on the lighter side. The necks are comfortable , they’re well balanced similar to a Jazz bass , maybe slightly more aggressive. They are fine basses. Fender style bridges , easy and fast to set up. They sound good. I like ‘em despite mostly playing short scale basses these days.


Dave W

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Re: Samurai, at last
« Reply #14 on: April 25, 2024, 10:11:24 PM »
Congrats! I love that blue.