A true piece of Matsumoku history. This Vantage VS-650B, built in April 1980 at the famed Matsumoku factory in Japan, represents the golden era of Japanese craftsmanship. Known as the “Witch Bass,” it was Vantage’s take on a Precision-style instrument, but with the precision build quality and attention to detail that Matsumoku is renowned for.
• Construction: Solid ash body with natural lacquer finish, bolt-on 3-piece maple neck, rosewood fingerboard.
• Scale: 34” full scale, 20 frets.
• Electronics: One powerful split-coil pickup with volume and tone controls.
• Hardware: Heavy-duty Japanese bridge and tuners, chrome hardware.
These early Matsumoku-built Vantages have earned cult status among players and collectors, often described as “the poor man’s Alembic” for their natural wood looks, rock-solid feel, and vintage tone. The VS-650B is straightforward and reliable — warm, punchy, and stage-ready.
A great opportunity to own an all-original Matsumoku-era Vantage at a fraction of the price of comparable Fender or Aria models.