Vintage Ideal Japanese Violin Bass – Rare Greenburst Finish – Working Electronics – Restoration Opportunity
Some vintage guitars deserve to be brought back to life. This is one of them.
There’s something special about vintage Japanese instruments, particularly the unusual designs and finishes that came out of Japan during the 1960s and 1970s. This beautiful Ideal violin-style electric bass is a wonderful example of that era’s creativity, character, and distinctive styling.
Finished in a striking green-to-black sunburst, this bass immediately stands apart from the more familiar brown and tobacco sunburst violin basses. The deep emerald green center, contrasting black edges, aged cream binding, chrome-covered pickups, and classic violin-shaped body give it an unmistakable vintage personality.
And here’s the important part: the electronics work.
This isn’t simply a decorative piece or a completely nonfunctional project. The electronics have been tested and are functioning, making this an especially interesting candidate for someone who enjoys restoring and preserving vintage instruments.
An opportunity for the right vintage guitar enthusiast
This bass has clearly lived a life, and I’m offering it exactly as it sits rather than attempting to restore its cosmetics.
The finish displays extensive checking, scratches, chips, and general age-related wear. The cream binding has yellowed over time, with areas of deterioration and separation along the body edges. Some areas show visible gaps at the body edge, as documented in the photographs. The black neck finish also shows wear.
These are genuine condition issues, and I want the next owner to understand them clearly.
For someone who appreciates vintage Japanese guitars, however, this is an opportunity to acquire an eye-catching instrument and decide how far to take the restoration.
You could preserve its well-worn vintage appearance, address the deteriorating binding, or undertake a more complete cosmetic refurbishment.
The distinctive greenburst finish makes this an especially appealing candidate.
Japanese manufacture and identification
The metal neck plate is stamped Made in Japan.
The instrument also bears the identification number 03957 on the rear. This number is documented for reference, although its designation as a model number or serial number has not been independently verified.
The exact manufacturing year and model designation are also unconfirmed. The instrument is believed to date from approximately the late 1960s to early 1970s.
Condition and functionality
The electronics have been tested and are working.
This is an unrestored vintage instrument being offered in its present condition. It has not received a comprehensive professional structural inspection or restoration. The body-edge gaps and binding deterioration have not been diagnosed, and additional setup or maintenance may be necessary.
The instrument is sold as-is, with all known visible cosmetic issues disclosed. Please examine the detailed photographs carefully, particularly the body edges, binding, and finish.
Highlights
* Vintage Ideal violin-style electric bass
* Made in Japan
* Estimated late 1960s–early 1970s
* Distinctive green-to-black sunburst finish
* Classic violin-shaped body
* Four-string configuration
* Two chrome-covered pickups
* Two rotary controls and three slide switches
* Floating wooden bridge
* Vintage trapeze-style tailpiece
* Aged cream body binding
* Metal neck plate stamped Made in Japan
* Rear identification number: 03957
* Electronics tested and functioning
* Extensive vintage finish checking and cosmetic wear
* Binding deterioration and visible body-edge separation
* Offered in unrestored, as-is condition
* Ideal for a vintage guitar enthusiast or restoration project
A vintage Japanese bass with real personality and plenty of potential.
If you enjoy bringing unusual older instruments back to life, this greenburst violin bass offers an opportunity to own something genuinely distinctive.
Carefully photographed, honestly represented, and ready for its next chapter.