Probably in Japan it is easy to find 32” scale bass guitars. Weird how here they are either 34” or short scale, but medium scale is so rare.
Sandberg has a Configurator tool, so one can choose the specs of the bass, and then you get a code and can order that bass from any dealer. The dealer will place the order with Sandberg and it will take weeks, but you can get what you wanted. Except, apparently the neck is always the same, 34” and the width at the nut seems always the same. It would be awesome if they could make 32” long necks upon request, since the user can choose almost everything else. I suppose they would lose money if they would start making 32” necks if the demand is low. But is the demand low? How can we know for a fact?
So, yes, Japan/Tokyo is an Eldorado for basses (and other stuff). And it’s mainly the fantastic breadth of choices that you find there that makes it so attractive.
However, I would only buy Japanese makes or special issues made-for-the-Japanese-market (Fender MIJ instruments). I.e., stuff that is really hard to find anywhere else.
I would not buy a European-made bass (e.g., Mayones or Sandberg) in Japan, as it would be rather non-sensical (to me) to buy something back into Europe that comes from Europe (and now potentially costs a good deal more on account of taxes and customs and other fees).
So, yes, Bacchus, Momose, Atelier Z, etc. (maybe even Yamaha), but not any of the European brands (even though they might have your dream model hanging on their walls ready to be snatched)
I just love that this thread came up independent from @howard ‘s great work on behalf of visiting bassists the world over.
Nice that we have THE resident expert on the forum.
I would respectfully, and partially, disagree. I bought two American Fenders from there. Imported basses can work out comically cheap because of the exchange rate. My Fenders were pretty much half price.
That said, I do agree with going to Japan and bringing back something locally made and exclusive to the Japanese market, which is why I also bought two hand-made, Japanese customs.
Imagine how the locals would be puzzled if a large group of bass player tourists all wearing the same BassBuzz T-shirt would visit all the Guitar Street shops together! And everyone buying some 5 bass guitars or more. BassBuzz would make the news!
oh that would be ridiculous fun!! My local vintage music shop occasionally brings back 1960s Japanese basses with they visit over there. I really did not need to know that playing them make me giggle like a kid with how beautifully wonderfully weird some of them are.
And everyone buying some 5 bass guitars or more. BassBuzz would make the news!
