Maton FB71 Fyrbyrd

Early 1970s Australian made 4 string passive bass. The Maton website says only 35 of these were made, originally selling for $278 AU dollars. Similar to a Fender Mustang in size and general shape, but with a very narrow but chunky neck. Single pickup, volume knob, tone knob, and a three way switch that adds treble, boost mids or boosts bass depending on setting. Mine is sunburst finish, with possibly a rosewood fretboard.

Had this guitar since 1980, and in the bad old days used it with a Fender Bassman 100 watt or Marshall Superbass 100w head into a twin JBL 15 inch Cabinet. Pickup has always been microphonic, and weak on the treble setting, but very punchy on the other settings. The guitar has very little sustain, which is great for the ska, reggae stuff - an authentic early 70s sound.

It's thirty something years old, and showing it - paint peeling back in places, but has no impact on the sound, which is excellent.

I've been playing since 1978, and have 6 basses. I use this one for an old fashioned sound, amd it records best just played with your thumb. It's tone is unique, and given that so few were made, kind of special.