Profile Black Magic P-Bass

[mikedem]

Hey Gents,

Long time no see. I picked up a new bass tonight and I know there are some japanese guitar experts around here... (ahem BARRY ehem)

Its a mid 80's Profile Black Magic P-Bass. The guy just refinished it but had pictures of the old battered and scratched body before he started. He did a hell of a job on it.
Real nice job and it plays great. All that's left of its heritage is the neck plate with Made in Japan on it. As you can see it has the Fender Style headstock on it as well.
Any info fellas? Some say it may have been a matsumoku brand but I dont know. To think I was going to pick up a Squier to do some recording with!! This thing feels the real deal.
Whether it is or not - feels good, plays good and sounds great but as always trying to find some history of these.

Here she is

[charles]

It certainly looks the part, but it can be hart to tell with P-bass copies (there are so darn many of them). Hopefully Barry will have some insight.

[Barry]

Jeez, don't be calling me an expert or I'll have to raise my rates!

Actually, Frenchy's your guy here. He's not only a collector but a bass player too. And he has an extensive collection with meticulous documentation to boot. I have enough trouble with guitars.

Profile does not ring a bell with me but it's quite possible that this was made by Uncle Mats, or possibly FugiGen. There's not too much to go by except for the general build quality and little things like the brass nut and those red dot position markers (I have a feeling they may be the biggest clue) But those are not exclusive features , and many MIJ instruments had these. Original finish might have also held a clue.

Frenchy has been away from all his usual Forums for some time now, he's likely busy with work.,so it could be some time before he finds this post. You might try PM'ing him or emailing.

[mikedem]

Thanks guys. The original finish was all, black, even the neck and headstock and was rough by the pictures I saw.
Regardless of who made it and what it was /is, it seems to play nice. Of course what do I know about basses?

It will be a recording only bass, if I can actually play it. Lol

$100 with the case, couldn't pass that up.....well that wasn't asking price but cash in hand offer 20 minutes after it goes up for sale helped.