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| Here is a very interesting and original Coltone bass, made in Japan in the early 1960s. Teisco is a name applied by one of the importers of Teisco (MIJ), and is probably unique to Australia. Some time back Grouse Guitars sold a very nice little Coltone valve amplifier which can be seen by clicking here. The original case that came with this bass is definitely Australian. It is a Stamford case, a brand which became synonymous with imported instruments in the 1960s, when even Fender guitars and basses were sold new in Australia with locally made cases (Stamford's factory was in Chatswood, Sydney) due to the prohibitively high duties that applied to imported cases. This MIJ short-scale (a guitar-like 627mm, or 24.7 inches) is a hoot. Tune it up a few semitones (G works well) and you have a very differently-voiced - and fun - bass. This vintage bass also has its original Gold Foil pickup. The pickups are obviously very closely modelled on 1950s 'Gold Foil' DeArmond pickups, and the Teisco versions are sought after in their own right. Ry Cooder, a long-time fan of vintage Teisco guitars, is a passionate user of Gold Foil Teiscos in his long recording career, and on playing this bass I can see why. The sound is amazing! Very powerful, very detailed, and very individual.
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