Why is it that “B-grade” things get people so excited?
It’s the “cheapness” shared by B-grade food, fashion, and movies. This sense of cheapness speaks to people’s instincts—it’s not about good or bad, but rather a sensory element of “soul food” that stirs up a sense of whether something is to one’s taste or not.
“B-grade” refers to items that are considered second-rate—or those that aren’t highly regarded by the general public but have a dedicated following—when top-tier or widely acclaimed items in a given field are classified as “A-grade.” Perhaps the key lies in the atmosphere.
The world of musical instruments also has its own “B-class” category, known as “Bizarre.”
Bizarre instruments, which embody a worldview distinct from mainstream brands—the term “bizarre” meaning “eccentric” in French—are categorized as B-class instruments.
Their charm is evident in their unpretentious sound and endearing designs.
The term “bizarre” is believed to originate from the Italian word “bizzarro,” which was adopted in the United States via Latin-based languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
The prevailing theory is that the term “Bizarre” as applied to musical instruments derives from the subculture magazine *BIZARRE MAGAZINE*, published in the 1940s.
In the worlds of fashion, accessories, and culture, the Bizarre aesthetic—born from unconventional ideas—continues to spark underground creativity.
Within the Japanese musical instrument industry,Aoi Onpa Research Institute—the predecessor to Teisco, which was established in 1964—actively manufactured electric musical instruments starting in the 1940s, leaving behind many masterpieces that made full use of electrical circuits. This treasure trove of ideas, produced in the 1960s, continues to exert an influence even 50 years later as “vintage bizarre.”
In the world of musical instruments in Japan, the Aoi Sound Wave Research Institute—the predecessor to Teisco, which was established in 1964—actively manufactured electric instruments starting in the 1940s, producing many masterpieces that made full use of electrical circuits. These instruments, created in the 1960s and serving as a treasure trove of ideas, continue to exert an influence even 50 years later as “vintage bizarro” instruments.
List Price at Time of Release: 21,000 yen
Teisco EB200/NB-4
The NB-4, which was spectacularly unveiled on May 20, 1964, with a list price of 21,000 yen at the time of release, is well known for being used by Chosuke Ikariya (in light blue) of the Drifters in the film *The Young Master of the Electric Guitar*, starring Yuzo Kayama.
| Fingerboard: Rosewood; Weight: 4.5 kg |
List Price at Release: 23,000 yen
Teisco TB-64
The TB-64, a baritone guitar also released as the YB-6—an OEM model produced for Yamaha—had a list price of 23,000 yen at the time of its release.
| Body: Lauan; Neck: Lauan; Fingerboard: Rosewood |
| From left to right |
List Price at Release: 23,000 yen
Teisco KB-2
List price at the time of release: Unknown
Teisco EB-BASS TYPE
List price at time of release: 9,050 yen
Teisco BS-101
List Price at Time of Release: 32,000 yen
Teisco EBX-200
List Price at Time of Release: 17,000 yen
Teisco BA-2
Yamaha, a company that has mass-produced many masterpieces, is also brimming with creativity. Founded in the late 1800s as the predecessor to its current name, it began manufacturing electric basses in the 1960s. Even through the numerous model changes of its flagship SB bass, the beauty that could only be expressed through its unfinished nature helped forge the iconic myth of the early SB basses; even today, there are models that stand out and shine with a distinct, bizarre aesthetic.
List price at time of release in 1968: 45,000 yen
YAMAHA SB-5A
| Neck: Maple; Fingerboard: Rosewood; Body: Katsura |
List price at time of release in 1968: 45,000 yen
YAMAHA SB-5A
| Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Body: Katsura |
List price at time of release in 1966: 37,000 yen
YAMAHA SB-2
| Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Body: Katsura |
List price at time of release in 1968: 33,000 yen
YAMAHA SB-2A
| Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Body: Katsura |
I suppose you could say it’s truly “soul food” for the senses.
The quality of instruments labeled as “bizarre” is by no means high.
However, their intuitive coolness and sound sometimes captivate certain people, and this very cheapness is irresistible, evoking a sense of endearing charm. In 1960s Japan, there were such “bizarre” Basses that remain popular even today.
Although I am still a novice, I look forward to the arrival and introduction of Japanese-made Samurai Basses from the 1960s that I have yet to see.
Thank you very much for reading this “Domestic Samurai Bass: The Bizarre Edition” all the way to the end. Please note that the instrument manufacturers and models introduced here are limited to those produced in Japan during the 1960s.
In this world of “bizarre” instruments—which isn’t appreciated by everyone—tastes vary from person to person.
I’m still learning, but I hope this has been of some help to you.
When it comes to soul food, there’s a restaurant I’ve been going to for 25 years, ever since I was in middle school.
I think the impact something has on you as a teenager can stay with you for a lifetime.
It’s an unforgettable flavor—please give it a try if you’d like.
