Ampeg’s Unconventional Masterpiece! The Fretless AMUB-1!
Founded in 1946, Ampeg is widely known as an Bass amplifier brand, but in the 1960s, it also produced numerous unique electric Bass guitars.
This Ampeg original model is commonly known as the “Scroll Bass.”
It is also known for having been used by Rick Danko of The Band, and its enduring popularity is evident from the fact that Ampeg reissued it in the 1990s and other manufacturers produced replicas.
This particular instrument is a 1968 fretless model, the AMUB-1.
It was produced for a very brief period from 1968 to 1969, and it is said that only a few hundred units were manufactured in total, including the fretted AMB-1 model.
It is a rare Bass that is rarely seen on the market today.
The scroll head is modeled after a double bass head—which is also the origin of the “scroll” name. The F-holes run right through the body.
While the design is unique in every way, its sound is highly practical.
Surprisingly, the intonation is clear, and the low end is tight without any muddiness, making it a sound that’s easy to handle even within an ensemble.
The bass has a rich, deep tone that’s surprisingly substantial—hard to believe it’s coming from a single pickup that looks rather flimsy at first glance. Its greatest appeal is the acoustic character, with just the right amount of fullness—somewhere between a solid-body and a hollow-body guitar.
This instrument is in “player’s condition,” having been repaired for cracks in both the headstock and body. Both cracks were properly glued, and there are no issues with playability.
While the Scroll Bass tends to draw attention for its unique looks and rarity, its sound is unmistakably that of a legendary instrument.
Bring it to a jazz session, and it’s sure to turn heads!
[SPEC]
BODY: Maple
NECK: Maple
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
Pickup: Original
CONTROL: Vol (pull: mute)/Tone
WEIGHT: 4.54 kg
SCALE: 34.5”
NUT WIDTH: 40 mm
w/Hardcase (damaged hardware, exterior/interior damage)
*Repair marks from cracks on the headstock and body
*Both the neck and electronics have been serviced by our in-house technician and are in good condition
*Parts have been disassembled and cleaned
[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*As this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on what we were able to determine during our inspection.
Please be aware of this in advance.
[Peace of Mind Service for Online Purchases]
Please take your time to try out the product in the comfort of your own home for 6 days after it arrives.
Even if it’s not quite what you expected… that’s okay.
We’ll refund the purchase price as long as you cover the round-trip shipping costs.
Please feel free to take advantage of this service.
*Comes with a 1-year adjustment warranty—we’ll make sure it’s perfectly adjusted for you.
*Please feel free to contact our staff for more details about the product.
*We offer high buyback prices for items purchased from our store.
Contact: Oda
