Sorry, that's a long-winded way of me saying this auction has already finished. This Decca-branded bass had a starting price of 99c and sold for $261.79. It's a Japanese-made instrument, and the seller claims that:
Well, the neck definitely looks Teisco with those inlays along the bass side of the fingerboard. The metal control plate is an interesting shape and incorporates an angled outward output jack (NOT "input jack" - sorry, pet hate of mine) which calls to mind a Strat style output socket mounted upside down and inside out.It is clearly an early product of the Matsumoko (whose Guyatone bass guitars had these pickups as well) and the pre-Kawai owned Teisco guitar factories as it has recognizable parts from each of those plants.
The seller believes that the brand ties in with the Decca records label and that this brand of instruments was primarily produced for sale to small record shops. All of which sound highly feasible, but is conjecture.
Does anyone out there remember the Decca brand or know any more about this?
G L Wilson
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I remember, at age 13, walking by A record shop in Seattle, WA in 1967-68 and along with the many records AND KITSCH for sale, Decca guitars and amps were proudly displayed for sale. At the time I thought they were cheap and flashy compared to the more serious Fender and Gibson products but still, very appealing, charismatic. Now, at 60, I love to play these guitars and am very pleased with the sound and feel - quite comfortable with lively tone. I just acquired an early Kawaii 3 pup and it is wonderful to play and hear. Tonight i won a 1960s Teisco bass, single pup on Ebay - can't wait to play it! Just love these old Japanese guitars!
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