1996 Yamaha MB-50 Bass Guitar

You're looking at an excellent condition 1996 Yamaha MB-50 Bass Guitar. The guitar is a fun bass to play and sounds great.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Serial Number: MM19300
• Model: MB-50
• Finish: Black
• Manufactured Date: June 19, 1996
• Manufactured Location:
• Weight: 7lbs 3.5oz
• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple
• Board: Rosewood
• Bridge: YP-06
• Pickups: YBS-F5PC / YBS-F6JC
• Controls: Master Volume, Treble, Bass, Balancer
• Neck Width: 1.5" at Nut / 2.04" at 12th Fret
• Neck Depth: .84" at 1st Fret / .96" at 12th Fret
• Case: Not Included
• Case Candy: Not Included

ABOUT

The Yamaha MB-50 is a bass guitar from the "Motion Bass" series, which was popular in the late 80s and early 90s. This series was known for its compact body shape and medium-scale neck, which made it a good choice for guitarists transitioning to bass or for players who preferred a smaller, more comfortable instrument.

Here are some of the key features and characteristics of the Yamaha MB-50:

Design and Build

• Medium Scale: The MB-50 has a medium scale length, typically around 32 inches. This is shorter than the standard 34-inch long scale, which makes it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.
• Compact Body: The body is a bit smaller and more ergonomic than a standard bass, contributing to the "motion" or easy-to-play design. It's often made of alder or basswood.
• Neck and Fingerboard: The neck is usually maple with a rosewood fingerboard, and the bass has 24 frets. This allows for a wider range of notes and greater versatility.
• Electronics: The MB-50 often features a P/J pickup configuration, which means it has a split-coil "P-style" pickup near the neck and a single-coil "J-style" pickup near the bridge. It also has an active EQ circuit, which gives you more control over your tone. The active electronics and pickup balancer allow for a wide range of sounds, from a flat, clean tone to a boosted, sharp one.

History and Legacy

The Motion Bass series was part of a larger trend in the 1980s for basses that were both visually distinctive and highly playable. Yamaha's history with bass guitars goes back to the 1960s with the "Flying Samurai" series, and their subsequent models, like the popular Broad Bass (BB) series, helped to establish their reputation for quality instruments.

The MB-50, while not as widely known as the BB series or later models, is a solid, well-built instrument. Because of its medium scale and active electronics, it's a versatile bass that can be used for a variety of musical genres.

They are generally well-regarded for their craftsmanship and playability. As a vintage instrument, it may have some cosmetic wear, but the "bones" are typically solid and the instrument will continue to be fully functional.