SOLD 02/2023! Yes, Fender really did this fairly often in the 1970's. It's the real deal and left the factory that way because a customer wanted a black one in a hurry! This is a great bass, loaded with vibe and has majestic tone and a perfectly straight neck. When the Swami says "no dreaded Fender dip" you know he means it! In other words, this bass plays from the first to the last fret with no high (or low) spots or dead notes. You want growl? This bass has more of it than a pack of wolves but it's not overly aggressive or nasal. It's got fat tone and you can dial in just the right amount of 'bark' to cut through the mix. There's some wear on the body and some old residue on the back but this bass has been lovingly used, not abused. Weighs just a tick over 9 1/2 lbs so this is no boat anchor! Oh, it's a true 1978 and not one of those 1982 Fenders assembled at the factory with old parts. Includes the original molded Fender case that's in decent enough shape and is not warped or cracked.