The 1983 models with the soapbar pickup are cool but they don't sound nearly as good as the ones with the P pickup. This is a fine bass with some pedigree attached which I'' discuss below. The alder body is finished in white which has developed a nice patina over the years. The maple neck is very clean and there is very little fret wear. The split pickup has (8) adjustable pole pieces and feeds volume and tone controls. This is a transition model and the bridge, pickguard and neck plate are finished in black with the crinkle finish. I believe 1984 was the first year for crinkle black. To play it is to love it and even at 10 1/2 lbs the compact body is not a chore to wear for extended periods. Comes with the original case

This bass was owned and played by Howard Ridgley who toured with Otis Redding in 1967. Of course, that was 17 years before this bass was made. You'll notice that the pickguard has a small Dakota red Precision Bass stuck to it. That's a 1964 model and it was Howard's main bass in the 1960's and 70'swhen he toured with Otis and his own band The Upsetters. Included with the bass are early photos of him with Otis Redding, promo photos of the Upsetters and a few recent pictures of him playing this very G&L SB-1. I also have a 1986 G&L L5000 from the estate listed on the website.