Pre Loved Westone Thunder II Bass Guitar inc Gig Bag MIJ

This pre loved Westone Thunder II bass is a vintage Japanese-made 4-string electric bass, built between 1981-1982 during the highly regarded Matsumoku era and is known for excellent build quality, durable materials, and versatile electronics. It is in good condition but has several scratches, which is to be expected of an instrument of this age.

Construction & Materials

• Body: Solid ash providing a strong fundamental tone with good clarity and sustain.

• Neck: Neck-through or set-neck construction using laminated maple and walnut, which improves stability and sustain.

• Fingerboard: Ebony fingerboard with distinctive snowflake inlays.

• Scale Length: Typically 34", the standard full-scale length for electric bass.

Electronics & Controls

The Thunder II bass was produced in several versions with different electronics:

• Dual pickups with active electronics, offering extensive tone shaping. 

This flexibility allows the bass to cover styles ranging from classic rock and funk to more modern sounds.

Hardware

• Bridge & Nut: Brass hardware, contributing to sustain and a bright, focused attack.

• Tuners: Heavy-duty tuners typical of high-quality Japanese instruments from the era.

• Finishes: Natural

Playability & Tone

• The neck-through design provides excellent sustain and smooth access across the fingerboard.

• The bass is known for a clear, punchy low end with strong midrange definition.

• Some examples are relatively heavy, but generally well balanced when played standing.

Player & Collector Appeal

Made in Japan during a period often regarded as a golden age of instrument manufacturing, the Westone Thunder II bass is sought after by players and collectors who value vintage craftsmanship, distinctive styling, and tonal versatility without the cost of comparable American-made instruments.

Summary

The Westone Thunder II bass (MIJ) is a solidly built 1980s instrument featuring quality woods, flexible electronics, and classic Matsumoku craftsmanship. It remains a reliable and characterful bass for both stage and studio use.