By the time this bass was built, the Matsumoku plant in Japan had become Nanbu Park, and the remaining stock of parts had been transferred to Korea to continue production. The ASB range was a medium scale offering, and had the spirit of the older SB models, but has been largely forgotten as the Integra range took over.
 
These ASB models are too good to overlook - they feel and play like the older MIJ guitars. This one had certainly been busy - the bodywork is very worn, but doesn't detract from looking great from the audience.
 
The fun starts with the switching. 2 stealthy S-1 switches for master volume and master tone. When both are unactivated, the bass operates as a traditional PJ style with the 3-way toggle. With the Tone control S-1 activated, the phase of the Precision unit is reversed to get that nasal tone that you think you'll never use, but always do. With the Volume control S-1 pressed, a whole new world appears. The 2 pick-ups are connected in series, but the D and G strings are in reverse phase. If the Tone control S-1 is activated, the phase reversal is swapped to the E and A strings. Witchcraft? No, just having the maximum fun with what tones a PJ is capable of producing.
 
The video demo is very necessary, obviously. This bass will make a fine work-horse, and bass solos will take on a whole new character with the series/phase options. A little mad? Yes, but a whole lot of fun.