Eko Model 995 Violin Bass Model Electric Bass Guitar (1965), made in Recanati, Italy, serial # 93476, sunburst polyester finish, laminated maple body, laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original black chipboard case.
One of the enduring 1960's oddball bass designs and an American garage band favorite (although of course made in Italy!). While obviously influenced by the Hofner Beatle Bass' success, Eko created a much flashier and in some ways more practical instrument to a similar template. For some reason this model was extremely popular in Los Angeles around 1966- this style bass was used by used by Love, the Standells, the Music Machine, the Grass Roots, Doug Lubhan (the Doors satellite bassist) and many others. This is a very early example (one of the oldest of this style we have seen) and extremely well preserved. Some unusual early features include a truss rod adjustment at the headstock, pearloid-button tuners, pickups that are the earliest style with multiple magnet poles, and the bridge is a compensated wooden unit seen in the introductory '65 catalog. A superb example of a very cool bass and a bonafide 60's Garage Band classic!
Overall length is 44 1/4 in. (112.4 cm.), 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 29 1/2 in. (749 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). Very fine overall; there is some of the typical checking to the polyester finish these Recanati-made instruments often display but very little actual play wear. Two large finish flakes on the heel by the neck joint is the only real flaw. All original, no alterations, a very cool and early example of this oddball classic, a fine player complete with the original SSC. Overall Excellent Condition.
