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Bass Guitars & Amplification Buying Guide

What to Check on a 1970s Bass Before You Trust the "All Original" Claim

V Rated by Vincent Vandegans · Updated Sep 2026

1970s basses occupy an interesting middle ground in the vintage market — old enough to have real character and history, common enough that genuinely good examples remain findable at reasonable prices, but also old enough that originality claims deserve real scrutiny given fifty years of potential repairs, refinishing, and parts swaps.

The ten basses below are real, currently-listed vintage 1970s instruments, checked for seller reliability and priced against comparable recent sales.

At a Glance — Our Top Picks

Editor's Top Pick
Vintage First Gen 1970s Peavey T-40 T 45 T 20 Bass Guitar Rectangle Case Black

Vintage First Gen 1970s Peavey T-40 T 45 T 20 Bass Guitar Rectangle Case Black

Score 95/100 · $250.00 · Pre-owned

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Best New
1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT

1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT

Score 95/100 · $800.00 · Not specified

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Best Used
Seamoon Funk Machine 1970s Original Vintage Guitar Bass Pedal - Working *Video*

Seamoon Funk Machine 1970s Original Vintage Guitar Bass Pedal - Working *Video*

Score 95/100 · $375.00 · Used

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Top 9 Bass Guitars & Amplifications on eBay & Amazon

Ranked and rated by Vincent Vandegans — verified you can buy.

1

Vintage First Gen 1970s Peavey T-40 T 45 T 20 Bass Guitar Rectangle Case Black

Rating Score: 95/100 · $250.00 Pre-owned

Vintage First Gen 1970s Peavey T-40 T 45 T 20 Bass Guitar Rectangle Case Black Vintage First Gen 1970s Peavey T-40 T 45 T 20 Bass Guitar Rectangle Case Black Vintage First Gen 1970s Peavey T-40 T 45 T 20 Bass Guitar Rectangle Case Black Vintage First Gen 1970s Peavey T-40 T 45 T 20 Bass Guitar Rectangle Case Black
4 photos
Brand
Peavey
Type
Hard Case
Model
Peavey T-60
Country of Origin
United States
  • •Condition: Pre-owned
  • •Seller rating: 99.4% positive (8298 ratings)
  • •eBay Top Rated Seller
  • •Shipping: $65.00
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
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2

Vintage 1970s Made in Japan Bass Guitar Redburst w/ Dual Pickups

Rating Score: 82/100 · $549.00 Used

Vintage 1970s Made in Japan Bass Guitar Redburst w/ Dual Pickups Vintage 1970s Made in Japan Bass Guitar Redburst w/ Dual Pickups Vintage 1970s Made in Japan Bass Guitar Redburst w/ Dual Pickups Vintage 1970s Made in Japan Bass Guitar Redburst w/ Dual Pickups
4 photos
Brand
Unknown
Type
Bass Guitar
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (32 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $85.00
  • •No returns accepted
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3

1970’s Conrad Violin Bass Guitar, Sunburst, Model 40177, Beatles Bass Copy

Rating Score: 91/100 · $449.99 Used

1970’s Conrad Violin Bass Guitar, Sunburst, Model 40177, Beatles Bass Copy 1970’s Conrad Violin Bass Guitar, Sunburst, Model 40177, Beatles Bass Copy 1970’s Conrad Violin Bass Guitar, Sunburst, Model 40177, Beatles Bass Copy 1970’s Conrad Violin Bass Guitar, Sunburst, Model 40177, Beatles Bass Copy
4 photos
Brand
Conrad
Handedness
Right-Handed
Type
Electric Bass Guitar
Model Year
1970s
String Configuration
4 String
Body Color
Vintage Sunburst
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (437 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $69.99
  • •No returns accepted
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4

Seamoon Funk Machine 1970s Original Vintage Guitar Bass Pedal - Working *Video*

Rating Score: 95/100 · $375.00 Used

Seamoon Funk Machine 1970s Original Vintage Guitar Bass Pedal - Working *Video* Seamoon Funk Machine 1970s Original Vintage Guitar Bass Pedal - Working *Video* Seamoon Funk Machine 1970s Original Vintage Guitar Bass Pedal - Working *Video* Seamoon Funk Machine 1970s Original Vintage Guitar Bass Pedal - Working *Video*
4 photos
Brand
Seamoon
Type
Wah
Model
SEAMOON FUNK MACHINE
Analog/Digital
Analog
MPN
Funk Machine
To Fit
Electric Guitar
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 99.9% positive (6298 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $7.95
  • •No returns accepted
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5

Univox Badazz Bass 1970s 4-String Right-Hand Electric Guitar, Made in Japan

Rating Score: 90/100 · $335.00 For parts or not working

Univox Badazz Bass 1970s 4-String Right-Hand Electric Guitar, Made in Japan Univox Badazz Bass 1970s 4-String Right-Hand Electric Guitar, Made in Japan Univox Badazz Bass 1970s 4-String Right-Hand Electric Guitar, Made in Japan Univox Badazz Bass 1970s 4-String Right-Hand Electric Guitar, Made in Japan
4 photos
Brand
Univox
Handedness
Right-Handed
Series
Vintage
Type
Electric Bass Guitar
Body Type
Solid
String Configuration
4 String
  • •Condition: For parts or not working
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (285 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $50.00
  • •No returns accepted
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Customer reviews on eBay ›
6

Vintage 1970's Kingston Antares Teisco Short Scale Jazz Bass

Rating Score: 95/100 · $261.99 Used

Vintage 1970's Kingston Antares Teisco Short Scale Jazz Bass Vintage 1970's Kingston Antares Teisco Short Scale Jazz Bass Vintage 1970's Kingston Antares Teisco Short Scale Jazz Bass Vintage 1970's Kingston Antares Teisco Short Scale Jazz Bass
4 photos
Brand
Antares
Type
Electric Bass Guitar
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (3265 ratings)
  • •eBay Top Rated Seller
  • •Shipping: $84.99
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
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7

Univox Violin Bass Guitar - 1970s Made In Japan

Rating Score: 91/100 · $449.99 Used

Univox Violin Bass Guitar - 1970s Made In Japan Univox Violin Bass Guitar - 1970s Made In Japan Univox Violin Bass Guitar - 1970s Made In Japan Univox Violin Bass Guitar - 1970s Made In Japan
4 photos
Brand
Univox
Handedness
Right-Handed
Series
Vintage
Type
Electric Bass Guitar
Model Year
1970s
Body Type
Hollow
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 99.6% positive (506 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $49.99
  • •No returns accepted
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8

1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT

Rating Score: 95/100 · $800.00 Not specified

1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT 1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT 1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT 1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT
4 photos
Brand
Univox
String Configuration
4 String
Exact Year
1970
Model
Univox Coily
  • •Condition: Not specified
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (7841 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $40.00
  • •Returns accepted (14 calendar day)
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Customer reviews on eBay ›
9

VINTAGE 1970'S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL

Rating Score: 95/100 · $300.00 Not specified

VINTAGE 1970'S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970'S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970'S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970'S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL
4 photos
Brand
Gibson
Exact Year
1970
Model
G-100B
  • •Condition: Not specified
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (7175 ratings)
  • •No returns accepted
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Buyer's Guide: How to Pick the Best Bass Guitars & Amplification

How to evaluate originality claims on a 1970s bass.

Serial Number Verification

Cross-reference the serial number against manufacturer dating charts (widely available for major brands) to confirm the claimed production year actually matches — a mismatch is a red flag worth investigating further.

Hardware Consistency

Check that pickup covers, bridge, tuners and other hardware are consistent with the claimed era's typical specifications — replaced hardware isn't disqualifying but should be reflected in the price.

Weight as a Clue

Some eras and specific models are known for characteristically heavier or lighter bodies — unusual weight for the claimed model/year can be a subtle indicator worth researching if authenticity matters to you.

Bass Guitars & Amplification FAQs

How do I verify a 1970s bass is genuinely from that era? +

Serial number cross-referencing against published dating charts, checking hardware and construction details consistent with the claimed year, and comparing against known reference examples documented by vintage instrument communities.

Does a refinished 1970s bass lose significant value? +

Typically yes for collector purposes, though a well-refinished, structurally sound instrument still makes a perfectly good player's instrument — clarify which you're buying for before evaluating price fairness.

Are 1970s basses good value compared to 1960s originals? +

Often yes — 1970s production was generally higher volume, keeping prices more accessible than scarcer 1960s examples, while still offering genuine vintage character and decades of wood aging.

What condition issues are common on basses this age? +

Neck relief changes, finish checking/wear, potential fret wear from decades of play, and electronics that may need cleaning or occasional component replacement — largely normal and expected rather than disqualifying.

Top Sellers Rank

Rank Seller Price vs. average Rating
#1 911wizard -40% vs. avg ★ 5
#2 firefitepc +91% vs. avg ★ 5
#3 59skyliner -28% vs. avg ★ 5

Why Should You Trust Us?

Every bass here is cross-checked against live eBay listings, with serial number/dating information disclosed in the listing description noted before inclusion where available.

Vincent Vandegans

Written by Vincent Vandegans

Vincent has spent years buying, selling, and researching gear across live marketplaces. He personally tests a portion of the products featured on this site — hands-on with the exact model, checking build quality, sound, and feel for himself. For the rest of the lineup, each pick goes through the same in-depth research process rather than being taken at face value from a listing photo.

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How this guide was researched

Hands-on testing, when possible

Whenever Vincent owns or can source the exact model, he tests it directly — evaluating build quality, sound, playability, and how it holds up against the manufacturer claims.

Technical spec sheets, compared side by side

For every other pick, the manufacturer datasheets, manuals, and published specifications are read in full and compared against competing models in the same price range — not just skimmed from a listing summary.

Real owner reviews, mined from blogs and forums

Vincent digs through long-running gear forums, owner blogs, and marketplace review threads to find recurring, repeated feedback from real buyers after months of actual use — not just the top review snippet or a manufacturer-friendly quote.

Live marketplace data, checked at publish time

Price, seller reputation, condition, and availability shown on this site are cross-checked directly against live eBay and Amazon listings, so the ranking reflects what is actually being sold, not a historical average.

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