One of the more rare electric bass guitars from the 1960s is the Moni Bassus, made in Hungary. Reported only to have been constructed in the 1960s and having a low production number, coming across one isn’t exactly easy.
Made as good as a Fender or Gibson of that era? No. Designed well? That’s debatable. But it does have some interesting look to it, along with a working Jaguar/Jazzmaster style vibrato system, a.k.a. “whammy bar.”
The video below shows the Bassus being played, and while at a low volume, you can tell that the pickups are most likely very microphonic (typical on several electric guitar and bass instruments of the 1960s.) And yes, it does have above-the-board tuning keys, although it’s difficult to see them because they’re a bit on the small side.
Worth owning as a vintage bass collector?
That is ultimately up to you, but if you want a vintage bass with readily available parts that will fit into it, the Bassus would not be a good choice.
For example, we have complete kits for a ’62 Jazz bass, so if you wanted to, you could have a ’62 (or a newer Fender bass) with 1962-correct made-new electronics. With the Bassus, not really. The Bassus is one of those “meant for collection and not for regular play” instruments.
In other words, the Bassus is nice eye candy for collectors, but playing it too much would destroy it.
What is the Bassus worth? It’s not worth thousands of dollars, but it is worth something to vintage electric bass collectors what know what it is.
this still available? and if yes do you know where to get this?