Riverhead Unicorn RUB-1100 Custom Bass

This is a Japanese factory in Japan. Brand no longer exists, having burned the factory in the late 80s

4 string bass headless, with tuning at the bridge (very accurate). 22 frets. 2 single-coil pickup with active electronics (equiliseur 4 bands), 3 coaxial knobs: volume, tone, bass, mid-bass, mid-trebble, trebble and micro selector

UTILIZATION

The handle to the origin resembles that of a Fender Precision, I did get to refine a shape close to that found on recent Japanese models.

SOUNDS

It does not sound that is clean or specific him. For sound is what you want ... From large well rounded sound Jazz Bass Jaco ... We chose or microphones, we fiddled the equalizer and it's magic.

OVERALL OPINION

When I bought it, I wanted a bass that sounds but not only. It should be light and have a nice look and then a low "headless" It was very swank (ca and the rest elsewhere!). But between the Hohner cheap but without sound, and Steinberger overpriced, there was Riverhead. Thunderbolt was immediate.

When I took the bass there two years, the shape of the handle was really uncomfortable compared to the most recent low. A small passage luthier to refine (more aesthetic mod to remove her 80s look) and the magic again! With a gain sustain crazy ... Even the maker does not understand why.

It is and will remain my favorite instrument, but if it is not made to slap ..

The brand is Americaine, a division of Headway. The bass was made of subcontracting in Japan and some fiunitions were made in the U.S. in the mid 80s. Fire and had bad insurance because of the brand. These basses are very rare.
2 single coils, an extra switch and an active 4-band equliseur with bunk potentiometers.
Other nearby models differed by microphones and options.
A 9V battery is required.
Jack locker automatically for the jack. Headless bass.

UTILIZATION

The handle is great, but what does not suit some, is that like all non-heads, there is an imbalance in relation to a conventional low. We must learn to play with this bass and it is different. Once mastered, this is no longer a handicap, it is even positive.

SOUNDS

All bass sounds are possible, except fretless course. No breath.
Perfect for slap.
This is a bass that can adpter to any amp.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought used in the late 80s. I do not sell. This is my only bass. I've played other. This is the one that is a must.
To get better, you must type in the manufacturing luthier.
Nothing negative. Si .. do a custom case.

I do not have that choice because they have become untraceable and cotent too expensive.
I was right to make that choice at the time, but I already knew this fabulous unicorn.