This SB-900 is finished in walnut, and according to Diego dates from 1982.
There appear to be two different versions of the SB-900.The first is just like an SB-R80 but with a narrow neck and dot inlays.
1) This example comes from ace contributor Diego Napoli of Milan, Italy. Diego owns several other SBs, whose photos are also featured on these pages.
This SB-900 is finished in walnut, and according to Diego dates from 1982.
2) One in a lovely oak-like finish.
A nice close-up of the controls.
The bridge is a little tarnished, but still a lovely bass.
3) The same version, but a lined fretless example. This looks like a Japanese model with sen wood sides. And surely that pickup selector switch is not the original? I do not have this contributor's details, please email me if it was you.
4) The second, completely different version of the SB-900 is shown in these lovely photos, sent in by Grahame Thomas who lives near London. The bass has an extra knob for starters, and has bats-ears instead!
Grahame says,
“I bought the bass some time around '82-84. I saw it in a music shop in Barnet and just loved the way it looked, felt and sounded. I was playing in a highly ambitious band back then by the name of Quay Largo. I liked the fact that the bass was very "then" and for the most part suited the style of music we played. I supplemented the sound with a Westone active bass for other songs. ”
“ I was told the instrument was basically the same as the SB-1000 but without the active preamp. It has an enormous range of controls, most of which I dont understand. You can achieve a huge range of tonal qualities from thundering muddy lows to
crisp twangy highs, ideal for slap (so popular in the 80's).”
“ I used to overdrive it slightly to produce a sound like JJ Burnel of The Stranglers. He played a Fender Precision bass back then, and I always dreamed of owning one until I aquired my Aria.”
Instead of “Specially Designed & Approved By / ARIA Research developmental LAB. / Original Custom Body Pat.No. 55719”,
Grahame's bass says “Designed & Approved by H Noble / Original Custom Body P.No.555719 / A Product of Matsumoku. 4 11 N.M.”
5) From France, Jean-Baptiste Strazielle sends in this photo of a fretless SB-900, serial number 912008. He writes, ”I was a bass player from 1982 to 1999 in some jazz, rock and funk groups.”
“The tone knob is missing in the photos because it was broken, but I have since replaced it and my faithful SB-900 is now beautiful again.”
He continues, “I owned several bass guitars, and I have kept both my favourites : a headless Washburn Bantam, and a fretless SB-900 from 1979, bought in 1983. A very good bass, tiring to play, but what a sound!!! I'm hoping to buy a fretted SB1000 (if I can find one!)”
Finally Jean-Baptiste playing an Ibanez bass guitar - one of many concerts he gave in 1984.
6) There are not many left-handed basses about, so it is a real pleasure to see this lovely SB-900 sent in by Pierre of France.
Everything on the bass is original and works properly.
Pierre bought his bass in Paris in the early 80s, and believes this to be a 1980 model as the serial number would suggest.
The bass came with its own special case.
Patrick Schimmel of Holland says this tool of Pierre's is used to adjust the tension needed to turn the tuner around : “There's a small ring with two holes on opposite sides, just behind the tuner butterfly. It is explained in Japanese on the yellow paper.”
7) Jesus Cano from Spain has sent in photos of an early SB-900 in oak. He says, “I got this SB900 for the incredible price of 335 euros despite of it being in excellent condition. The serial number suggests it was made in 1980. ”
Commenting on the headstock, Jesus tells us the writing says,
“Designed Approved by F & Noble / Original Custom Body P.No.555719 A Product of Matsumoku. 4 11 N.M”
which apparently is different to that on later SBs.
He reckons the font used for the writing is also a bit different from usual, similar to perhaps Lagrima? (Not one I am used to in the UK).
The grain of the body wood is very fine.
Jesus tells me he plays jazz, fusion and modern jazz and you can visit his website. He owns several other basses including Alembic, Fender, Ibanez MC.
Jesus bought the SB as a workhorse to use in place of the Alembic, but was really surprised at the quality which he reckons is better than that of a Fender (damn right!), Ibanez, Lakland, etc and he is now looking for an SB1000!
Dear reader, if you have an SB-900 which is in some way different to those above, please send in your photos! It is also nice to see photos of you in action.