Memphis P-Bass custom

[paisley strat]

I recently picked up this P-bass copy, and was impressed by it's playability and sound. The neck was bowed badly, so I got it for $50! After some major set-up work, and a good polishing, it rocks!! Anybody know where it might have been made, and when? There are no serial #s or info of any type other than "Memphis" on the headstock.

[ChuckE99]

Memphis is a brand sometimes said to be related to Ibanez, but the relationship is weak. Also, the headstock on your bass is not "lawsuit" in the sense that it is not an exact replica of the shape of Fender headstocks, so I think that points to a later date of manufacture, probably 1980's or more recently. Having said that, if the neck is now in good shape and it plays and sounds well, then I think you did well. I think with basses, more than guitars, you can start "cheap", as in "inexpensive" and pick up an axe that will do you very well as you learn it. My first bass was a $100 special, a 1970's Kingston that I still have. Its neck is rock solid. A year and a half ago, when I wanted to learn fretless, I bought a $100 fretless Rogue bass, and it was fantastic. Again, with a cheap bass, if you get a good neck and body, you can always invest in some better pickups to make them sound great.

Of course, sooner or later, you will want this: