History GH-BJ5 5-String Bass – Black Metallic – Made in Japan (2001) Fujigen

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Modern Japanese active 5-string bass — professionally prepared, fully set up, and ready to perform with focused low end and dependable clarity.

Condition

This bass is in Very Good condition, showing honest signs of normal use consistent with a well-maintained working instrument, with no structural issues or functional concerns. The electronics operate quietly and reliably, the neck is straight and stable, and the truss rod functions properly. Frets show minor wear with plenty of life remaining, and playability is smooth and consistent across the fingerboard.

Primary signs of wear do not stand out in normal lighting. Under direct/bright light, there are visible signs of finish wear and clearcoat discoloration near the battery compartment, along with a repaired ding near the output jack, all pictured for transparency. There is a small finish-only hairline crack near the nut, typical of finish movement over time. It is cosmetic only, stable, and does not affect playability or structural integrity. Minor scattered surface wear is visible across the body. Hardware shows light, honest patina, including the strap buttons, string tree, and bridge.

The instrument has been professionally inspected and set up in our shop, including installation of new roundwound strings and full functional verification prior to listing. Action is medium-low, comfortable, with accurate intonation across the neck.

Please inspect promptly upon delivery. Preference-based returns must meet all return-policy conditions, including original condition, complete packaging, and advance authorization.

Professor’s Notes

Focused, articulate, and reassuringly solid in hand, this is a modern Japanese bass that delivers authority without harshness. It retains the familiar punch and responsiveness of a Jazz-style instrument while adding the headroom and control of an active system, making it easy to sit confidently in a mix without sounding brittle or overly hi-fi. Originally positioned as a high-end domestic Japanese model, it now represents the kind of value serious players notice when build quality matters more than logo recognition.

Specifications

• Model: History GH-BJ5
• Weight: 9 lbs 12 oz
• Case: Non-original basic gig bag

• Nut width (measured): 1.90 in
• 12th fret width (measured): 2.65 in
• 1st fret depth (measured): 0.80 in
• 12th fret depth (measured): 0.93 in
• Neck Profile: modern asymmetrical D

• Finish: Black Metallic (olive-leaning metallic tone under many lighting conditions)
• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple (Timeless Timber)
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 34"
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Frets: 21 — Circle Fretting System (C.F.S.)
• Pickups: Kent Armstrong single-coil set
• Preamp: Factory active EQ system
• Controls: Volume, Balance, Bass, Treble
• Bridge: High-mass bridge
• Tuners: Gotoh GB11W
• Made in Japan

Description

The History GH-BJ5 is a modern Japanese active 5-string built around familiar Jazz-style ergonomics, with practical performance features like active electronics, C.F.S. fretting, a stable Timeless Timber neck, and a comfortable asymmetrical profile. Originally positioned as a high-end domestic Japanese model, the GH-BJ5 offers a level of construction and hardware that is not fully reflected in today’s used-market pricing. For players less concerned with logo recognition, that is exactly where the value is.

Tonally, it sits in a particularly useful range. The low end is strong and controlled, notes remain articulate even on the B string, and the overall voice retains recognizable Jazz-style character while benefiting from the added headroom and flexibility of an active system. Importantly, it avoids the overly bright or “sizzly” top end that can make some modern active basses feel sterile. Instead, it delivers focused punch, clear definition, and musical balance that translate well from rehearsal to stage to studio.

Construction supports that reliability. The Timeless Timber neck provides excellent stability and a confident feel, while the Circle Fretting System improves note separation and intonation across the fingerboard. The modern asymmetrical D profile contributes to fast, comfortable playability and reduced fatigue during longer sessions. At 9 lbs 12 oz, the instrument has enough mass to support strong sustain and a solid fundamental without feeling cumbersome.

With a fresh professional setup and new DR Hi-Beams installed, this is a dependable Japanese instrument built to perform consistently in real working situations.

Why Buy From Professor Nigel’s

Curated, Working-Player Gear — Every instrument here earns its place by solving a real musical problem—not by filling shelf space.
Professional Setup and Preparation — Each instrument is carefully inspected, adjusted, and verified in our shop before it ships, so it arrives ready to play.
Fast, Reliable Shipping from Phoenix, AZ — Orders move quickly and securely, with clear communication every step of the way.