Tokai AJB118 Jazz Bass MIJ Trans Red Burst Ash Lightweight 8lb

Tokai AJB118 Jazz Bass MIJ — Trans Red Burst, Ash Body, Matching Headstock, Lightweight 8 lb 2 oz

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Professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

🎸 Local demo available by appointment in Phoenix, AZ

Professor’s Notes
This is the 70s Jazz Bass formula done right: ash body, maple board, blocks, binding, matching headstock, and the extra bite and authority players want from this era.

The difference is execution. This Tokai gives you the look without the usual tradeoffs — excessive weight, uneven feel, inconsistent execution, or logo-tax pricing. At 8 lbs 2 oz, with a resonant ash body, clean Japanese build quality, strong note definition, and a full but playable neck, it feels like a serious working instrument.

At this price point, we think it is a stronger real-world bass than many contemporary MIJ Fender 70s-style Jazz Basses we’ve played.

Condition
This bass is in Very Good preowned condition with normal signs of careful use.

Patina is present on the chrome hardware. Minor finish scratches are present consistent with regular playing. Small bumps and scuffs are visible primarily around the perimeter of the lower bout, pictured where possible.

Subtle finish impressions consistent with a previously installed aftermarket bridge are present. These are cosmetic only and do not affect playability or function.

The frets show minor wear but have plenty of life remaining, with no buzzing. The neck is straight with no signs of warping or waviness. The truss rod functions properly and has adjustment room available in both directions.

The electronics function as expected with no signs of modification.

This bass is currently set up with medium action and 45–100 roundwound strings. It will receive a final professional inspection prior to shipping and can be adjusted to your preferred action upon request.

Includes a basic gig bag. A brand new Fender FB620 gig bag is available at additional cost — please message us for details.

Specifications
Model: Tokai AJB118
Origin: Made in Japan
Case / Gig Bag: Includes basic gig bag
Optional Gig Bag: Brand new Fender FB620 available at additional cost
Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz
Nut Width, Measured: 1.49 in
12th Fret Width, Measured: 2.22 in
1st Fret Depth, Measured: 0.88 in
12th Fret Depth, Measured: 0.99 in
Neck Profile: 70s JB D profile
Body Material: 2-piece ash
Neck Material: Maple
Fingerboard Material: Maple
Binding: White
Inlays: Pearl block inlays
Headstock: Matching headstock
Finish: Transparent Red Burst
Scale Length: 34 in
Pickup Configuration: 2 single-coil pickups
Electronics: Passive
Controls: Neck volume, bridge volume, tone
Current Setup: Medium action with 45–100 roundwound strings
Country of Manufacture: Japan

Description
This Tokai AJB118 is a Made in Japan 70s-style Jazz Bass finished in Transparent Red Burst over a 2-piece ash body, with a bound maple fingerboard, pearl block inlays, matching headstock, and passive J-style electronics.

It is clearly working from the classic mid-70s Jazz Bass blueprint, but the appeal here is not just that it looks the part. The execution is what makes it work. The body is resonant and lively, the neck has real substance without becoming cumbersome, and the whole instrument feels more responsive and usable than many 70s-style basses that chase the visual formula but miss the playing experience.

The transparent red finish shows the ash grain clearly and gives the bass a strong visual identity without turning it into a novelty piece. It has the right mix of presence and restraint: bold enough to stand out, classic enough to still feel like a proper Jazz Bass.

The neck is a major part of the instrument’s personality. With a fuller 70s-style profile and measured depth of 0.88 in at the 1st fret and 0.99 in at the 12th, it has supportive substance in the hand while remaining comfortable and easy to play. The string feel is notably cooperative, and the instrument has the kind of response that makes longer playing sessions feel natural rather than fatiguing.

Tonally, the pickups deliver the familiar J-style range with strong clarity and definition. The neck pickup is round and full while retaining focus. The bridge pickup brings the expected Jazz Bass growl and articulation without becoming harsh or overly nasal. Blended together, the two pickups produce a punchy, usable voice with good midrange detail and enough cut to sit naturally in a mix.

The weight is another major advantage. Many 70s-style Jazz Basses, including vintage examples and faithful reissues, can push well into the 10–11 lb range. This one comes in at just 8 lbs 2 oz, giving you the ash/maple/block-and-bound 70s look and feel without the usual physical burden.

If you want the personality of a 70s-style Jazz Bass but care more about build, balance, and real-world playability than the badge on the headstock, this Tokai AJB118 is a very strong example.

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 Inspection — Each instrument is carefully evaluated, measured, and prepared before shipping.

Fast, Reliable Shipping from Phoenix, AZ — Orders are packed securely and shipped promptly with clear communication every step of the way.