Early 1980's Kawai FIIB / F-IIB - Thump Master Supreme Alembic Copy - Made in Japan - Pro Set Up w Perfect Frets/Action/Intonation! - Demo Video

$1,880.00 $2,180.00

1980's Kawai FIIB

Super Thump Master Supreme Alembic Bass Homage

Nut Width: 1.61

Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .82

Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .93

Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz's

Comes in a Hard Case (rough outer shape but functional)

Check Out the Demo Video Below!

$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings,  Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!

“Unleash your inner Stanley Clarke with this early ‘80s Kawai FIIB – the Alembic-inspired bass that’s as bold as it is beautiful! Crafted in Japan with neck-through precision, exotic Zebrawood, and active electronics, this rare FIIB delivers thunderous tone and effortless playability. Whether you’re laying down funky grooves, soaring through jazzy solos, or channeling Phil Lesh’s Grateful Dead vibe, this bass has the looks, sound, and soul to steal the show. In excellent condition and ready to rock, it’s a collectible masterpiece that won’t break the bank. Grab this MIJ legend before it’s gone – your dream bass is calling!”


For Sale: Early 1980s Kawai FIIB Bass – A Rare Alembic-Inspired MIJ Masterpiece in Stellar Condition!**

Are you ready to own a bass that’s as unique as it is iconic? Feast your eyes on this early 1980's Kawai FIIB, a Japanese-made gem that channels the spirit of an Alembic bass with its exquisite craftsmanship, versatile tone, and head-turning aesthetics. Known as the “Alembic copy,” the Kawai FIIB was designed to rival the legendary basses of the era, offering pro-level quality at a fraction of the price. This bass is in excellent condition for its age, professionally maintained, and ready to deliver thunderous lows and shimmering highs to players, collectors, and tone enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of MIJ history that’s as playable as it is collectible!


The Bass: Early 1980s Kawai FIIB

The Kawai FIIB, also known as the F2B, is a neck-through bass crafted in Japan during the early 1980s, a golden era for MIJ instruments. Built to compete with high-end basses like Alembic, the FIIB boasts premium materials, innovative electronics, and a design that screams boutique quality. Its sleek, contoured body and active electronics make it a versatile workhorse, perfect for everything from funky grooves to jazzy runs to hard-hitting rock. With its beautiful finish and meticulous construction, this bass is as much a visual stunner as it is a sonic powerhouse.


Key Specifications:

Body: 3-piece laminated Maple/Zebrawood, delivering a bright, punchy tone with excellent resonance. The exotic Zebrawood top adds a striking, figured grain that’s pure eye candy.

Neck: 5-piece laminated Maple/Mahogany, neck-through construction for superior sustain and stability. Slim, fast profile with a 1.5” nut width and 12” fretboard radius.

Fretboard: Rosewood, 22 frets, long-scale (34”), with pearloid dot inlays for a classic look.

Pickups: Two Kawai-designed P-Bass-style humbuckers with built-in active preamps, each powered by a 9-volt battery for robust output and tonal flexibility.

Electronics: Active circuitry with volume and tone controls for each pickup, plus two 3-way “tone character” switches (flat, cut, or boost at preset frequencies) and a 3-way toggle pickup selector (some early models feature a rotary selector).

Hardware: Gold Schaller tuners for rock-solid tuning stability and a heavy brass bridge (early model, strings-through-body design) for enhanced sustain.

Finish: Natural gloss Zebrawood, showcasing the wood’s dramatic grain with minor wear that adds character without compromising beauty.

Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz's, well-balanced for comfortable playing.


Alembic Resemblance: A High-End Homage

The Kawai FIIB was crafted with clear inspiration from Alembic basses, particularly models like the Series I and II or Stanley Clarke’s signature designs. Here’s how it mirrors the Alembic vibe while standing on its own:

Neck-Through Construction: Like Alembic’s premium basses, the FIIB features a neck-through design with a multi-piece Maple/Mahogany neck, ensuring exceptional sustain and a smooth, seamless feel across the fretboard. This mirrors Alembic’s focus on structural integrity and tonal clarity.

Exotic Woods: The FIIB’s use of laminated Maple and Zebrawood echoes Alembic’s signature “hippie sandwich” aesthetic, with exotic wood combinations that create a visually striking, high-end look. The Zebrawood top rivals the figured woods found on Alembic’s custom builds.

Active Electronics: The FIIB’s dual active preamps and tone character switches are a nod to Alembic’s pioneering active circuitry, offering versatile tone shaping. While not as complex as Alembic’s semi-parametric EQs, the FIIB’s switches provide cut/boost options for a range of tones, from warm and bloomy to bright and cutting, reminiscent of Alembic’s mid-forward, clean sound.[]()

Body Shape and Style: The FIIB’s contoured, double-cutaway body draws inspiration from Alembic’s sleek, ergonomic designs, with a compact shape that’s perfect for upper-fret access and stage presence.

Craftsmanship: Kawai’s Japanese manufacturing in the ‘80s was renowned for precision, rivaling Alembic’s boutique quality. The FIIB’s fit and finish, from its flawless neck joint to its polished hardware, scream high-end attention to detail.

While the FIIB doesn’t replicate Alembic’s exact tone or custom electronics (like their unique filter-based preamps), it captures the essence of an Alembic bass at a more accessible price point, making it a favorite among players seeking that Stanley Clarke or Phil Lesh vibe without the five-figure price tag.


Condition: Excellent for Its Age

This early 1980s Kawai FIIB is in **excellent condition** for a 45-year-old instrument. The natural gloss Zebrawood finish shines, with only minor surface scratches. The neck is straight, the frets show minimal wear, and the action is set low for effortless playing. The active electronics are fully functional, with clean, hiss-free performance (a testament to the quality of the original preamps). The brass bridge and Schaller tuners are in great shape, with some light tarnish on the gold finish adding vintage charm.


This bass has been professionally set up with fresh round-wound strings, ideal for capturing that clean, mid-forward tone associated with Alembic-style basses. It comes with a hardshell case for safe storage and transport. Stored in a smoke-free environment, this FIIB is ready to hit the stage, studio, or your collection.


Why This Kawai FIIB?

Rare Collectible: The FIIB is a scarce model, especially in Zebrawood, with limited production in the early ‘80s. Its Alembic-inspired design makes it a standout for collectors.

Alembic Vibe, MIJ Value: Get the look, feel, and tone of a boutique Alembic bass without the boutique price. Perfect for players inspired by Stanley Clarke or Phil Lesh.

Tonal Versatility: The active electronics and tone switches offer a wide sonic palette, from punchy rock to warm jazz to Grateful Dead-inspired bloom.

Playability: The slim neck, 34” scale, and ergonomic body make this bass a joy to play for hours, whether you’re slapping, picking, or fingerstyling.

Investment Potential: MIJ basses from the ‘80s are rising in value, and the FIIB’s rarity and quality make it a smart addition to any collection.


Perfect For:

Players: Ideal for gigging or recording, with a versatile tone that shines in any genre.

Collectors: A rare, Alembic-inspired MIJ bass that’s a conversation piece and a collector’s dream.

Tone Chasers: Nail that clean, mid-forward Alembic sound for a fraction of the cost, perfect for Grateful Dead covers or fusion jams.


Don’t Let This One Slip Away!

The Kawai FIIB is a rare find that blends Alembic-inspired design with Japanese craftsmanship, offering boutique quality at a player-friendly price. With its stunning Zebrawood finish, versatile active electronics, and excellent condition, this bass is ready to inspire your next performance or elevate your collection. Act fast – these basses are hard to come by, and this one won’t last long! Contact me today to make this MIJ masterpiece yours and start laying down those killer basslines! 🎸


This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.


**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best. 


* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues


* Intonation is spot-on


* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.


* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned


* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!

***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.

About Us

The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world  who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. 

Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.


Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.


I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude

For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us 


I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.


Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s

We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping. 


Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties


ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.

I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.


1980's Kawai FIIB

Super Thump Master Supreme Alembic Bass Homage

Nut Width: 1.61

Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .82

Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .93

Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz's

Comes in a Hard Case (rough outer shape but functional)

Check Out the Demo Video Below!

$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings,  Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!

“Unleash your inner Stanley Clarke with this early ‘80s Kawai FIIB – the Alembic-inspired bass that’s as bold as it is beautiful! Crafted in Japan with neck-through precision, exotic Zebrawood, and active electronics, this rare FIIB delivers thunderous tone and effortless playability. Whether you’re laying down funky grooves, soaring through jazzy solos, or channeling Phil Lesh’s Grateful Dead vibe, this bass has the looks, sound, and soul to steal the show. In excellent condition and ready to rock, it’s a collectible masterpiece that won’t break the bank. Grab this MIJ legend before it’s gone – your dream bass is calling!”


For Sale: Early 1980s Kawai FIIB Bass – A Rare Alembic-Inspired MIJ Masterpiece in Stellar Condition!**

Are you ready to own a bass that’s as unique as it is iconic? Feast your eyes on this early 1980's Kawai FIIB, a Japanese-made gem that channels the spirit of an Alembic bass with its exquisite craftsmanship, versatile tone, and head-turning aesthetics. Known as the “Alembic copy,” the Kawai FIIB was designed to rival the legendary basses of the era, offering pro-level quality at a fraction of the price. This bass is in excellent condition for its age, professionally maintained, and ready to deliver thunderous lows and shimmering highs to players, collectors, and tone enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of MIJ history that’s as playable as it is collectible!


The Bass: Early 1980s Kawai FIIB

The Kawai FIIB, also known as the F2B, is a neck-through bass crafted in Japan during the early 1980s, a golden era for MIJ instruments. Built to compete with high-end basses like Alembic, the FIIB boasts premium materials, innovative electronics, and a design that screams boutique quality. Its sleek, contoured body and active electronics make it a versatile workhorse, perfect for everything from funky grooves to jazzy runs to hard-hitting rock. With its beautiful finish and meticulous construction, this bass is as much a visual stunner as it is a sonic powerhouse.


Key Specifications:

Body: 3-piece laminated Maple/Zebrawood, delivering a bright, punchy tone with excellent resonance. The exotic Zebrawood top adds a striking, figured grain that’s pure eye candy.

Neck: 5-piece laminated Maple/Mahogany, neck-through construction for superior sustain and stability. Slim, fast profile with a 1.5” nut width and 12” fretboard radius.

Fretboard: Rosewood, 22 frets, long-scale (34”), with pearloid dot inlays for a classic look.

Pickups: Two Kawai-designed P-Bass-style humbuckers with built-in active preamps, each powered by a 9-volt battery for robust output and tonal flexibility.

Electronics: Active circuitry with volume and tone controls for each pickup, plus two 3-way “tone character” switches (flat, cut, or boost at preset frequencies) and a 3-way toggle pickup selector (some early models feature a rotary selector).

Hardware: Gold Schaller tuners for rock-solid tuning stability and a heavy brass bridge (early model, strings-through-body design) for enhanced sustain.

Finish: Natural gloss Zebrawood, showcasing the wood’s dramatic grain with minor wear that adds character without compromising beauty.

Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz's, well-balanced for comfortable playing.


Alembic Resemblance: A High-End Homage

The Kawai FIIB was crafted with clear inspiration from Alembic basses, particularly models like the Series I and II or Stanley Clarke’s signature designs. Here’s how it mirrors the Alembic vibe while standing on its own:

Neck-Through Construction: Like Alembic’s premium basses, the FIIB features a neck-through design with a multi-piece Maple/Mahogany neck, ensuring exceptional sustain and a smooth, seamless feel across the fretboard. This mirrors Alembic’s focus on structural integrity and tonal clarity.

Exotic Woods: The FIIB’s use of laminated Maple and Zebrawood echoes Alembic’s signature “hippie sandwich” aesthetic, with exotic wood combinations that create a visually striking, high-end look. The Zebrawood top rivals the figured woods found on Alembic’s custom builds.

Active Electronics: The FIIB’s dual active preamps and tone character switches are a nod to Alembic’s pioneering active circuitry, offering versatile tone shaping. While not as complex as Alembic’s semi-parametric EQs, the FIIB’s switches provide cut/boost options for a range of tones, from warm and bloomy to bright and cutting, reminiscent of Alembic’s mid-forward, clean sound.[]()

Body Shape and Style: The FIIB’s contoured, double-cutaway body draws inspiration from Alembic’s sleek, ergonomic designs, with a compact shape that’s perfect for upper-fret access and stage presence.

Craftsmanship: Kawai’s Japanese manufacturing in the ‘80s was renowned for precision, rivaling Alembic’s boutique quality. The FIIB’s fit and finish, from its flawless neck joint to its polished hardware, scream high-end attention to detail.

While the FIIB doesn’t replicate Alembic’s exact tone or custom electronics (like their unique filter-based preamps), it captures the essence of an Alembic bass at a more accessible price point, making it a favorite among players seeking that Stanley Clarke or Phil Lesh vibe without the five-figure price tag.


Condition: Excellent for Its Age

This early 1980s Kawai FIIB is in **excellent condition** for a 45-year-old instrument. The natural gloss Zebrawood finish shines, with only minor surface scratches. The neck is straight, the frets show minimal wear, and the action is set low for effortless playing. The active electronics are fully functional, with clean, hiss-free performance (a testament to the quality of the original preamps). The brass bridge and Schaller tuners are in great shape, with some light tarnish on the gold finish adding vintage charm.


This bass has been professionally set up with fresh round-wound strings, ideal for capturing that clean, mid-forward tone associated with Alembic-style basses. It comes with a hardshell case for safe storage and transport. Stored in a smoke-free environment, this FIIB is ready to hit the stage, studio, or your collection.


Why This Kawai FIIB?

Rare Collectible: The FIIB is a scarce model, especially in Zebrawood, with limited production in the early ‘80s. Its Alembic-inspired design makes it a standout for collectors.

Alembic Vibe, MIJ Value: Get the look, feel, and tone of a boutique Alembic bass without the boutique price. Perfect for players inspired by Stanley Clarke or Phil Lesh.

Tonal Versatility: The active electronics and tone switches offer a wide sonic palette, from punchy rock to warm jazz to Grateful Dead-inspired bloom.

Playability: The slim neck, 34” scale, and ergonomic body make this bass a joy to play for hours, whether you’re slapping, picking, or fingerstyling.

Investment Potential: MIJ basses from the ‘80s are rising in value, and the FIIB’s rarity and quality make it a smart addition to any collection.


Perfect For:

Players: Ideal for gigging or recording, with a versatile tone that shines in any genre.

Collectors: A rare, Alembic-inspired MIJ bass that’s a conversation piece and a collector’s dream.

Tone Chasers: Nail that clean, mid-forward Alembic sound for a fraction of the cost, perfect for Grateful Dead covers or fusion jams.


Don’t Let This One Slip Away!

The Kawai FIIB is a rare find that blends Alembic-inspired design with Japanese craftsmanship, offering boutique quality at a player-friendly price. With its stunning Zebrawood finish, versatile active electronics, and excellent condition, this bass is ready to inspire your next performance or elevate your collection. Act fast – these basses are hard to come by, and this one won’t last long! Contact me today to make this MIJ masterpiece yours and start laying down those killer basslines! 🎸


This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.


**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best. 


* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues


* Intonation is spot-on


* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.


* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned


* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!

***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.

About Us

The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world  who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. 

Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.


Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.


I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude

For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us 


I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.


Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s

We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping. 


Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties


ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.

I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.