Back Catalog Memories: 1960’s Espana Bass Guitar

Vintage 1960's Espana Bass Guitar (Sunburst)

Here is a rare bass from Italy. There is little information about the Espana brand, but it was most certainly created under the Crucianelli brand in the 1960’s Italy, likely the late 60’s. This bass was obviously targeted at the Fender crowd – check out the headstock – and the body too is quite reminiscent of the classic Fender style. The switch on the upper horn was the pickup selector switch, added to this was a switch on the lower horn which switched the pickups in and out of phase. Each pickup had its own volume and tone controls.

Vintage 1960's Espana Bass Guitar (Sunburst)

Vintage 1960’s Espana Bass Guitar (Sunburst)

These Crucianelli guitars are surprisingly well made with a wonderful, slim neck. Unfortunately, many of these instruments from the 60’s were 30.5″ short scale basses, so never did measure up to the sonic boom of the full scale Fenders.