1994–1995 Washburn KW-1250 Kip Winger Signature Bass

The KW-1250 was a Japanese-market Kip Winger Signature model. It appears in a 1994 Washburn Japan advertisement and the 1995 Japanese catalogue, which lists it at ¥125,000; the available evidence places this example in 1994–1995, most likely 1995. Available documentation identifies Japan as the likely country of manufacture, though that attribution remains uncertain.

This example has the factory FAN — Flame Antique Natural — finish, with a transparent amber tone over a flame-maple top. The body is alder, paired with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. Its flame figuring changes with the angle and light, giving the instrument much of its visual character without needing to lean on the signature-model name.

The factory-spec Status pickups feed an active 18V circuit with Volume, Balance, Treble and Bass controls. Available documentation describes a broad range from warm lows to a more articulate upper-mid character. A Washburn Custom Bridge, Gotoh gold sealed-gear tuners and gold hardware complete the specification. It weighs approximately 4.0 kg and is currently strung with nearly new Pyramid Gold Flatwound 040–105 strings.

The important condition note is a repaired crack / partial break at the headstock. From the repair’s appearance, the previous owner believes the separated section was glued back into place before the bass came into their possession, but that history cannot be confirmed independently. The joint now feels solid and stable and has been left undisturbed; it does not appear to affect normal playability. The repair is visible in the photographs and places this example in Good rather than Excellent or Very Good condition.

Otherwise, inspection notes record a straight neck, frets in very good condition, correctly operating electronics and hardware, and no other notable cosmetic damage. Minor setup adjustment may be useful after shipping and climate adaptation.