POWER SERIES Mark XX-B (1979-80)

These early POWER SERIES were originally thought to be prototypes, but with the Internet more examples were found and today they are referred to as “First Generation” models. Based on serial numbers, they were produced in 1979 and 1980.

Construction is a blend of Washburn Wing Series and later Daion POWER SERIES Mark XXs. This is not surprising as both were built by Yamaki in Japan. Notice that “Yamaki” is stamped on the back on the headstock rather than “Daion.” This is because this particular example was sourced outside the United States, where the model was marketed under the Yamaki brand.

The Cherry Sunburst finish was lifted straight from the Washburn line. This finish did not carry over to later models. Heavy duty gold tuners are reminiscent of those found on late ‘70s Aria Pro II Super Basses (note the small hole on the posts). The most striking unique feature is the striped rosewood fretboard. Five piece neck through construction is present versus later Daion models which had nine layers. The bridge finish and saddles are slightly different than later production models and the brass inlay Daion “Y” logo on the headstock is thinner. Body binding is present, which did not continue forward.

The bass body is heavily influenced by the Washburn SB-40-2 (Vulture) / SB-50 (Condor) models of the same time period, however the horns are not symmetric. In the generation that followed the horn offset is even more pronounced. The body is rather slab sided when compared to the heavily contoured and svelte models made from 1980-1984. The back is flat with a slightly rounded edge, but there is no belly cut as seen in later models. Like the Washburn Wing Series, this generation has a input jack on the edge of the guitar, where in later series the input jack is recessed into the back of the instrument.

Unlike the Washburn Wing Series, the pickup selector has been located to the upper horn as in later POWER SERIES models. Electronics are the same as Washburns of the era, with a circuit board under a metal cover (see images below in the gallery). The circuit board was dropped in the 1980-1984 series for individual wires.