Ansir Introduces Imperial and Imperial SL Basses
Ansir Music has unveiled all-new designs for their custom basses, with the introduction of the Imperial line.
The Imperial and Imperial SL models feature ergonomic contouring and the company’s patented “Ansir Industry Standard Playing Angle,” which puts the neck in a more natural playing position.
While the two models are very similar, Ansir founder Jody Michael explained the SL (or Slim Line) version is slightly more compact than the regular.
Since Ansir’s instruments are all built to order in the U.S., the Imperial has several options ranging from the number of frets to scale length and number of strings. Standard features for the series include ingrown bark maple wing laminations over a basswood core with walnut stringing, a 3-piece Jatoba/wenge neck, and a pau ferro fretboard. Pickup configurations can include P, PJ, JJ, and dual coil setups.
The Imperial also has a 16-position variable nuance tone control. For hardware, Ansir utilizes Hipshot Tuners, KSM Foundation bridges, and an aircraft aluminum nut.
The Ansir Imperial and Imperial SL models are available now with street price starting at $1,750. For more info, check out the company’s website.
Ansir Imperial Bass Specs:
- Built in Cleveland, OH
- Fretted or Fretless
- Body: Ingrown bark maple wing laminations front and back over a basswood core with walnut stringing. The wings are affixed with exposed zebra wood spline joinery.
- Neck: 3-piece Jatoba/Wenge
- Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
- Frets: 21, 22, and 24 fret configurations
- Scale Length: 34? or 35?
- 4 or 5 string models
- Pickup configurations: P, PJ, JJ, and Dual Coil.
- Construction: “Bolt Thru” neck attachment
- Bridge: KSM Foundation Bridges
- Tuners: Hipshot
- Nut: Air Craft Aluminum
- 16 Position Variable Nuance Tone Control
- All Imperial Series Basses include SKB Flight case and Gig bag
- High gloss grain enhanced natural tone finish
- Lower fret access contour
The Ansir reminds me of the Nigar Bass from Sweden, I owned one breifly;although, the wood selection was basic. The concept of the angled neck makes sense aestheticallyand symetrically it may take a little getting used to but what a neat idea.
I played the Imperial standard a few months ago with some staffers at Bass Player magazine. In BP’s sound room through a Trace Elliot tube amp/2×10″ combo, the Imperial sounded “recording ready” with no EQ or compression needed. Everyone was quite impressed. My mini review; “The Imperial standard is a visually stunning instrument with “money-in-the-mix” bass tones that is worthy of your attention. These basses are designed using an innovative angled neck design that results in an easy to play bass, which is also perfectly balanced on a strap as well as when played seated. A 5 string SL is on my with list…hm…how should I order mine.. 35″ for shore since ANSIR tech makes a 35″ bass play like a 34″ bass, Alder body with burl myrtle top, 24 frets, dual single coils (stacked humbucker) with coil taps for series/parallel in the bridge and split P style neck pick up running through a Demeter BEQP-1 Bass EQ Preamp.
I never quite “got” these instruments… the neck isn’t angled at all, the body is – most of the body lies “above” the neck, i.e. above the axis that connects the two strap buttons, and that puts the weight distribution in such a way that it favours the body and prevents neck dive. The Ibanez Grooveline works on the same principle… except instead of an ‘angled body’ appearance, they have a ridiculous looking lower horn. Someone should just offset the neck pocket towards the treble cutaway, sculpt the lower horn a bit, and call it a day.
Hey Misha,
That is a common misconception and one of the most difficult hurdles for us. Especially when you can’t actually hold one of our basses. Please take a look at our website http://www.ansirmusic.com we get into the specifics of the innovation. Thanks, Ansir Music.
Hey Misha,
That is a common misconception and one of the most difficult hurdles for us. Especially when you can’t actually hold one of our basses. Please take a look at our website http://www.ansirmusic.com we get into the specifics of the innovation. Thanks, Ansir Music.