Best of 2012: The Top 10 Bass Gear Stories

There is no such thing as too much bass gear. We covered a ton in 2012. These ten gear stories were the most read and most shared all year by No Treble readers.

Fender Custom Shop Introduces 2012 Bass Models

1. Fender Custom Shop: 2012 Bass Models

Fender’s Custom Shop announced two new bass models for 2012, including the 2012 Closet Classic Precision Bass Pro and the 1961 Closet Classic Jazz Bass. Both models are built in the U.S. by Fender’s master builders…

Dean Guitars Puts John Entwistle Spider Signature Bass Into Production

2. Dean Guitars Puts John Entwistle Spider Signature Bass Into Production

After launching a limited run of last year, Dean Guitars began making a production model of the John Entwistle Spider in early 2012. The Ox’s newest signature bass features an angular body and comes in a Classic Black finish with Silver Web graphics…

Epiphone Introduces Thunderbird Classic-IV PRO Basses

3. Epiphone Introduces Thunderbird Classic-IV PRO Basses

Epiphone unveiled a new version of a classic with the Thunderbird Classic-IV PRO. The bass is set apart from its siblings by being equipped with a pair of Gibson TB Plus Humbucking pickups featuring ceramic magnets, which the company says produce “high gain, smooth tone and high-end definition.”…

NS Design Unveils NS Bass Guitar at NAMM 2012

4. NS Design Unveils NS Bass Guitar at NAMM 2012

Ned Steinberger and company introduced the latest addition to the NS Design bass line with a new headless bass guitar design. The NS Bass Guitar features a new “patented self-clamping tuning system” that allows for using regular single-ball type strings…

Fender Introduces Pawn Shop Reverse Jaguar Bass

5. Fender Introduces Pawn Shop Reverse Jaguar Bass

Fender introduced the 2012 line of Pawn Shop guitars, which they claim are inspired by their eccentric creations from the ’60s and ’70s and are “guitars that never were, but should have been.” Included in that lineup is the Fender Pawn Shop Reverse Jaguar Bass…

Squier Introduces Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass and Telecaster Bass Special

6. Squier Introduces Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass and Telecaster Bass Special

Squier beefed up their Vintage Modified series this year with the introduction of the Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass and the Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass Special. The new models feature classic body and headstock shapes as well as a medium 32? scale. Available in Black and Vintage Blonde, the Telecaster bass sports a single Duncan Designed PB-102…

La Bella Strings Launches First Bass Guitar: The Olinto

7. La Bella Strings Launches First Bass Guitar: The Olinto

With nearly 100 years in the string manufacturing business, La Bella Strings is getting into producing instruments starting with the Olinto Bass Guitar. Taking its name from one of the company’s founding brothers, the Olinto is handcrafted in New York City’s Lower East Side by renowned luthier Mas Hino…

Fender Custom Shop Introduces Dusty Hill Signature Precision Bass

8. Fender Custom Shop Introduces Dusty Hill Signature Precision Bass

The Fender Custom Shop expanded its Artist Series instruments this year with the Dusty Hill Signature Precision Bass. Available in Black and Nocaster Blonde, the bass oozes old school with a road worn finish and reverse headstock. The ZZ Top bassist helped tweak the bass, which features a custom designed Seymour Duncan pickup, a custom neck and more…

Sterling By Music Man Unveils S.U.B. Ray4 and Ray5 Basses

9. Sterling By Music Man Unveils S.U.B. Ray4 and Ray5 Basses

Sterling by Music Man unveiled the new S.U.B. line of basses in 2012, which the company says is meant to make Music Man designs available at more affordable pricing. The new line includes the Ray4 and Ray5, which are cousins to the Music Man Stingray 4 and 5 basses…

Fender Upgrades American Standard Series for 2012

10. Fender Upgrades American Standard Series for 2012

Fender upgraded their American Standard series of instruments, including the Precision and Jazz basses in March. The main change is the inclusion of Fender Custom Shop pickups for each model, while other slight adjustments and a new finish also help to update the line…

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