AC Guitars Introduces RetroB Bass

AC Guitars has unveiled the latest in their bass lineup with the RetroB. The retro-styled bass is a departure from luthier Alan Cringean’s typical designs.

“Over the years I have been asked to build copies and have alway turned down the work because it was not something I was interested in, there are more than enough J Basses out there without me adding to the list,” he explains. “So what brought about this look backwards? The answer is mostly to do with conversations I’ve had with Colin Cunningham. As someone who has only designed basses that appeal to me, some more than others, having the perspective of a full-time professional player over a period of time has brought to my attention aspects that, while aware of, did not overly influence what I was trying to achieve. Out of these conversations, the RetroB basses were developed with design input from Colin. The idea was to produce a bass that gave a clear nod to the past, had a comfortable aesthetic being familiar on the eye, but retained modern sensibilities and features while still being recognizable as an ACG instrument.”

The RetroB also has a more traditional set of woods for its construction with options for an alder or swamp ash body, rosewood or maple fingerboard, and one-piece, carbon-reinforced maple necks. It will also come with a figured maple top with or without color finishes. For electronics, Cringean fits the RetroB with an East Tone UK preamp with ACG B-series pickups in one or two pickup configurations.

Each AC Guitar is handmade to order in Scotland, and the RetroB will have several limited options. It’s available for order with U.S. prices around $2,279 for the one-pickup version and $2,400 for the two-pickup version.

AC Guitars RetroB Bass Specs: