5-string Bass Archives - Page 33

After introducing the Dimension Bass as part of their Modern Player Series, Fender has revealed that the bass is now available as part of their Deluxe and American Deluxe instrument lines. Available in 4- and 5-string versions, the Fender Deluxe Dimension Bass is built with an ash body in the model’s new body shape, the Black-finish model is made with...

No Treble columnist Ryan Madora covered Summer NAMM for us this year, and one of the most striking pictures she took was at the Ella Basses booth. This week we check out company’s #0015 bass, which centers around a beautiful blend of exotic woods. The front of the bass is adorned with an interesting selection of cocobolo on its body...

Elrick Bass Guitars has introduced the second generation of their Expat Series New Jazz Standard Bass. The model has undergone a makeover with updated cosmetics, including pick guards, an Elrick bridge, matching metal knobs, fretboard markers, new colors and matching headstocks. As part of the Expat Series, the bass is assembled Europe with U.S.-made materials including Bartolini Jazz pickups, a...

The Lipe Guitars Lupara bass is handmade in California by veteran luthier Mike Lipe. Based on his guitar models, the Lupara comes in 4- and 5-string versions with a choice of P/J, J/J, and humbucker pickup configurations. The bass comes standard with an alder body that’s contoured for comfort. Several choices for exotic tops are available including mango, quilted maple,...

This week we check out the Kayenta bass from the Italian bass builders at Manne Guitars. Designed around an offset body, the bass’s shape puts it in a more upward angled position when playing that the company says is suited well for players that wear their instrument higher. Its korina body is also multi-chambered to add a more complex midrange...

Rounding out the summer’s new models for Squiers Vintage Modified Series are a trio of P-basses: The Vintage Modified Precision Bass V, Precision Bass Fretless, and Precision Bass PJ. Similar to the rest of the series, the new basses are designed to add new twists to familiar designs. Vintage Modified Precision Bass V The Vintage Modified Precision Bass V is...

Le Fay has updated the ROB 344-66/IIIa with a new pickup system that brings together four single coils under three covers. The coils are selectable with a 6-way rotary knob and offer a variety of sounds. Position one activates the coil closest to the bridge, the next adds the coil closest to the neck for a J-style configuration, and the...

In July, we posted a cool video of Bart Soeters displaying a wide variety of basses, and one of his instruments really stood out to me: the Toby Chennell Arco Acoustic Bass Guitar. The electric bass and upright bass share several qualities, but overall they’re really different instruments. UK-based luthier Toby Chennell set out to bring more of their elements...

M.V. Pedulla Guitars has introduced the Rapture NPG, a take on their Rapture model that omits the pick guard to reveal more of the body’s figure. The new bass is described as a full featured version of their “modern vintage” model and comes in single soapbar, J/J, or P/J pickup configurations. A low mid boost/cut switch is also included to...

Squier’s Vintage Modified series has gotten a little bigger with the introduction of the Jaguar Bass V Special. The new model takes all the features of the Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass and adds a low B string. Similar to its predecessor, the bass features a Jaguar-style body fitted with a Fender-Designed P/J pickup configuration. Controls include an active bass-boost circuit,...

This week we check out an innovative design out of Germany by C. Eller Design. The UT2’s striking body shape was ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in both standing and sitting position, while the lower cutaway allows for access all the way up to the bass’s 24th fret. The UT2 is built around a single piece of European Walnut that...

Finnish manufacturer Ruokangas Guitars has announced the Steambass 5, a new 5-string version of their flagship bass model. Similar to its predecessor, the Steambass 5 comes in Classic and Deluxe models, which differ in body construction. The Classic is built with an alder body, while the Deluxe offers a Spanish Cedar body and Arctic Birch top. Common features include a...