Winter NAMM 2026: Stradi’s Fretless Symphony Bass Is a Masterclass in Craft and Storytelling
The 2026 Winter NAMM Show has just wrapped up, and we’re busy sorting through all of the amazing gear we got to check out. Of the many basses we tested, this exquisite example of Stradi’s Symphony model has been stuck in my head.
Every year I visit the Stradi booth, I’m struck by the craftsmanship and the tonal richness of their instruments, particularly the fretless basses. They have an organic feel and responsive touch that leave me inspired. This year was no different.
Stradi luthier Marek Dąbek writes that the bass, which is made for a special player yet to be announced, was built around movement, balance, and subtle storytelling.
“Its chambered body is formed from exhibition-grade black limba, selected for its resonance and warmth, and topped with a carved piece of locally sourced poplar burl, where every line and swirl feels intentional and alive,” he writes on the Stradi website. “Local poplar burl has always been treated here as a true treasure—the gold of woods. In this project, it is honored in the most literal way, highlighted with real gold to reveal its depth and character.”
Its roasted maple neck, which is also sourced from the Polish mountains, is fitted with a fretless pale moon ebony fingerboard that extends from the nut to beyond the body for an incredible range.
Luminlay swirl position markers give you a visual anchor while mirroring the phases of the moon. A metal mandala at the second octave symbolizes the moon and anchors the design. The fingerboard also surrounds the Delano Xtedner pickup, which Stradi pairs with a Richter parametric preamp.
Stradi Bass Symphony Photos:
Stradi Bass Symphony Specs:
| Scale: | 34″ |
| Body: | Chambered Black Limba |
| Top: | Poplar Burl |
| Neck: | Roasted Maple |
| Fingerboard: | Pale Moon Ebony |
| Frets: | Fretless |
| Inlays: | Luminlay, Mandala at 24th Fret Position |
| Pickups: | Delano Xtender |
| Electronics: | Richter Parametric Preamp |
| Hardware: | Gold |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
Is anyone aware of any acoustic bass that has the natural volume of an acoustic guitar yet still sounds like a bass?
Physics says this is not possible.
The Stradi’s are so beautiful but seem so impractical to lug around. Would love to play one.
I think this is one of the nicest looking instruments that I have ever seen and there are some beauties in /r/Luthier
Its a work of art. Id love to get my hands on one. Id also love to be able to afford one. I especially love the one they made for Jason Mamoa.