Short Scale, Big Sound: Nordstrand’s Acinonyx V Returns for 2026
Following a limited-edition run of the model last year, Nordstrand Audio has introduced the Acinonyx 5 for 2026. The design is a five-string version of their Acinonyx model, itself a reimagining of the Goya Panther. Nordstrand calls it an “homage to classic single pickup basses of the past.”
Central to its design is the PolyVox pickup, which actually houses six coils under its cover.
“A volume and a wide range tone offer a broad palette of rich passive sounds and the single asymmetrical aperture captures all the organic goodness that a soft maple body with a classic maple/EIR neck can bring,” the company writes. “Anything from super dark synth-y sub vibes to clean and clear chime are all available with nary a blurry undefined note to be found.”
The bass is designed for playability, as well. It features a short 30.7-inch scale and an Indian Rosewood fingerboard with a compound radius. Nordstrand also writes that the neck profile “fits the hand like an old broken in glove.”
Get a quick sound sample of the Acinonyx V in this short video from Carey Nordstrand:
The Nordstrand Audio Acinonyx V is built in California. It’s available now in multiple finishes starting at $4,995.
Nordstrand Audio Acinonyx V Specs:
| Scale Length: | 30.7″ |
| Body: | Soft Maple |
| Neck: | Maple |
| Neck Shape: | Classic Medium Slim |
| Fingerboard Wood: | East Indian Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius: | 7.5″ - 14″ |
| Fingerboard Inlays: | Dots |
| Width at Nut: | 1.725″ |
| Nut Material: | Bone |
| Frets: | 21; StewMac #147 Fretwire (Narrow/Medium) - Nickel/Silver |
| Pickups: | Nordstrand PolyVox 5 |
| Controls: | Volume, Wide Range Tone |
| Hardware: | Hipshot |
| Bridge: | Proprietary Custom Hipshot Bridge |
| Tuners: | Hipshot Ultralight Lollipop Tuners |
| Truss Rod: | 2 Way Spoke Wheel Truss Rod |
| Strings: | Dunlop Custom Scale Super Brights |
| Body Finish: | Polyester |
| Neck Finish: | Urethane Satin Lacquer |
| Weight: | 6.9 lbs |
| Orientation: | Right-hand Only |
| Origin: | Made in California |
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.
