Bass of the Week: Stradi Reformer
Stradi is known for their beautiful blend of modern and classical elements in their designs, but this week we’re taking a look at a more traditional electric bass called the Reformer. Luthier Marek Dabek explains that the new model began as a request from fans and came to fruition even through this year’s trials.
“Our love for simplicity took a part in the design process so the one pickup-one knob was a base of it,” he shares. “I made a retrospection of what brings an old school mood for me and the details of the design became more clear – a radio-style knob, a surfboard pickguard referring to the 60’s style of design, and ash as a base of the construction.”
The ash body is topped with a slab of oak burl with the oak “surfboard” pickguard over top. Its five-piece neck also sports roasted oak and ash, while the fingerboard is made from bubinga. Other features include a custom neodymium P-bass pickup, a Gotoh bridge, and Kluson tuners.
Stradi Reformer Bass Specs:
| Scale: | 34″ |
| Construction: | Bolt On |
| Body: | One-piece Ash |
| Top: | Oak Burl/Roasted Oak |
| Neck: | 5-Piece Flamed Ash/roasted Oak/Oak |
| Fingerboard: | Bubinga |
| Pickup: | Custom P-Bass with neodymium magnets |
| Electronics: | Passive |
| Bridge: | Gotoh bridge |
| Tuners: | Kluson small bass tuners |
| Other: | Oak “Surfboard” pickguard with radio style big knob, brass&copper inlay on 12th fret |
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.
Beautiful piece of art but a one dimensional instrument. Is the knob for volume or tone? Sorry, all I see in it is an interesting conversation piece to hang on a wall.