Bass of the Week: Citron AE4 and AE5 Swallow Acoustic/Electric Bass
This week we take a look at the Citron AE4 and AE5 Swallow Basses built by luthier Harvey Citron in collaboration with jazz legend Steve Swallow. Citron first presented Swallow with one of his acoustic/electric basses, and their work went from there. It was Steve’s perfectionism that pushed the bass builder to invent a new bridge.
“Working with Steve has been a real pleasure,” Citron said. “I had given up on my wish to create an intonation-adjustable wooden bridge with piezo, because it seemed impossible to achieve. Steve loved the tone of the AE5 and would have settled for the custom-intonated wide-saddle wooden bridge I was making, but really needed an adjustable bridge, because accurate intonation is so critical to him. Suddenly, in Steve’s presence, and out of his need, the solution came to me — the first wooden piezo bridge adjustable for intonation was born.”
Both the 4- and 5-string models are fitted with 6 EMG under saddle piezos and an EMG 18-volt active EQ. You may notice that the only control showing is Volume, as the treble/bass and 3 gain controls are neatly stored inside the bass’s control compartment.
The basses feature long scales, with the 4-string measuring at 35? and the 5-string at 36?. The bodies are made of 3-inch thick Honduras Mahogany with X-braced Spruce tops and the necks are one-piece Honduras Mahogany. The fingerboard is either East Indian Rosewood or Ebony. The basses are available in a host of finishes, ranging from natural to burst to transparent options.
Citron AE4 and AE5 Swallow Bass Photo Gallery:
Citron AE4 and AE5 Swallow Bass Specs:
- Body: 3? thick Honduras Mahogany (hollow) with X-braced Spruce top
- Neck: one-piece Honduras Mahogany
- Fingerboard: East Indian Rosewood, optional Ebony
- Scale Length: 35? on 4-string; 36? on 5-string
- Number of Frets: 24
- Bridge: Rosewood w/ intonation adjustable bone saddles
- Pickups: six EMG under saddle piezos
- Controls: 18-volt active EQ by EMG, volume, eq (treble/bass and 3 gain controls on board in control compartment)
- Finishes: natural, antique, amber burst, red to pale yellow burst, opaque and transparent colors
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.
I’m not a fan of electric-acoustic basses, but this one surely caught my eye.
Kind of reminds me of a Bongo Bass.
So cool bass but…… 36″ for the fiver! not for me….next!
PLease send one to a dealer in Eastern NC. Like Guitars ECT in Havelock.. there are those of us who are waiting for a GOOD 5 string Acoustic Bass.
very nice
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