Brice Introduces Defiant 53437 5-String Multi-Scale Bass
Brice has introduced a new multi-scale version of their Defiant model. The 5-string Defiant 53437 stands out with a string scale that ranges from 37 inches on the B-string and 34 inches on the G-string with fanned frets to accommodate the adjustment.
The Defiant’s design includes slim, dual cutaway mahogany body wings attached to a five-piece maple and walnut neck. Contouring on the heel provides easy access to the upper register of the 24-fret rosewood fretboard.
Electronics include a pair of Cephius passive bar pickups with volume and tone knobs as well as a pickup selector.
The Brice Brice Defiant 53437 is distributed through Rondo Music and is available now for $559.95.
Brice Defiant 53437 Natural Mahogany Bass Details:
| Construction: | Neck-through |
| Scale: | 34″-37″ |
| Neck: | 5-piece Maple/Walnut |
| Width of the neck at the nut: | 1 3/4″ |
| String spacing at the bridge: | 2 9/16″ |
| Body: | Mahogany |
| Headstock: | Matching |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo |
| Pickups: | Cephius Passive Bar Pickups |
| Bridge: | Individual Saddles |
| Hardware: | Brushed Nickel |
| Finish: | Natural |
| Weight: | 9 pounds |
For more information:
Rondo Music
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.
Looks like a really nice bass. Of course I’d have to hear it first and see reviews but looks promising. And at a great price as well.
What’s the reason behind the multiple scales? First instrument of this kind i’ve ever seen and i find it very intriging
It allows for a tighter B string. It is like on a piano where the bass strings are not only a bigger diameter, but also longer compared to the higher notes. I think Zon made fanned fret basses. Yes, the price looks good if it sound good.
A company called Dingwall has been making fanned fret/multi-scale instruments for a couple of decades. Not sure if they were the first but they were one of the first for sure.
Novax in the US patented the multiscale fretboard. Dingwall basses are made under a Nivax license. However, I read somewhere that the patent recently expired, so now fanned frets can be made by anybody without license.
I’d like to know where I could get those pickups…
That particular brand, I don’t know. However, Lace Music has some bar pickups which can be used in a mulitscale bass application. In fact, Strandberg Guitars uses the guitar version for their multiscale 6-8 string guitars. http://www.lacemusic.com/Bassbar.php
Seems like 34-37 would produce a nasally tone. 32-35 seems like a more usuable array.
Having played a Dingwall fanned fret 5 string, I can assure you that the 37″ B string produces a thunderous, clear, gut thumping tone. Absolutely nothing nasally about it at all!
Id buy that
Would love to have it. I have an SX five string jazz fret less from the Rondo Gang and it’s as good or better than a lot of squiers out there.