Zon Introduces Billy Gould Signature BG4 Bass

Zon’s booth at NAMM this year was highlighted by the release of the Billy Gould Signature BG4 Bass. The instrument has several unique features, including a tulip wood boy, a black satin finish, and a Hipshot D-tuner, but its electronics push the envelope.

Zon Guitars Billy Gould Signature BG4 Bass Guitar

The BG4 is fitted with a pair of Bartolini pickups which seemingly only have a single volume knob and switch. However, the switch activates an on-board, touch-sensitive distortion circuit. Designed by Roy Zichri of Greenhouse Effects, the preamp adds “grit and edge” to help create Gould’s distinct tone. It may look simple, but all the tweaking you want is had on the back with mini-pots to control bass, treble, the distortion’s gain, and pickup panning.

Gould gave the bass a rundown at the show:

The Zon Guitars Billy Gould Signature BG4 Bass is handmade in Redwood City, California. It will be made in a limited batch with the first 25 signed by Gould, and will carry a street price of $3,599.

Zon Guitars Billy Gould Signature BG4 Bass Guitar Specs:

Construction:Bolt-on
Body:Tulip
Neck:Composite
Pickups:Bartolini Custom Wound
Electronics:Active Preamp, Custom Greenhouse Effects Distortion Circuit
Tuners:Hipshot w/D-Tuner
Other:First 25 Signed by Billy Gould
Case:Gig Bag

For more information:
Zon Guitars

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Leave a Reply to James Genannt Cancel reply

  1. Tulip wood boy sounds seriously creepy.

  2. so if you want to adjust bass, treble, the distortion’s gain, and pickup panning, you have to flip it over and adjust the pots on the back ?!? for $3599 ?! no thanks

  3. That thing is a tone monster! I like it.

  4. Chance

    All that money for a bass and you don’t get a case?