Bass of the Week: Emerald Guitars Balor Bass
This week we’re checking out the Emerald Guitars Balor, an acoustic bass guitar built entirely with carbon fiber. The model is the latest in the evolution of their acoustic bass models.
“Physics implies that an acoustic bass should be large to properly create low frequencies at a useable acoustic volume,” the company writes. “So we have developed a completely new ergonomic shape that is 30 per cent larger than our previous model, yet feels more comfortable to play. Finally, we have created an acoustic bass with gut-rumbling low frequencies produced at a volume loud enough to compete in any acoustic jam session.”
The bass’s neck, body, top, bridge and fretboard are all formed at the same time using a unique molding system. Emerald says the process makes it so there are no joins that can fail, which also helps to improve resonance and response. It comes in two versions: Opus and Artisan. Opus models serve as the basic variation while Artisan models are hand-built to order with various color options and exotic wood tops. The higher end model also comes with a transducer pickup as standard where it is an upgrade for the Opus.
Each bass weighs around six pounds. Other features include Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners, A Graphtech nut, and Graphtech bridge pins.
Check out the Balor in action in these demo clips:
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< Emerald Guitars Balor Bass Specs:
| Scale length: | 34″ |
| Body: | Carbon Fiber |
| Top: | Choice of Exotic Wood (Artisan Version Only) |
| Neck: | Carbon Fiber |
| Fretboard: | Carbon Fiber |
| Nut Width: | 1 7/8″ |
| Bridge Spacing: | 70mm |
| Overall Length: | 48 13/16″ |
| Max Body Width: | 18 1/8″ |
| Max Body Depth: | 6 11/16″ |
| Max Body Length: | 25 3/16″ |
| Weight: | 6 lbs |
| Frets: | 24 medium stainless steel frets |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Res-O-Lite GB350 Bass Machine Heads 20:1 ratio (cosmo black) |
| Nut/Saddle: | Graphtech low friction nut and saddle |
| Bridge: | Graphtech bridge pins with Paua shell inlay |
| Pickup: | Undersaddle Transducer (Pickup included on Artisan Model) |
| Finish: | High gloss finish on all surfaces |
| Case: | Custom-padded Emerald gig bag |
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.
Physics doesn’t “imply” that the sound box needs to be large to amplify low notes. Physics *dictates* it.
It’s not just an idea, it’s the law!
So to use the word “imply” correctly: Emerald Guitars is IMPLYING that their 30% larger sounding box is enough to make acoustic basses loud enough to play with guitarists.
As an electric bassist in a group with three acoustic guitars, I volunteer to test this implication.
Makes You Wonder Why It Would Have An Optional Pickup If It Doesn’t ” Need ” One ….Right ?
How much does it cost? Does the fact that I asked that question mean I can’t afford it? Is it available fretless? Sounds pretty cool.
I own an Emerald 12 string, (four note) Balor bass and I am wanting to buy a hardshell case for it. What are my best options?
Have you played it through and amp? If yes, how was the feedback issues?