Bass of the Week: Helios Guitars Capsicum Acoustic Bass
This week we’re checking out a gorgeous instrument made by Helios Guitars called the Capsicum acoustic bass. Made by hand in Italy, the bass features a stunning body crafted from mahogany for the back, Italian walnut for the sides, and white spruce for the top. As beautiful as it looks, each part of the bass was designed with function in mind.
“When I started planning the construction of this instrument I had [several] goals,” Helios builder Giacomo Ciavatta explains. “First was to realize an instrument under 3kg in weight. Next was to realize an instrument that can attract the attention and satisfy needs of both upright double bass and electric bass players. Then to realize a very responsive instrument, that can change radically tone by simply changing player’s approach. [I also wanted] an instrument with good overall volume without amplification, for easy solo practicing or little acoustic ensembles and that can “boom” coupled with a good amp with 12″ or 15″ speakers via a simple under saddle piezo.”
The result satisfied all of the luthier’s wants. Check out this quick demo of the Capsicum to hear how it sounds:
Helios Guitars Capsicum Acoustic Bass Specs:
| Scale: | 32″ |
| Back: | Mahogany |
| Sides: | Italian Walnut |
| Top: | White Spruce |
| Tailpiece: | Rosewood |
| Bridge: | Wenge |
| Saddle: | Ebony |
| Under Saddle Piezoelectric System | Neck: |
| Maple Fingerboard: | Rosewood 21 Frets |
| Nut: | Bone |
| Peghead Veneer: | Spalted Maple |
| Tuners: | Kluson |
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.
