Best of 2019: The Top 10 Basses

We covered the news of more than 80 new bass models coming out in 2019. These 10 got the most attention (and views) from No Treble readers throughout the year.

Ernie Ball Music Man and Vulfpeck Announce Joe Dart Signature Bass

1. Ernie Ball Music Man and Vulfpeck Announce Joe Dart Signature Bass

Vulfpeck’s Joe Dart has a new signature bass by Ernie Ball Music Man. The Joe Dart Bass is initially limited to 50 units and will only be on sale during the month of March.
Fender Revamps the Duff McKagan Deluxe Precision Bass

2. Fender Revamps the Duff McKagan Deluxe Precision Bass

Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Fender have teamed up once again to refresh the Duff McKagan Deluxe Precision Bass. The instrument is based on the ’80s Jazz Bass Special he used to record the album “Appetite for Destruction.”
Fender Custom Shop Unveils Limited Edition Phil Lynott Precision Bass

3. Fender Custom Shop Unveils Limited Edition Phil Lynott Precision Bass

The late Thin Lizzy bassist Phil Lynott is being honored with a new limited edition signature bass from the Fender Custom Shop. Crafted by Master Builder John Cruz, the bass “painstakingly” recreates Lynott’s original bass in precise detail.
Squier Adds New Bass Models to Classic Vibe Series

4. Squier Adds New Bass Models to Classic Vibe Series

Fender has refreshed the Squier Classic Vibe Series with several decade-specific models of their flagship instruments. For bassists, that includes the Classic Vibe ’60s Jazz Bass, the Classic Vibe ’60s Precision Bass, the Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz Bass, and the Classic Vibe Bass VI.
Fender Unveils Limited Edition Made In Japan Basses

5. Fender Unveils Limited Edition Made In Japan Basses

Fender announced a new line of limited edition Made in Japan instruments including a handful of new basses at the 2019 NAMM Show. The new lineup includes models with traditional specs as well two with “hybrid” models.
Fodera Unveils Masterbuilt Gothic Stained Glass Bass

6. Fodera Unveils Masterbuilt Gothic Stained Glass Bass

Fodera has unveiled the latest in their one-of-a-kind Masterbuilt series with a bass called “Gothic Stained Glass.” The bass gets its name from its design features.
Fender Announces the Vintera Series Basses

7. Fender Announces the Vintera Series Basses

Fender has added a new line of instruments called the Vintera series. The lineup includes vintage-style guitars and basses made in Ensenada, Baja California in Mexico that draw their features from the company’s first three decades.
Fodera Announces the Select Series Basses

8. Fodera Announces the Select Series Basses

New for 2019, Fodera has introduced the Select Series. The lineup blends characteristics of their custom instruments as well as their standard instruments to create a middle ground. They’re opening the new range starting with the Monarch 4 Select and Emperor 5 Select.
Ernie Ball Music Man Announces Short Scale StingRay Special Bass

9. Ernie Ball Music Man Announces Short Scale StingRay Special Bass

Ernie Ball Music Man has announced a limited run of a short scale version of their StingRay bass. The 2019 Short Scale StingRay Special is a passive bass that has a 30-inch scale for easier playability.
Ibanez Unveils the SR Mezzo Bass

10. Ibanez Unveils the SR Mezzo Bass

Ibanez has expanded their flagship SR series of basses with the SRMD200 “Mezzo”. The entry-level model comes in a variety of finishes but sets itself apart with a medium 32-inch scale.

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