Best of 2020: The Top 10 Basses
While 2020 was a tough year for everyone, it didn’t seem to slow down the release of new basses as much as expected. And it certainly didn’t slow down the people checking out the new additions.
Here are the top 10 No Treble reader favorite basses covered this year.
1. Ibanez Unveils EHB Headless Bass Series
Headless bass designs were a big theme at the 2020 Winter NAMM Show, and Ibanez got in on the action with their new EHB series. The models have a new, specially designed body that maintains its playing position whether you’re sitting or standing.
2. Warwick Reveals 2020 Limited Edition Models
Each year, Warwick presents a special limited edition bass featuring their top specs. This year is a limited version of the Thumb NT, which will come in both Masterbuilt and Teambuilt versions.
3. Anaconda Basses Unveils the Ultra J5 – Essence Bass
Anaconda Basses has unveiled its latest model called the Ultra J5 – Essence, which will debut at the UK Bass Guitar Show on March 28th and 29th. The new bass is a five-string model of their Ultra J4 – Essence.
4. Squier Introduces Paranormal Jazz Bass ’54
Squier has unveiled the Paranormal series, which brings a handful of vintage Fender models back to life as well as creating some new models. The series includes one bass called the Squier Paranormal Jazz Bass ’54.
5. Fender Japan Launches Heritage Series Basses
Fender Japan has unveiled a new line of instruments called the Heritage Series that recreates features from the company’s past. The series was developed with Mark Kendrick, an original founding master builder of the Fender Custom Shop.
6. Ernie Ball Music Man Unveils Mike Herrera StingRay Bass
MxPx frontman Mike Herrera has a new signature StingRay bass from Ernie Ball Music Man. The bassist has used a StingRay for over 20 years, and now the company says “Herrera’s secret weapon is available to the public.”
7. Sire Announces the U5 Passive Short Scale Bass
After unveiling the prototype at last year’s NAMM Show, Sire is nearing the launch of their new U5 model. The bass is a short-scale instrument using their Marcus Miller Small Jazz Type body and P/J pickups.
8. Eastwood Guitars Unveils the Hooky Bass 6 Pro
The Eastwood Guitars Custom Shop has unveiled a new bass with former Joy Division/New Order bassist, Peter Hook. The Hooky Bass 6 Pro is a replica of the six-string he used to record some of his biggest hits.
9. Schecter Reintroduces the Ultra Bass
Schecter Guitar Research is reintroducing its Ultra Bass series this year that will include a four-string and a five-string model. The 2020 version will feature the company’s original Ultra body shape fitted with EMG TBHZ pickups.
10. Squier Introduces Mini Precision Bass
Squier has shrunk the P-bass to introduce the Mini Precision Bass. The reduced-size includes a 28.6-inch scale, which is even smaller than a regular 30-inch short scale.
