Bass of the Week: Musicvox Space Cadet Custom 12-String Bass

This week we’re taking a look at a new limited edition 12-string bass built by Musicvox called the Space Cadet. This version features a 3-tone sunburst over a flame maple top for a dynamite combo. With modern and classic mixed together, this model is a reissue from the company’s back catalog.

“I designed this model originally in 1999 and produced it as well initially that same year,” Musicvox’s Matthew Eichen tells us. “The core features are the same as the original and intervening releases. Musicvox was selling exclusively direct online by 1998 so I polled our fans about features they wanted that they felt were desired but missing on instruments they’d owned. The results were: Locking Tuners, 2 double-action truss rods for rock-solid neck stability, many wanted a brass nut which we previously provided and have more recently found even better universal performance from Tusq or Corian, active and passive electronics, dual output jacks, precision machined and cast fully adjustable bridge, 34” scale. Allen Woody embraced the ’99 Space Cadet 12 immediately and toured with it. We released the MI-5 12 String Bass a few years back and the New MI-6 model 12 this year but the Space Cadet has had a loyal and growing group of players. Billy Sheehan recently purchased one and has embraced it in his own unique virtuoso way.”

Musicvox crafts the 12-string behemoth with neck-through construction including a Rock Canadian maple neck and mahogany sides. Binding is found on the body, headstock, and neck while block pearloid inlays add to the elegance. Electronics include a pair of Musicvox active/passive humbuckers matched to a 3-band EQ. Other features include a fully adjustable 8-saddle bridge and dual output jacks.

Musicvox Space Cadet Custom 12-String Bass Specs: