Vintage Look, Modern Edge: Ian Martin Allison’s New Grez Bass Delivers on All Fronts
After launching several variations of the semi-hollowbody Mendocino Bass, Grez Guitars has teamed up with bass whiz Ian Martin Allison to launch a new model called the Grez Grand Tour Bass. It takes its cues from vintage instruments of the ’50s and ’60s with a short scale and a 16-inch, semi-hollow, carved-topped body.
“I love process of design instruments, marrying acoustical, electrical, visual and ergonomic engineering with industrial and artistic design,” says Grez’s Barry Grzebik. “In this case creating something that artfully balances the desire for a robust acoustic voice with the need to hold up to professional touring and stadium stage volumes. One small notable detail is that although this is a short scale instrument, because of the after-length of string past the bridge, it uses standard long scale strings which dramatically increases sting options and availability.”
The Grand Tour Bass has a carved spruce top with a body and neck of Honduran Mahogany. Its Macassar ebony fretboard has a 12-inch radius and 21 jumbo frets. As mentioned, it has a shortened 30-inch scale. Other features include a pair of Curtis Novak Bisonic/Darkstar pickups with coil tap, a Halon Bridge with a Grez String anchor, and a nitrocellulose finish.
Ian Marin Allison shares, “I’m inspired by the unique character of vintage hollow and semi-hollow basses, but they don’t always live up to our modern expectations of stability, playability, versatility and QUALITY. I’m proud to have helped create something that does.”
Get the “grand tour” of the new bass with this in-depth video by Allison himself.
The Grez Guitars Grand Tour Bass is available for order now with prices starting at $5,999.
Grez Guitars Grand Tour Bass Specs:
| Scale: | 30″ |
| Body: | Honduran Mahogany |
| Top: | Carved Spruce |
| Body Dimensions: | 16″ Lower Bout, 2″ Rim Depth |
| Neck: | 1-piece Honduran Mahogany |
| Fretboard: | Macassar Ebony |
| Frets: | 21 Jumbo |
| Pickups: | Curtis Novak Bisonic/Darkstar Switchable |
| Bridge: | Halon with Grez Stainless Steel String Anchor |
| Finish: | Nitro |
| Weight: | 7 lbs |
| Other: | Light Customization Welcome |
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.
