This Fretless 7-String Bass by FM Guitars Takes Inspiration from a Stealth Bomber
FM Guitars is known for making incredible double-fingerboard designs, but this week we’re showcasing another one of their specialties: the fretless.
This Esphera Bass is a monstrous seven-string beauty inspired by the sleek B-2 Stealth Bomber plane. Its alder body comes in a satin black finish, and the ebony fingerboard has no inlays to continue the dark theme. Even the controls are pared down with just a single pickup switch to toggle between the two FM soapbars.
As part of the Esphera line, it features a headless tuning system and a body shape inspired by circles, teardrops, and curves that are designed to fit the human form.
“Esphera features a ‘Bass Handle’ that was meticulously designed to fit in the palm of your hand, making the bass guitar lighter and easy to carry,” FM Guitars explains. “Also, the thumb finger can rest inside the bass handle in a unique and comfortable way. The bottom area of the bass features curves that allow you to play in the ‘classical’ position comfortably, as well as pretty much any position available. The bevel shape was inspired by a teardrop, improving comfort when playing the traditional way and in tapping positions.”
Other features include a 35-inch scale and a guitar-based tuning: BEADGBE.
FM Guitars Esphera Bass 7 Photos:
FM Guitars Esphera Bass 7 Specs:
| Scale: | 35″ |
| Body: | Alder |
| Neck: | Wenge |
| Fingerboard: | Ebony |
| Frets: | Fretless |
| Inlays: | None |
| Pickups: | 2 FM Soap Bars |
| Electronics: | Passive, Pickup Switch Only |
| Bridge: | FM |
| Tuners: | FM |
| Finish: | Black Gloss |
| Gauges: | .30 .043, .050, .065, .085, .105, .135T |
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.
It’s cool and all, but I don’t see the relation to the B-2? The aircraft is pretty angular but this shape is all curves.