Baboomin Q-River Air Packs Big Versatility Into a Lightweight Headless Bass
Baboomin has launched the Q-River Air bass, which comes in Standard and Pro versions and in four- or five-string options. The headless design focuses on versatility and comfort, with the four-string averaging just 6.8 pounds.
“Every detail of Q-River Air is shaped around the way bass players actually play – from balance and upper fret access to tone control, shielding, and stage-ready reliability,” Baboomin states.
Those features include a compact string-lock headpiece, a balanced body shape, an integrated bridge system, a Baboomin-voiced pickup system, and more. The Standard and Pro models are differentiated by their pickups, as the Standard has two single coils while the Pro adds a dual coil in the bridge position that adds 60s Jazz, 70s Jazz, and humbucker-style sounds. Its control layout seems daunting with two switches and six knobs, but Baboomin calls it practical.
“The control system is built for real stage and studio adjustments,” they write. “Passive mode keeps the core voice available, while the active circuit gives players practical room to shape the sound. The VTC, three-band EQ, and 400 / 800 Hz mid switch help the bass find its place quickly. At 400 Hz, the sound gains more body and support. At 800 Hz, the bassline moves forward with a more defined attack.”
Get a rundown of the models with this demo video by Nate Navarro:
The Baboomin Q-River Air Std and Pro bass guitars are available now starting at $1,680.
Baboomin Q-River Air Headless Bass Photos:
Baboomin Q-River Air Headless Bass Specs:
| Construction: | Bolt-on |
| Scale: | 34″ |
| Body: | Chambered Alder |
| Top: | Spruce/Maple |
| Neck: | Canadian Hard Maple with T300 Carbon Fiber Rod Reinforcements |
| Neck Shape: | C-shape |
| Fingerboard: | Rosewood, Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius: | 12″ |
| Frets: | 22 Nickel Silver |
| Inlays: | Mother-of-Pearl, Luminescent Side Dots |
| Pickups: | STD - Q-River STD Jazz Pickups; Pro - Q-River Pro Jazz Pickups |
| Electronics: | Q-River V3 Onboard Preamp |
| Controls: | Dual pickup volume, tone, 3-band EQ, mid-frequency selector, output jack, and model-specific switching |
| Bridge: | Q-River Headless Bridge Tuning System |
| Tuners: | Integrated Headless Tuning System |
| Finish: | Gloss in Cloud Gradient, Sunburst, Laurel Mist Metallic, or Custom Color |
| Other: | Quick-access rear battery compartment |
| Weight: | 6.8 lbs average for four-string, 7.3 lbs average for five-string |
| Orientation: | Right-Hand Only |
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.
