5-string Bass Archives - Page 19
Bass of the Week: 39 Custom Guitars CK Canorous
Chris Kollias wrote in to share his new bass from 39 Custom Guitars, and it’s a beauty. The CK Canorous is a 5-string that the bassist wanted to cover a wide tonal palette. “The main purpose of this instrument is to cover a wide variety of sounds according to the demanding needs,” Kollias said. “The neck is made of white...
NS Design Unveils NXTa Active Series Omni Bass and Double Bass Models
NS Design has teamed up with Mi-Si Electronics Design to introduce the NXTa Active series of instruments, including versions of the company’s Omni Bass and Double Bass models. Central to the new series is the introduction of battery-free, high-performance active electronics. The circuitry works is powered by plugging into a wall socket for one minute at a time. “Operationally, for...
Kala Revamps California Series U-Basses for 2016
Kala has revamped their California U-Bass series for 2016. The mini-scale, solid-body instruments will have reshaped necks and bodies, plus new placement for the fret markers on the fingerboard. “The California body and neck have been cut and sanded to smoother, more rounded edges so they provide more comfort for the player,” The company writes. “The feel is enhanced when...
Bass of the Week: Fodera Guitars Masterbuilt Kestrel
Fodera introduced the Masterbuilt series earlier this year, and this week we’re checking out the second ever bass in the series: The Kestrel. The avian-themed instrument features some of the company’s finest materials to create an astounding visual and sonic experience. “Over the years we have produced a number of special instruments that feature inlays of various birds,” Fodera writes....
Fender Updates Deluxe Series Basses
Fender has revamped their Deluxe series of instruments into a more cohesive lineup with a shared set of upgrades. The series includes new versions of the Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special, the Deluxe Active Jazz Bass, and the Deluxe Active Dimension Bass. Each of the basses now has a 12-inch fingerboard radius, active/passive electronics, a hi-mass bridge, and vintage noiseless...
Ibanez Adds New Finishes For Summer 2016
Ibanez has added new finishes to a host of their electric basses, including the Gio series, the SR300 series, and the Talman TMB310. Each of the entry level basses have a pair of new color options. The Ibanez Gio series will now include the GSR200SDL, a Soda Blue 4-string, and the GSR205DVM Deep Violet Metallic 5-string. Each bass is built...
Spector Adds Walnut Stain Model to Legend Neck-Thru Series
Spector has expanded their Legend series of instruments with the Legend Neck-Thru Walnut Stain bass. Available in four- and five-string versions, the model features the company’s flagship NS body design built with a figured maple top and carved maple body finished in a rich walnut stain. The bass is fitted with a pair of passive Aguilar DCB humbuckers matched to...
Elrick Introduces Satin Matte Black for Expat e-volution Basses
Elrick Bass Guitars has expanded their Expat Series with satin black matte finishes. The sleek, blacked-out aesthetic will be available on their e-volution four and five-string basses. Made in the Czech Republic, the handmade basses are inspected and setup by Elrick. They feature select swamp ash bodies, three-piece maple necks, and wenge fretboards. Electronics include U.S. Bartolini pickups and electronics,...
Bass of the Week: Jersey Girls Goose Bordeaux
This week we’re checking out a Goose bass by Jersey Girls Homemade Guitars. This particular bass – built by the team of luthiers Kaz G, Akiko Oda and Eiko Goto – is called the Bordeaux for the lovely wine colored finish over its light ash body. Its hard maple neck is topped by a fingerboard made from Karin, also known...
Bass of the Week: Kudritsky Guitars Pandora Bass
Our friend Andrew Arnautov wrote in to share this gorgeous Pandora bass made by Ukrainian luthier Alex Kurdritsky. Arnautov calls the maker, who has over four decades of instrument building under his belt, one of the field’s best kept secrets. Kudritsky named the model Pandora after the Greek goddess because “the instrument explodes with plethora of sounds just like a...
Fodera Unveils Imperial Mini-MG Bass
Fodera and Matthew Garrison have teamed up once again to introduce the Imperial Mini-MG. The headless and compact design was created with portability and playability in mind. “With the recent change in instrument travel regulations, there has been an increasing need for a bass guitar that combines portability without sacrificing tone or playability,” Fodera shares. “With these needs in mind,...
Bass of the Week: ESP E-II Stream SL-5
This week we’re taking a look at the ESP E-II Stream SL-5, a bigger variation on the bass model they debuted in 2014. The SL-5 is a five-string version with a 35-inch scale and larger body than its predecessors. As part of the E-II series, the Stream SL-5 is built in ESP’s Japanese factory. Available in Deep Red Metallic Satin...