Multi-scale Archives - Page 2

Taking after the massive combat aircraft, this Bomber 7 from Aviator Guitars drops thunderous notes with an incredible seven-string multi-scale design. The longest string has a scale length of 37.5 inches, which is a solid 3.5 inches longer than a traditional bass scale. In fact, the model was created just for this particular feat. “The Bomber model was developed specifically...

This DTC Bass Guitars instrument caught my eye for its intense purple finish over the burl top, which looks like you’re staring into space. However, it’s got loads of other great features, too. Built with a mahogany body, the bass is a singlecut and multiscale design for a modern approach to bass playing. The stabilized burl top almost hides its...

Germany’s Bassline went over the top for the Musikmesse show one year with what they called a “multi-scale, multi-layer” version of their Re:Belle model. Besides the obvious multi-scale design, the company routed out the sapele pommele body and actually inlaid the flashy quilted maple top. Its pickguard is made from the same piece of maple. Bassline opted to use Canadian...

Ibanez has expanded their multi-scale bass lineup by adding the SRMS800, SRMS805, and SRMS806 to their Bass Workshop series. Each bass is built with a five-piece jatoba and walnut neck that has fanned frets for consistent tone across open strings, improved intonation, and comfort. The four-string SRMS800, five-string SRMS805, and the six-string SRMS806 all feature a gloss finish over a...

Kiesel Guitars has introduced two new multi-scale versions of their Vanquish bass. The VM49K and VM59K are four- and five-string basses, respectively, that are the Kiesel custom shop’s first multiscale bass instruments. The design includes fanned frets and offers some technical improvements. “The advantage of a multiscale bass over a traditional instrument is that the lower strings have a greater...

ESP got into the multi-scale game this year with the LTD B-1004SE and B-1005SE basses. Four and five-stringers, respectively, the new models have different scales for each string to optimize tension and ergonomics. The multi-scale effect is created with Hipshot solo bridges and a fanned fret design. Both basses are built with a swamp ash body topped with solid rosewood,...

After getting into the multi-scale bass market earlier this year, Ibanez is expanding their SR Fanned Fret bass line with a new finish. Available in five- and six-string versions, the bass will come in a Walnut Flat finish as well as its original black stain. The SRFF805 five-string and 806 six-string models are built with an ash body, a five-piece...

This week we check out the Fëanor JMS6, a 6-string headless bass created by Italian luthier Giulio Negrini. The modern design also includes a multi-scale string configuration and fanned frets. Negrini built the bass with an alder body topped with flamed maple in a beautiful translucent colored finish. Its neck continues the flamed maple theme and is reinforced with carbon...

Brice has introduced a new multi-scale version of their Defiant model. The 5-string Defiant 53437 stands out with a string scale that ranges from 37 inches on the B-string and 34 inches on the G-string with fanned frets to accommodate the adjustment. The Defiant’s design includes slim, dual cutaway mahogany body wings attached to a five-piece maple and walnut neck....

Any instrument named after the monomaniacal captain from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick needs to have a similar aggressive design, and the Prometeus Guitars Ahab delivers in spades. This week we check out a 6-string, multi-scale version of the bass that left me speechless. While the Ahab can be built with varying woods and materials, this particular bass sports a jaw-dropping...

Le Fay has updated the ROB 344-66/IIIa with a new pickup system that brings together four single coils under three covers. The coils are selectable with a 6-way rotary knob and offer a variety of sounds. Position one activates the coil closest to the bridge, the next adds the coil closest to the neck for a J-style configuration, and the...

Bastard Basses has launched with an innovative prototype called the Little Bastard. Born out of a final exam project for designer Szabolcs Sinka’s Master’s in Product Design, the prototype bass is based around a 32-inch to 30-inch multi-scale neck. The bass’s concept also incorporates some forward thinking in the design process for ergonomics and visual flair. “Little Bastard uses a...