Basses

It’s been 20 years since Ibanez first introduced the BTB. They’re celebrating in 2019 with the BTB 20th Anniversary Bass, available in five and six-string versions.

Strandberg was turning heads this year at the Winter NAMM Show as they unveiled the Boden bass. The instrument, which they say has been years in the making, is a headless design with an ergonomic body shape and multi-scale neck.

Ibanez is marking several milestones this year with anniversaries of their flagship models, and now they’re bringing back a part of their past from nearly 30 years ago. The new Affirma series of basses reintroduces the model that started their more unique designs.

Ernie Ball Music Man has announced a limited run of a short scale version of their StingRay bass. The 2019 Short Scale StingRay Special is a passive bass that has a 30-inch scale for easier playability.

Reverend Guitars unveiled three new bass models at the NAMM Show this year with the Triad, the Raymond, and an updated version of their Decision. Each of the bolt-on basses is built with a five-piece roasted maple neck, korina body, and a boneite nut.

Spector has reintroduced its Performer Series of basses with the Performer4. The budget-minded bass features a nato body inspired by their flagship body shape.

Shortly after unveiling the Fullerton Deluxe line of basses, G&L has announced the accompanying Fullerton Standard Range, which also includes versions of their JB and LB-100 models. The new basses are also built in the company’s Fullerton, California shop but offer more standard finishes.

Last year, Warwick unveiled the bass version of the Framus Idolmaker at the Winter NAMM Show. At this year’s show, they unveiled a version of it for their more affordable Rockbass line.

Among the new releases Fender previewed at the 2019 Winter NAMM Show was the Rarities Series, which they called “an upscale, boutique series of 9 models crafted in Corona, California.” One of those nine instruments is the Rarities Flame Ash Top Jazz Bass.

Skjold Design Guitars has introduced a new bass model called the Greyling. Shown at the Bass Bash during the 2019 Winter NAMM Show, the bass is described as an old school four-string.

Warwick has added the Sklar Bass I Signature to their Teambuilt Artist Series as well as their Rockbass line. Developed with session legend Leland Sklar, the semi-hollow bass is a modified version of their Star Bass.

Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Fender have teamed up once again to refresh the Duff McKagan Deluxe Precision Bass. The instrument is based on the ’80s Jazz Bass Special he used to record the album “Appetite for Destruction.”