Bass of the Week

The old adage is true: so many basses, so little time. That’s why we’re bringing you the “Bass of the Week,” a column featuring low-end instruments ranging from beautiful to bizarre. Have a bass you think we should feature? Drop us a note at [email protected]

Bass of the Week: StoryWood Music SWB-1 Custom Offset Fretless Bass

This week we’re checking out another incredible build by StoryWood Music. The company specializes in using amazing reclaimed and salvaged wood. Their SWB-1 Custom Offset Fretless Bass has an amazing story.

Bass of the Week: John Jowitt’s Bogart Bass Sport IV

Bassist and pillar of the prog rock community John Jowitt wrote in to share his new Bogart bass, and we’re sure glad he did. This Sport IV model marks his seventh bass since meeting luthier Stefan Hess in 1996.

Bass of the Week: Ray Brown’s 7/8 Size Double Bass

The Smithsonian is home to many priceless pieces of history. Its vast collection includes numerous musical instruments and this week, we’re featuring a bass I was lucky enough to visit recently: Ray Brown’s 7/8 Size Double Bass.

Bass of the Week: Carillion Guitars Callisto

Carillion Guitars recently introduced a new model called the Callisto, which grew from a collaboration with bassist Arran McSporran. Luthier Chris Delia gave a rundown of the instrument’s creation on the Carillion Facebook page.

Bass of the Week: Ritter Instruments The Late Lounge Raptor

Jens Ritter is just as much an artist as he is a luthier. A case in point is our latest Bass of the Week: the Ritter Instruments “Late Lounge Raptor.”

Bass of the Week: Torillo & Fendt “The Element Bass”

Today we’re checking out the Element Bass, a new concept designed by Tom Germann of Torillo Basses and Steffen Fendt of Fendt’s Finest. Available in four and five-string versions, the bass was created using their collective experiences in bass playing.

Bass of the Week: Crimson Guitars Spalted Ash Bass Master Build

I’m always mesmerized by videos of instruments being made, especially basses. Crimson Guitars put together a five-part series on “How to Build a P-Style Bass Guitar,” and it’s incredible to watch even a simple build come together.

Bass of the Week: Pensa Custom Guitars P-Series Bass

This week we’re checking out the Pensa Custom Guitars P-Series bass, which takes its cues from the classic Precision design while making it their own. The semi-hollow bass can be highly customized, but even the standard features are outstanding.

Bass of the Week: Lignum Sub Octave Bass

Nate Navarro may be the new champion of every bassist’s favorite game of “How Low Can You Go?” The bassist, who has been on the road with Porcupine Tree, collaborated with Lignum to create a sub octave bass.

Bass Of The Week: Nick Lloyd Basses #55

Edgar Meyer’s double bass, made by Giovanni Battista Gabrielli in 1769, is an amazing instrument. Nick Lloyd spent a lot of time thinking about it, and ultimately Paul Kowert commissioned him to make a copy.

Bass of the Week: Otto Bass Design Otto 5

This week, we’re featuring a gorgeous bass built by Osman Alkan of Otto Bass Design. This Otto 5 caught my eye with its Pacific quilted maple and resin hybrid top, but there are plenty of amazing features beyond that.