Basses

Squier has announced a few changes to its Affinity lineup for 2021 including three new finishes (Lake Placid Blue, Charcoal Frost Metallic, and Burgundy Mist) as well as a new bass: The Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass H.

Michael Kelly has expanded its electric bass lineup with the Pinnacle 4-string and 5-string basses. Each of the models are built with a swamp ash body topped with burled poplar in a natural finish.

Fodera is celebrating their 38th year in business with a special 2021 Anniversary model, which is a take on their Monarch Elite. The bass features a walnut body with a Zebrawood top to recall some of their earliest designs.

Sire Guitars is expanding their line of Marcus Miller basses this year with two new models, the P5 and the D5. Built upon the bass master’s preferences, both designs share some key features.

Cort has expanded their Artisan Series of basses once again with a new model. The Artisan A5 Beyond is described as the realization of a bold vision for modern bass concepts.

The Fender Custom Shop has unveiled their 2021 Masterbuilt Prestige Collection, featuring one-of-a-kind instruments crafted by their roster of master builders. This year the series includes two basses.

Dunable Guitars has unveiled a new signature bass with Power Trip’s Chris Whetzel. The thrash bassist has been playing their R2 bass for several years, so the based company constructed the new axe around the model.

After discontinuing a similar model two years ago, Epiphone has reissued the Embassy bass. The design retains the asymmetrical solid mahogany double-cutaway body design found on the original 1963 version.

Double-neck guitarist Felix Martin has been broadened the range of his instrument company, FM Guitars, with a new line of basses. The company now offers 8, 10, and 12-string basses.

Ibanez has unveiled their annual limited edition run of SR Premium basses, which they describe as “built to be noticed.” The four-string SR4CMLTD and five-string SR5CMLTD are built with multi-piece bodies of alternating ash and figured maple.

Sadowsky Guitars has unveiled four new limited edition models for 2021 with two in the MetroLine series and two Masterbuilt instruments. All of the instruments are built in Germany.

2021 marks the 90th anniversary of Rickenbacker Guitars, who have just revealed limited edition guitar and bass models to mark the occasion. While details are still slim, the bass model is called the 4005XC and has some serious retro appeal.