Basses

Schecter Guitar Research is reintroducing its Ultra Bass series this year that will include a four-string and a five-string model. The 2020 version will feature the company’s original Ultra body shape fitted with EMG TBHZ pickups.

ESP has updated its LTD D series of basses for 2020 with a new wood configuration. Most notable is their new burled poplar top that comes in a Black Natural Burst Satin finish.

Sire is launching several new models for June including the new P10, which they describe as the higher version of their P7 model. “Just like the V10, the P10 has a roasted flame maple neck, giving you a high-end feel and sound,” the company says.

Fender has expanded their Player Series of instruments with a handful of guitars and one new bass: the Player Mustang Bass PJ. The short-scale bass fits a new pickup set into the vintage body style.

Mayones has expanded its Jabba line of basses with a new reverse headstock model. The Jabba Rev 5 is a five-string bass, built with a profiled swamp ash body, wenge core, and an eye poplar top that comes in three transparent finishes.

ESP has launched a new set of basses in its F Series from the LTD line. The LTD F-1004 and F-1005 are part of the LTD Deluxe range and feature a flamed maple top in a see-thru black finish over their sculpted bodies.

It’s been thirty years since Jackson Guitars and Megadeth bassist David Ellefson collaborated on the company’s first five-string bass, which was created during the 1990 Rust in Peace tour. Now they’re celebrating with an anniversary model.

After unveiling the prototype at last year’s NAMM Show, Sire is nearing the launch of their new U5 model. The bass is a short-scale instrument using their Marcus Miller Small Jazz Type body and P/J pickups.

Chris Seldon Guitars (formerly Owl Bass Guitars) has announced their new flagship model called the Seldon Ranger 4/34. The new instrument features a full 34-inch scale and will be the company’s base model.

Kala released a new U-Bass this year that they say is their most sustainable choice. The ukulele-sized acoustic/electric bass guitar is made entirely out of bamboo.

Schecter is now shipping the Banshee Bass, a short-scale instrument they unveiled at the 2020 Winter NAMM Show. The vintage-styled instrument features a split-coil style bass with a 30-inch scale.

Fender Japan has unveiled a new line of instruments called the Heritage Series that recreates features from the company’s past. The series was developed with Mark Kendrick, an original founding master builder of the Fender Custom Shop.