Basses

Guy Pratt has teamed up with The Bass Centre to introduce the Guy Pratt Betsy Bass. A part of their British Bass Masters series, the instrument is based on Pratt’s 1964 Jazz Bass he named “Betsy,” which he originally bought from John Entwistle in 1987.

Dan Lakin has launched a new line of basses with his company, D. Lakin Basses. Lakin, who founded Lakland Basses, offers one-on-one consultation for every bass that’s made.

So far, Fodera’s Masterbuilt series has used their existing bass shapes as a canvas for ornamental design. The latest in the line changes that. The Masterbuilt Crescent is inspired by the company’s AJ Presentation Hybrid but with some drastic changes.

Eastwood Guitars is expanding its Rivolta line with its first bass guitar, called the Combinata Bass VII. Designed by Dennis Fano, it is based on the same body shape as their six-string Combinata.

G&L Guitars has unveiled a new short-scale four-string called the Fallout Bass Launch Edition. The 30-inch scale instrument comes in three colors – British Racing Green, Miami Blue, and Racing Yellow – each with competition stripes.

After teasing it for several days, Fender has unveiled the American Ultra Series, which they call their “most advanced” line of basses. The series is defined by new Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups, newly-designed body contours, and faster playing necks.

Fodera has unveiled the latest in their one-of-a-kind Masterbuilt series with a bass called “Gothic Stained Glass.” The bass gets its name from its design features.

Ernie Ball Music Man revealed the latest in their monthly Ball Family Reserve series, including a Fretless StingRay. The bass comes in a Vintage Sierra Burst, but the most attention-grabbing aspect is its highly figured roasted maple neck and fingerboard.

After previewing it at the Winter NAMM Show earlier this year, Ernie Ball Music Man is now shipping the Short-Scale StingRay bass. It features the company’s flagship bass model in a 30-inch scale.

BITE Guitars is a new startup manufacturing company based in Austria that focuses on building individualized basses with what they call “guitar building 4.0.”

Cort has introduced the Action HH4, a bass that features a two-humbucker pickup configuration. Complete with switchable active 2-band and passive operation, the bass offers a variety of tones.

Germany’s Duesenberg Guitars has unveiled a new bass model called the Triton. Its name reflects its three-pickup configuration.