SBL 100 Basses Guide PDF

100
BASS GUITARS TO PLAY BEFORE YOU DIE

Our Definitive Guide to the Best and Most Desirable Bass Guitars Ever!
From the team behind ScottsBassLessons.com an essential resource for every electric bassist
100 BASS GUITARS TO PLAY BEFORE YOU DIE
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
U ntil now, your experience of choosing a bass has probably been relatively straightforward. Gut instinct tells you whether you feel
a connection with an instrument, your wallet tells you whether you can afford it and, hey presto, you’re poor but happy! With
that in mind, we’ve compiled a bucket list for you to tick off; 100 Bass Guitars To Play Before You Die. Deciding which instruments
made the cut was a momentous task and compiling it came close to inciting a riot - some SBL staff members still aren’t speaking to
one another! And no doubt some of your favorites didn’t make it, but this list is just a reflection of the basses that have inspired us.
There are a few firm favorites in there, from Ernie Ball’s Music Man StingRay to the ever-popular Fender Jazz Bass - but we’re fairly
certain you won’t have ticked them all off, and now might just be the time...
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1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
THE MOST AWESOME SIGNATURE MODELS THAT EVER EXISTED!
M any of us will want to own a certain axe because it’s what our favourite bassist plays, be it Victor Wooten’s Fodera, Mark
King’s Status or Nathan East’s Yamaha. We’ve all done it when choosing gear. But that shouldn’t take anything away from the
craftsmanship that’s on display in the first section of our guide. These are astonishing examples of design, workmanship and artistry,
and the care and attention afforded in their production is remarkable. So, you’ve heard of the players, but how about their basses?
Look, and be amazed…
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
1 2 3
FENDER NATE MENDEL P BASS YAMAHA NATHAN EAST BBNEII ZON GUITARS MICHAEL MANRING HYPERBASS
Nate’s Signature model is based on the 1971 A 5-string, neck-through bass with a 36-inch scale, Developed in conjunction with Michael Manring
Precision he uses onstage with the Foo Fighters. two-octave ebony fingerboard, stacked alnico and designed specifically for altered tuning, the
‘Once you land on a P Bass, that’s kind of where humbuckers and Yamaha’s active electronics, which Hyperbass is capable of around 10,000 different
you stay,’ said Mendel. ‘Fender took my bass to feature a custom three-band EQ and switchable tunings via four Hipshot D-tuners and two levers
find a way to copy the shape of the neck and I’m mid cut. ‘When we designed my signature bass,’ down at the bridge. ‘You can vary the amount of
super excited about it.’ The body combines special says East, ‘I went over and tried out different types travel for each bridge saddle and basically have
contours with an extra-slim nut width, a worn of pickups and woods, fingerboards, necks, just each string change at whatever increment you
Candy Apple Red finish, a Seymour Duncan trying to figure out what the best combination was, want, ‘explains Joe Zon. ‘When you move the
Quarter Pound split single-coil, Badass II bridge and I’m very happy with the final product. I use it levers the pitch changes.’ Now that’s bass geekery
and Mendel’s signature on the headstock. all the time.’ worth knowing about.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
4 5 6
SADOWSKY WILL LEE MODEL STATUS CHRIS WOLSTENHOLME SIGNATURE BASS JACKSON DAVID ELLEFSON SIGNATURE KELLY BIRD V
These magnificent 22 fret basses have a familiar Since scouring the heights of rock stardom with Designed with the serious metal bass player in
body shape and feature a custom 3-band preamp Muse, Chris Wolstenholme has taken to the stage mind, the Kelly Bird V features a basswood body
with a switchable midrange boost that’s adjustable with a host of different Status basses including with Ellefson’s signature blue burst and black
via a trimpot on the rear control cover. Other a headless Series 2 and a KingBass Mk-II. His centre stripe finish. From there we have a bolt-on
details include a Sadowsky chrome-plated brass signature model retains many classic Status features maple neck with 21 jumbo frets and an impressive
bridge, a narrow 1.45-inch nut and custom including a woven graphite neck that’s set into list of hardware that includes a Jackson high-mass
Hipshot/Sadowsky tuners. Hats off to Roger an alder body with a graphite shell. The onboard bridge and die-cast mini tuners. The pickups are
Sadowsky for pushing the boat out yet again with electronics have been designed to deliver Chris’s EMGs wired to independent volume controls and
this fantastic design. huge onstage sound... and it looks awesome. a 3-band EQ.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
7 8 9
CORT GENE SIMMONS PUNISHER-2 BASS MAYONES JABBA HADRIEN FERAUD 5 SKJOLD DESIGN GUITARS DAVID DYSON SIGNATURE
The GS Punisher-2 features a bolt-on neck with a The Jabba Hadrien Feraud 5 is an ash-bodied The David Dyson Signature Series has an
rosewood fingerboard and diamond-shaped inlays. 5-string instrument with a specially contoured impressive looking spec list: a three-piece maple
The body is made of mahogany and features a neck heel and a slick bolt-on joint for easy access neck, premium maple or morado fingerboard,
black finish with custom graphics to match the to all 24 frets. It has a distinctive bass sound too, custom Skjold/Hipshot hardware and Skjold
basses Gene Simmons plays onstage. Each bass is thanks to the Delano humbuckers and Mayones custom pickups. Each Skjold instrument is built
equipped with two pickups, one volume control, M-BP3 preamp. It comes in Antique Brown with a entirely by hand without any CNC machines or
one tone control and a three-way selector switch. satin finish. prefabricated bodies or necks.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
10 11 12
GRETSCH TOM PETERSSON SIGNATURE FENDER FLEA JAZZ BASS EPIPHONE JACK CASADY SIGNATURE
This Gretsch signature model honors Cheap Hand-crafted in Ensenada, Mexico, the Flea Jazz Combining some classic design features with
Trick co-founder and bassist, Tom Petersson. Bass is a precise re-creation of his 1961 Fender. stunning retro looks, this signature model from
The 4-string version features a laminated maple Features include an alder body with a Road Worn Epiphone is something very special. It’s based
body, short scale-length (30.3-inches), Adjusto- faded shell pink nitrocellulose lacquer finish, dual on a 1970s era Gibson Les Paul bass that Jack
Matic bridge and Gretsch ‘Cadillac’ tailpiece, Pure Vintage ’64 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups, Casady acquired in the 80s. Features include a
gold hardware and a middle pickup (Seymour a C-shaped maple neck and a 7.25-inch radius rosewood fingerboard, metallic gold finish and
Duncan Super’Tron) that pairs with the all-new rosewood fingerboard. A special 4-bolt neck plate a JCB low-impedance pickup that’s wired to
Rumble’Tron neck pickup. also boasts some of Flea’s engraved artwork. 3-position tone switch.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
13 14 15
WARWICK ARTIST LINE BOOTSY COLLINS SPACE BASS IBANEZ GWB GARY WILLIS SIRE GUITARS MARCUS MILLER M7
Perhaps the very ultimate in bass guitar bling, the With a detachable finger ramp, high gloss finished Built in conjunction with Marcus, the M7 comes
Bootsy Collins Space Bass is a sensational looking rosewood fingerboard, curved Bartolini pickup with an ash or alder body coupled with a flame
instrument that’s been treated to a special purple and lightweight swamp ash body, the GWB has maple top. It’s fitted with dual humbuckers that can
finish. It’s loaded with a pair of active MEC TJ/J a few features that make it a very interesting be selected in series, parallel or single-coil mode,
pickups and the body is mahogany with a maple proposition. Other nice touches include a Bartolini and the company’s Heritage-3 preamp, which has
neck and ekanga veneer stripes. The Artist Line NTBT 2-band EQ, a three-piece maple neck, a sweepable-mid EQ stack, and a mini-switch to
model offers a more affordable way in to Warwick’s fretless fingerboard and Gary’s specially shaped toggle between active and passive mode. You also
iconic Custom Shop design. machineheads. That sounds pretty good to us. have a choice of 4-string or 5-string models.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
16 17 18
MANSON E BASS MTD ANDREW GOUCHE SIGNATURE BASS FODERA MATT GARRISON STANDARD SERIES II
The Manson JPJ E-Bass is a production model This artist model from Michael Tobias has been created The Matt Garrison Standard Series exhibits the same
based on John Paul Jones’ own first-call Manson for one of the instruments most celebrated players. single-cut body shape and smooth contouring as Matt’s
4-string, created by his long-serving guitar tech, Hugh The Bartolini pickups have been custom-wound and Custom Signature Model. Each instrument is hand-
Manson. It’s a great body shape, with an elongated are wired to five knurled control knobs that comprise crafted from the company’s workshop in Brooklyn,
horn extending over the two-octave neck. Other spec bass, middle and treble EQ controls, a pickup blend New York, in exactly the same way as the Custom Shop
points include neck-through construction, an ebony and a push/pull volume control that deactivates the instruments, only they’re built in batches, which allow
fingerboard and a figured maple top, finished in aged EQ when pulled away from the body. The mid control Fodera to lower production costs. The neck-through-
cherry sunburst high-gloss lacquer. The hardware also offers a push/pull mid shift from 250Hz – 800Hz. body is made from walnut with an alder tone-block and
comprises EMG pickups and active circuitry, a Hipshot You also get a full complement of smoked chrome madrone burl top. The neck is hard rock maple with a
D-Tuner, Schaller machine heads and a Badass bridge. hardware, including the MTD quick release bridge. madagascar kingwood board.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
19 20 21
DINGWALL GUITARS NG-2 WARWICK CUSTOM SHOP ROBERT TRUJILLO SIGNATURE #611 SCHECTER MICHAEL ANTHONY CUSTOM SHOP SIGNATURE
The NG-2 is an adaptation of the ever-popular The Robert Trujillo Signature #611 features the Schecter Guitars have long been a favourite for tough-
Dingwall Combustion and has been through a long same components and standard range of options sounding rock, so it’s no surprise that former Van
development cycle involving Periphery bassist Adam as Warwick’s other high-end basses. The main Halen bassist, Michael Anthony, turned to them for
‘Nolly’ Getgood. The maple board employs Ralph departure from the company’s Signature Series is a signature model. The alder-bodied instrument has
Novak’s fanned-fret system and a 34–37” scale with the finish. A very thin iron coating is applied to a bolt-on neck with a rosewood fingerboard and 21
spread (the scale length of the B string is three inches the body wood and oxidized to create the distressed, premium Jescar silver frets. It has a distinctive tone too,
longer than the G). Like the frets, the Dingwall FD3 rusty appearance. The pickups and parts of the thanks to the Schecter MonsterTone pickups. Ernie
neodymium pickups are also slanted. They’re wired hardware have also been artificially aged. Genuine Ball strings, a Hipshot D-Tuner, Graph Tech nut and
to a custom Darkglass 3-band preamp, along with silver fingerboard inlays and 24 jumbo nickelsilver a 2-way adjustable truss rod round out this bass, which
master volume and a rotary pickup selector. frets round out this stunning instrument. comes in a choice of Sunburst or Carbon Grey.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
22 23 24
SPECTOR DOUG WIMBISH NS-2 PRS GRAINGER IBANEZ ANB1006

Best known for his bass work with Living Colour, A collaboration between the Maryland company The ANB1006 Adam Nitti Signature Model features
Doug Wimbish has also played on some of the and bassist Gary Grainger, construction employs a neck-through-body, purpleheart fingerboard,
biggest hip hop anthems of all time, including the conventional PRS approach of a mahogany Bartolini pickups and a custom Bartolini 3-band
White Lines (Don’t Do It), That’s The Joint and body and a carved figured maple top. Other nice EQ. As always, the Japanese company’s master
Apache. ‘I’m really happy with how it came out,’ touches include a pair of PRS pickups, an active builders needed to get it right, so work commenced
said Doug of his Spector signature axe. ‘It’s pretty 3-band EQ and a huge choice of finishes including alongside Adam himself. ‘This instrument represents
much built to the specs of the 4-string bass that I Aquableux, Blood Orange, Charcoal Burst and the ideal balance of tone, playability, ergonomics,
had Stuart make for me back in 1987.’ Orange Tiger. Tone, clarity, feel… it’s all here. and extended range,’ said Nitti.
1: SIGNATURE SOUNDS
25 26 27
ALEMBIC STANLEY CLARKE SIGNATURE MODEL RICKENBACKER LEMMY SIGNATURE 4004LK YAMAHA ATTITUDE LIMITED III
Stanley Clarke has always favoured the Alembic The sight of Lemmy Kilminster pounding away Yamaha’s Signature Series has always boasted
medium-scale basses strung with Rotosound at his Rickenbacker, head back and growling rock-solid construction and playability, and this
stainless steel roundwounds. Introduced in 1988, into that impossibly high mic, with a wall of incarnation of Billy Sheehan’s Attitude doesn’t
his signature model has a 30.75-inch scale with 24 Marshall stacks behind him is one of the most disappoint. It comes fitted with a Yamaha
frets and an ebony fingerboard, plus gold Alembic/ iconic images in British metal. To honour the Custom Woofer in the neck position and a
Gotoh machineheads and an active circuit supplied Motorhead frontman, Rickenbacker created his DiMarzio WillPower towards the bridge. A set
by Ron Wickersham. We love the playability and very own signature model, which features a hand- of open-geared Gotoh tuners, Hipshot D-Tuner
focused bass tone, coupled with the added Stanley carved relief of oak leaves and white binding. and front-mounted stereo jack sockets complete
Clarke kudos. Only 60 of these were made. the hardware.
2: VINTAGE & COLLECTABLE

BOUTIQUE BASSES THAT ARE WORTH INVESTING IN.
I f you’ve got a few thousand dollars to spend on a bass, the chances are that you’re looking for more than just another bog-standard
4-string. This kind of money gets you into vintage guitar territory and a world’s worth of luxury instruments. However, with a big
budget comes a big responsibility. Remember, a hefty price tag isn’t always enough - no matter how much you have to spend, be sure
you get your money’s worth. Let’s see which instruments made the cut...
28 29 30
1955 FENDER PRECISION BASS HARMONY H22 OVATION MAGNUM

The pre-1957 P-Bass is much loved by players as Harmony is a proper old-school brand, operating The choice of axe for Public Image’s Jah Wobble
diverse as Sting and Green Day’s Mike Dirnt for for decades until the 1970s. Although the among others, this curious-looking bass was
a reason – it plays like a dream. From 1954 it had H22’s shape makes it look like a pretty standard much loved by players in the late 70s, but
contours inspired by the same year’s Stratocaster. instrument, underneath that semi-hollow suffered a loss of credibility as the decades
The early ‘50s models also had a single-coil pickup. body there’s a bass of immense versatility. The passed. Good ones are still collectible, though.
Original spec is always best: try to find one as it left DeArmond pickup is incredibly loud. Ronnie Lane The tone circuit is a thing of beauty too, with
the factory. played one of these in the Small Faces. the added bonus of stereo.
31 32 33
JAYDEE SUPERNATURAL ROLAND G-88 STEINBERGER L-SERIES

Designed on the back of a roll of wallpaper in Packaged with the GR-33B bass guitar synthesizer First introduced in 1980, the L-Series went on to
1978 by UK luthier John Diggins, the Jaydee unit, the G-88 was built by the Fuji Roland define the Steinberger company. With a slick finish
Supernatural emerged as a front runner in bass Corporation and is widely regarded as Roland’s and a genius tuning system, it was constructed with a
sound and instrument design thanks to Mark flagship synth controller from the 1980s. It features molded resin body and neck, with a 24-fret phenolic
King’s hard-hitting bass pyrotechnics on early Level a Roland single-coil pickup, a Midi pickup, a 24- fretboard. Don’t forget the fold-out arm that allows
42 records. pin synth connector and a 2-band active EQ. you to play it seated.
34 35 36
AMPEG DAN ARMSTRONG ‘PLEXI’ BASS DANELECTRO LONGHORN BURNS NU-SONIC

Introduced in 1969 and made out of see-through Released in 1958, it’s said that the Longhorn was First launched in 1964 as a follow-up to the Burns
Plexiglas, bass guitars don’t get much more inspired by the profile of an Ancient Greek harp Sonic, the Nu-Sonic bass was marketed as a budget,
distinctive than these Ampeg Dan Armstrong called a lyre. Features include dual lipstick pickups mid-range instrument that was very light, with a short
models. It features a short 30.5-inch scale length wired to stacked volume and tone controls, a short- scale length. Elements like the 30-inch scale length,
and a 24-fret maple neck, with all 24 frets clear scale and a 24 fret fingerboard. John Entwistle of The small machine heads and the flatwound strings lend it
of the bolt-on neck join. Did we mention that it’s Who famously beat his way through three Longhorn real vintage character. A Nu-Sonic was also used on the
made out of see-through Plexiglas? basses trying to record his solo on My Generation. Beatle’s ‘Paperback Writer’ sessions.
37 38 39
IBANEZ MUSICIAN WAL MK 1 BRUCE JOHNSON AUB-2 SCROLL BASS

Introduced in the late 70s and aided by Sting using Taking its lead from the original Wal Custom Hand-built in Burbank, California, the Bruce
one with the Police, the Musician boasts 4-string shape, which was championed by the likes Johnson AUB-2 Scroll Bass is a near exact replica
a neck-through-body design and an electronics of Geddy Lee, Mick Karn and Sir Paul McCartney, of the original Ampeg AUB-2. The AUB-2
package that borrowed ideas from Alembic. The the Mk 1 features the same versatile components followed on from the AUB-1, which was the
pickups are wired to a 3-band active EQ and and precise set-up. Never a ‘production line’ world’s first production fretless. Ampeg assumed
pickup selector switch, so there’s plenty to tinker instrument, there are many variations around, each that these newfangled ‘frets’ would die out before
with. If you are lucky enough to stumble across tailored, very precisely to cater for the needs of too long and players would return to their double
one of these, be sure to give it your full attention. working professionals. basses (hence the scroll headstock).
40 41 42
WARWICK CORVETTE $$ NT SPECIAL EDITION 68 DUESENBERG SOUNDGARDEN BLACK HOLE SUN BASS HÖFNER 60TH ANNIVERSARY VIOLIN BASS
Inspired by the General Motors 1968 Model Bass guitars don’t get much more distinctive 2016 was the 60th anniversary of Höfner’s 500/1
Corvette Stingray, the Corvette $$ NT Special than this. The Black Hole Sun 4-string from Violin bass and to mark the occasion, Höfner
Edition 68 was designed by the Warwick Custom Duesenberg’s Alliance Series was available as a released a commemorative model that features
Shop in an attempt to match the car’s muscle. limited run and celebrates the history of US rock artwork by Klaus Voormann, who also designed
Features include a Candy Apple red finish, an band Soundgarden. It has a semi-hollow body with the cover of The Beatles’ seminal Revolver album.
airbrushed aluminum centre section and a cool a spruce top, a sexy mother-of-pearl finish and You also get some impressive extras such as a
inlay in the tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. custom-lasered control knobs. Höfner strap and a hand-made fuzz pedal.
43 44 45
MODULUS FUNK UNLIMITED MUSICVOX LIMITED EDITION MI-5 12-STRING PRS PRIVATE STOCK HOLLOWBODY BASS 4
Players of all stripes have queued up to play a With its cool looks and impressive sounds this Limited to a run of just six, the Hollowbody
Modulus bass; most notable among them is Flea of limited edition from Musicvox features neck- Bass 4, the January 2016 pin-up from the PRS
the Red Hot Chili Peppers. With its carbon fiber through construction, dual output jacks and Private Stock’s Guitar of the Month Program, is a
neck and uniquely shaped double-cutaway alder 12-strings grouped in four triple courses, which guaranteed show-stopper. The quilted maple top
body, the Funk Unlimited offers serious strength is pretty much the most exciting thing in the bass gives the body an unforgettable look, topped off
and response. You also get to pick from a range of world, ever. It’s also equipped with an active/ with an Electric Tiger Smoked Burst high-gloss
exotic top woods, flake and metallic finishes. passive 3-band EQ and adjustable bridge. nitro finish.
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HANDS-ON SUPPORT WARWICK MASTERBUILT THUMB NT #15-2874 WOOD & TRONICS CHRONOS 5 ‘KLIMT’
Plus ongoing support and advice from the
SBL community. This Warwick ‘Masterbuilt’ 5-String Thumb NT Taking inspiration from the work of Austrian
features a bubinga pommelé body and a buckeye painter Gustav Klimt, this special Chronos
24/7 ACCESS burl top. The snakewood fingerboard is home to 26 5 is built with a neck that uses a seven-piece
Enjoy complete access to the academy 24 jumbo frets and intricate ‘F Clef inlays’ that light ‘Klimt’ combination of ash, maple, zebrawood
hours a day, seven days a week. up with blue LEDs. The active MEC pickups are and padouk, an ebony fretboard and 26 banjo
wired to a 3-band EQ and a rechargeable lithium frets. A GK-midi pickup and a 3-band preamp
battery. A Fishman piezo pickup system is also with internal frequency presets round out this
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housed in the bridge. stunning instrument.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
3: COOL & CLASSIC

WE PUT A SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC BASS GUITARS OF ALL TIME.
S o, what makes a particular bass a classic? While some basses are undoubtedly born great (it’s a testament to Leo Fender that the
P-Bass is still one of the most played instruments ever): some achieve greatness over time and some have greatness thrust upon
them (Rickenbacker have long enjoyed the star power of Lemmy, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire, for example). And so, for your viewing
pleasure, the following pages feature a role-call of past, present and future classics. Marvel at their greatness… and collect the set.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
48 49 50
FENDER JAZZ BASS RICKENBACKER 4001 GIBSON THUNDERBIRD

So called in an attempt to encourage upright ‘Jazz’ Released in 1961, the Rickenbacker 4001 is Elements like the reverse gear tuners and
players to switch to the electric bass, the Fender a classic, there’s no question about it. Sir Paul American Indian-style eagle emblem have kept the
Jazz remains an icon in the history of the bass McCartney, Bruce Foxton and Geddy Lee have all Thunderbird at the top of many players’ wish lists,
guitar. Taking its lead from the Jazzmaster guitar wielded a Rickenbacker at some point or another, while a well-documented redesign with a ‘non-
and immortalised by the likes of Jaco Pastorius and a mark of just how popular it became. The bridge reverse’ body also kept things interesting. So much
Marcus Miller, the core tone is punchy, but clear pickup has a higher output than the neck unit, of what it has to offer is bang on the money. When
and precise. So here’s to the Fender Jazz Bass – we producing a powerful and unique sound that it comes to great sustain and a super rich tone, this
salute you. became the trademark ‘clank’. bass has it in bucketloads.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
51 52 53
LA BELLA OLINTO FENDER MUSTANG LAKLAND SKYLINE DECADE

Named after one of the founding brothers of La Launched in 1966, the Mustang bass was the Lakland celebrated its first 10 years in style
Bella Strings, the Olinto comes fitted with a set perfect companion to Fender’s Mustang guitar. with the introduction of The Decade, which
of the company’s flatwound strings and is offered The company’s first short-scale bass, and the incorporates several new design elements for the
in Sunburst, Olympic White, Black, Natural, last original bass design that Leo worked on at company: a unique body shape, Lakland’s
Daphne Blue, Candy Apple Red, Burgundy Mist, Fender, it’s arrival filled a gap in the market for a Chi-Sonics pickups and a new truss rod wheel
Sea Foam Green and Two-Toned Sepia Burst. It’s professionally made, solid-body student bass. Look for adjusting the neck. As you might expect, it is
also loaded with handwound pickups for that out for the ‘competition’ paint schemes that came a real workhorse in terms of its construction and
classic vintage tone. with cool racing stripes. playability.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
54 55 56
VIGIER EXCESS BURNS BISON PEDULLA MVP/BUZZ

The weapon of choice for Deep Purple’s Roger The original Bison was the first full-scale bass Available in 4, 5, 6, and 8-string configurations, the
Glover, Vigier offer a unique feature on their Excess produced by Jim Burns in the 1960s as a MVP (fretted) and Buzz (fretless) were designed
bass – a metal fingerboard – which adds an audible companion to the Bison guitar. It has three Burns to combine hard-hitting tone with player-friendly
zing to the sound. Best of all, the fantastic build Tri-Sonic pickups, 22 frets, an A/B pickup selector ergonomics. So long as you’re not looking for a
quality adds up to produce a bass that’s capable of and a bolt-on hard rock maple neck. We love the completely vintage-feeling instrument, we can’t think
giving any of the big names a run for their money. distinctive ‘batwing’ headstock and curved horns. why you wouldn’t be as smitten with it as we are.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
57 58 59
PEAVEY CIRRUS BXP FENDER PRECISION BASS D’ANGELICO EX-SD BASS

For many bassists the Peavey Cirrus will represent There were attempts at an electrified double bass US builder D’Angelico Guitars came up with the
the perfect combination of looks, feel and before the P-Bass, but nothing that has become goods once more in the shape of the EX-SD Bass.
flexibility. It has a familiar-looking spec list: a anywhere near as influential. The main characteristics It features a chambered flame maple body, hard
34-inch scale neck, black hardware and a pao ferro that we know and love were achieved back in 1957. maple neck and a pair of Kent Armstrong pickups.
fretboard. What you also get is a neck-through- The secret was essentially an effective 34-inch scale From there we have an impressive set of gold-
body design and a wide range of tones courtesy of length and split-coil humbucking pickup. If you’ve plated hardware that includes a Tune-O-Matic
Peavey’s own active pickups and 3-band EQ. never played a P-Bass – you simply have to! bridge, sealed tuners and a Switchcraft input jack.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
60 61 62
G&L ASAT WARWICK STAR BASS II MUSIC MAN STINGRAY

The ASAT has all the hallmarks of a classic. The The Star Bass II merges traditional aspects of Launched at a time when Fender basses were
pickups use a ceramic bar magnet installed beneath the original Framus Star Bass with a full 34-inch dominating the market, the StingRay’s active
each coil and soft-iron pole pieces that can be adjusted scale length, AAA flame maple body and chrome- electronics struck a chord with bass players the
to set the output of each string on each pickup, as covered MEC single-coil pickups. Both the top and world over. It’s a real workhorse in terms of its
opposed to simply setting the overall pickup height. back of the body are made from a bookmatched, construction and playability. The ‘3 over 1’ machine
They’re wired to G&L’s Tri-Tone active/passive system. 3-ply maple laminate gently arched with a pale head configuration and the 8-pole humbucker were
This is a great bass, with a good range of sounds, an satin finish. The Star Bass II has a cool retro vibe, major new innovations, and as far as basses with active
iconic look and a bit of Leo Fender magic. along with all the company’s regular flash-factor. electronics go, this soon became the trademark sound.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
63 64 65
F BASS BN5 FENDER DIMENSION BASS YAMAHA BBP34

With an unusual body shape (the elongated upper In a market dominated by a small number of iconic The Yamaha BB brand boasts a serious heritage
horn compensates for a smoothly sculpted cutaway models and their many imitators, establishing a new and has been the instrument of choice for the likes
on the treble side) and transparent gloss finish, this instrument with its own identity that can challenge Nathan East, Peter Hook and Michael Anthony.
modern take on the venerable Jazz Bass sits atop the big boys is a tough ask. But that’s exactly what The BBP34 was launched in 2017 to mark the
the F Bass range. It could comfortably sit in with Fender set out to do with the Dimension bass. 40th anniversary of the BB. It has a wide range of
any genre from up-front pop or jazz to reggae and Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, it comes sounds on offer, making it a lot more versatile than
funk. Its performance, build-quality and materials with humbucking pickups, an 18-volt onboard you might have thought. Made in Japan, this BB is
are up there with the best. preamp and 3-band active EQ. a whole lot of bass.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
66 67 68
STENBACK FOUR XOTIC XJ-1T ERNIE BALL MUSIC MAN BONGO

The Stenback Four comes with plenty of features that This 6-string from Xotic is a hugely versatile The Bongo sports a lightweight basswood body,
set it apart from the crowd. It’s solidly built, neatly instrument that offers loads of tones for the money. neodymium humbuckers and an 18-volt preamp
finished, and the stainless steel hardware is matched Features include an ash body, maple neck, HipShot that delivers all the classic Music Man sounds plus
to each individual instrument. Everything about this bridge and Ultra Lite tuners, EWS Tri-Logic a whole lot more. Almost any bass player is likely
bass is pretty roadworthy, but the design hints at a preamp and the company’s own single-coil pickups to be happy with a Music Man and rest assured
touch of class too. All told a consumate piece of work. and Hum Reduction Inductor circuit. Fans of the Bongo represents a fine example of a modern
We suggest you get your hands on one. extended range basses are in for a treat. design classic.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
69 70 71
NS DESIGN NS-CR5 RADIUS KEN SMITH BSR GIBSON MEMPHIS ES LES PAUL
If you’re looking for something a little different Regarded by many as one of the most playable As high-profile instruments go, they don’t come
in a bass, the NS-CR5 boasts plenty of Ned basses that money can buy, the BSR has a narrow much bigger than a Les Paul. The Memphis ES
Steinberger’s regular wow-factor, along with maple neck, brilliant custom-wound humbucking model sports classic Gibson looks, together with
some totally unique features. Built in the Czech pickups and a super low action. This is a bass humbucking pickups, a semi-hollow body, tune-
Republic, it includes the patented self-clamping firmly rooted in Ken Smith values and capable o-matic bridge and stop-bar tailpiece. A choice
NS tuning system, custom-designed EMG pickups of performing brilliantly. Ideally suited to the of vintage colour schemes make this a guaranteed
and a bridge-mounted piezo pickup system. modern-day player. show stopper.
3: COOL & CLASSIC
72 73 74
GRETSCH ELECTROTONE OVERWATER PERCEPTION BLADE B-2 TETRA

The Gretsch Electrotone is reliable, tonally generous If the aim was to design a tonally versatile bass that The high build quality and wide range of bass
and not overcomplicated. If you’re used to playing offers exceptional comfort and playability, then tones make this a great all-rounder from Blade.
a solid-bodied guitar, then the sheer depth of the the Overwater Perception hits the bullseye. These The blueprint leans on traditional Fender designs,
body may take a little getting used to, but from the basses simply look, feel and sound wonderful. Like albeit with some modern innovations and there are
moment you plug in, these basses really begin to sell the rest of the Overwater range, the Perception is handsome Honey, See Thru Red, Misty Violet and
themselves. about getting genuine tone from quality materials. Ocean Blue finishes to choose from.
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
OUR PICK OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND GENRE-BENDING BASSES YOU’LL EVER SEE.
C ustom instruments boasting clever design tweaks or funky paint jobs are becoming increasingly common - and for good
reason. Jens Ritter’s outrageous designs consistently impress. While James Trussart, with his trademark metal construction,
plus reputable UK-based luthiers like Gus Guitars are all challenging the status quo. We applaud companies for coming up with new
designs, but the road to progress is often paved with ideas that we’re either happy to forget or wish a lot more people knew about.
Ready to have your mind blown?
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
75 76 77
TRUSSART STEELCASTER RITTER JUPITER SEI FLAMBOYANT

More wonderful stuff from James Trussart in the Working from an old winery compound in Martin Petersen’s exquisitely crafted custom basses
slightly beaten shape of the hollow body Steelcaster Deidesheim, Germany, Jens Ritter remains at the have been wowing players for more than 20 years.
bass. It’s been designed to have the look and feel of forefront of bass design. Grateful Dead bassist Phil The Flamboyant is really quite unique, with its
a vintage instrument with that extra special appeal Lesh made a custom order back in 2008, the result slick flowing lines and dynamic curves. ‘I have
of the company’s trademark metal construction. being this Jupiter ‘Eye of Horus’ bass. It features done some pretty mad things and I suppose being
There are a number of different component choices solid silver inlays, blue front and side LEDs, a custom maker you’ve got to do that from time to
– including various pickup combinations, neck custom electronics, Ritter’s Quattrobucker pickup time,’ says Martin. ‘You have to rethink things a
options, finishing and engraving. and a Futura Frosted finish. little bit, but it keeps things fresh.’
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
78 79 80
STONEFIELD MUSIC MODEL ONE WOOD & TRONICS ZOID EVE GUITARS ELITE 5
This intriguing bass from New Zealand has a unique Situated north of Venice near the Italian town of Douglas Mullen is making big waves with his range
tailpiece tuning system that’s designed to provide Belluno, Wood & Tronics currently boasts three of custom-built basses. The mahogany body sports
better handling and ergonomics than traditional production models: the Chronos, Zoid and EJ, a figured walnut top and some extremely smooth
tuning machines. Prospective customers can also take each of which can be fully customised with a huge contouring. Taking care of tuning duties are a set of
their pick from a list of exotic top woods, including range of wood, finish and hardware options, not to ever-reliable Warwick machineheads and a Spector
Tasmanian blackwood, zebrano, anigre or New mention four, five or six-strings. Love or hate the locking bridge holds things securely in place at the
Zealand-grown cypress. The body is made from a look, auditioning any Wood & Tronics bass will other end. The pickups are Aguilar AG5J-70’s wired
40mm core of Salusala, which is another Pacific timber. certainly be an experience you’ll remember. to Aguilar’s OBP-2 onboard preamp.
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
81 82 83
SPALT INSTRUMENTS VVIPER GUS GUITARS G3 GITTLER B4F ELECTRIC BASS

This curious looking bass employs a patented This futuristic design from Gus Guitars represents Built from the ground up using aircraft-grade
‘wiping’ pickup system that allows you to employ the very finest in bass guitar construction. The body titanium, this impressive looking instrument
a range of different placements and then lock the is beautifully finished using high-quality House incorporates a radical headless design with 31
pickup in your favourite position. The body is of Kolor custom paints and two chrome-plated frets, patented tuning machines, LED fret markers
swamp ash with a flame bubinga top, and the use aluminium bolt-on horns. Several thin layers of and an adjustable strap/stabiliser arm. Each string
of tasty woods continue with the maple neck and carbon fibre have been wrapped around the central boasts a custom single-coil pickup, which is wired
macasser ebony fretless fingerboard. You also get a body wood, running continuously from the end of to an internal mid-range control, plus treble and
Hipshot bridge, Graph- Tech piezos and a Bartolini the body to the top of the headstock. It’s expensive bass controls. A 1/4-inch jack and a 13-pin output
pickup and preamp. to produce, but the benefits are clear to hear. complete the eye-opening look.
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
84 85 86
WARWICK MASTERBUILT KATANA IBANEZ SRKP4 EQUIPPED WITH KORG MINI KAOSS PAD 2S MARLEAUX CONSAT SOPRANO
Warwick chose Kyuss bassist Scott Reeder as the Ibanez collaborated with Korg to produce a bass The Consat Soprano has become an increasingly
recipient of this stunning masterbuilt bass. Scott asked that incorporates a Mini Kaoss Pad 2S, which is familiar sight within the bass world. It’s available
for a left-handed, 8-string and the Warwick Custom loaded with 100 effects. The SRKP4 also features in a choice of exotic woods, with a single Delano
Shop willingly obliged, presenting Reeder with this a headphone output jack, onboard distortion, a passive humbucker, and has a 22-inch scale length.
striking chrome-tone finished Katana featuring front mahogany body, maple neck and 22 medium frets. It also gives you tones that none of your other
and side LEDs and active MEC J/J chrome pickups. How cool is that? instruments will give you.
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
87 88 89
IBANEZ SR2010ASC ASHULA BASS ARISTIDES 050 FODERA BOW BASS

The Ashula is something of a hybrid 6-string The 050 is made from a composite material called You’ll hear no complaints from us about this
fretted/fretless instrument. So, the fingerboard has Arium, which has been developed in collaboration intriguing design from Fodera. ‘Our good friend,
been separated into two areas. The bottom four with a team of Dutch engineers from the Technical Victor Wooten, wanted us to build an instrument
strings are fretted and tuned as standard, GDAE. University of Delft. This Arium core is finished with for him that could be played both fingerstyle and
The additional two strings are repeated D and G multiple layers of carbon fibre, which produces a with a bow,’ explained Vinny Fodera. The alder body
strings, but fretless. The body is ash, with a five- smooth, non-sticky feel that’s very different to wood. features a box elder burl top and a radically smoothed
piece jatoba/bubinga neck, and the pickups are Seen here in matt black, the 050 is fitted with a pair and rounded outline that’s designed to provide plenty
Sonic Arch humbuckers. of Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders. of clearance when bowing the B and G strings.
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
90 91 92
ZON GUITARS ZEMI AKOUSTIK ENFIELD CANON ALUSONIC HYBRID 5

Built to Meshuggah bassist Dick Lövgren’s exact The Enfield’s Super 8 pickup incorporates eight The Hybrid 5 combines alder with aluminium
specifications, the Zemi Acoustik features a hollow individual coils. Each coil can be configured either alloy. The Aguilar Super Single Pickups are linked
African mahogany body with a ‘floating’ flame horizontally or vertically with a choice of split-coil, to powerful active EQ circuitry and the headstock is
maple top and composite neck, but the business single-coil or humbucking modes. Besides that, fitted with Hipshot Ultralight Tuners and a Hipshot
side of this 6-string is based around Graph Tech the Canon also incorporates a vast range of wood, Xtender. It comes with a set of DR Lo-Rider Stainless
‘ghost’ piezo pickups in the bridge saddles and a hardware and finish options all courtesy of the Steel Strings. The mirrored finish is pretty much the
Bartolini magnetic neck pickup. Sims Custom Shop. most exciting thing in the world, ever.
READY TO TAKE YOUR BASS
PLAYING TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
4: CUSTOM CREATIONS
EXCLUSIVE COURSES
A wide range of step-by-step courses are
added to the academy each month.
WEEKLY SEMINARS
Tune in to weekly live streams from our
expert teaching faculty. 93 94
HANDS-ON SUPPORT KALA SOLID BODY U-BASS SURINE QUEST

Plus ongoing support and advice from the
SBL community. Designed to deliver more bass with less space, the With a 31-fret fingerboard extension that increases
Solid Body U-Bass is the next step in the evolution the upper register to a perfect 5th above the second
24/7 ACCESS of Kala’s line of 21-inch scale bass instruments. octave, this 5-string must be seen to be believed.
Enjoy complete access to the academy 24 They’re available in 4 and 5-string models, and Although each bass is built around the same basic
hours a day, seven days a week. with the option of a fretted or fretless fingerboard. body shape, the list of custom options available is
Other features include Custom Hipshot Tuners, vast. Customers can select a range of different body
a Mi-Si Align Active Preamp system and a Graph and neck woods, four, five, six or seven-strings and

FREE TRIAL NOW!
Tech black Tusq nut. take their pick from a list of finishes.
5: UNPLUGGED!
5: UNPLUGGED!
SIX OF THE BEST ACOUSTIC BASS GUITARS IN THE WORLD TODAY.
W hat makes one acoustic bass sound or play better than another? Far more than a solid-body electric, an acoustic bass guitar
is a balancing act. While the two instruments – electric and acoustic – have much in common, they are in many respects
radically different. So there’s good news and bad. If you’re thinking of buying your first acoustic and don’t know where to start, we’ve
come up with six cracking instruments that each have something very different to offer.
5: UNPLUGGED!
95 96 97
FYLDE MAGICIAN BASS SPECTOR TIMBRE SERIES WARWICK ALIEN

Fylde is always a good answer when the question Designed and engineered at Spector’s workshop in The Alien has a deep, hollow body that uses laminated
involves great acoustic guitars, and the Magician Woodstock New York, these instruments feature a timbers to improve strength and durability. It features
Bass is no disappointment. With high-quality solid sitka spruce top, a three-piece mahogany neck an ovangkol back and sides and a spruce top. The
timbers used throughout and an active pickup with a rosewood fingerboard, mahogany back and unusual styling adds an extra dimension to the design,
system, the Magician Bass is ideal for use at home, sides, and a Fishman Presys + onboard preamp. while Fishman’s Prefix Plus electronics would suggest
in the studio or on stage. Every bass player should own one. that it comes well equipped for the live stage.
5: UNPLUGGED!
98 99 100
FENDER KINGMAN BASS SCE MICHAEL KELLY DRAGONFLY KALA U BASS

It’s not surprising to find that this electro-acoustic The Dragonfly comes with a choice of fretted or A big ukulele? Or a tiny bass guitar? The Kala uBass
is full of good unplugged sounds. Dressed in the fretless fingerboards, both with a stunning abalone has much more in common with a conventional
retro-cool style of Fender’s California Series, it also and pearl inlay. A manufacturer whose acoustic bass guitar than you might expect. It’s tuned EADG
benefits from a Fishman pickup system. This is instruments are ever growing in popularity, in the same range as a full-sized bass. On top of all
no showpiece, however, and looks aside, it’s made judging by the number of players we speak to who that, the uBass gives you a unique set of tones, and
using a solid spruce top with scalloped “X”-bracing love them, this offering from Michael Kelly has it does it all in a package that fits in a decent-sized
and a maple Jazz Bass neck. something for everybody. backpack.
READY TO TAKE YOUR BASS PLAYING TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
JOIN OVER 17,000 BASS PLAYERS IN THE WORLD’S LEADING BASS EDUCATION PLATFORM -
PACKED WITH HOURS OF STEP-BY-STEP COURSES, LIVE SEMINARS, INTERVIEWS AND MUCH MORE…
I magine what it would feel like to dive into the most comprehensive video course library for bass players that’s ever been created. To
tune in every single week to live streamed seminars from some of the world’s highest regarded bass educators - and, to be able to
ask these expert tutors your most burning questions in real time. Oh, and do all this from the comfort of your own home!
Sound impossible? Far fetched? Well at ScottsBassLessons that’s exactly what we’ve created for you. In a nutshell, it’s the ultimate
online bass school. Bass players have historically had just two options. Either we study with someone on a one-to-one basis (and
we all know how hard it can be to find a great teacher in our area), or we look to a music school, which can be tricky if you’ve got a
family, a job or another full-time responsibility. Plus, it’ll cost you $75,000+ to do so. What we’re offering with ScottsBassLessons is
a completely new opportunity for players just like you - bassists who are fully committed and ready to push their bass playing to the
next level. Here at SBL we believe in bass education without boundaries. No matter where you are in the world or what level you’re
bass playing is at, an SBL membership will give you the freedom to learn and the tools you need to succeed.
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designed to help you become a better bass player. who are passionate about teaching. day, seven days a week.

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SBL 100 Basses Guide PDF

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100

BASS GUITARS TO PLAY BEFORE YOU DIE

SPECTOR DOUG WIMBISH NS-2 PRS GRAINGER IBANEZ ANB1006

2: VINTAGE & COLLECTABLE

1955 FENDER PRECISION BASS HARMONY H22 OVATION MAGNUM

JAYDEE SUPERNATURAL ROLAND G-88 STEINBERGER L-SERIES

AMPEG DAN ARMSTRONG ‘PLEXI’ BASS DANELECTRO LONGHORN BURNS NU-SONIC

IBANEZ MUSICIAN WAL MK 1 BRUCE JOHNSON AUB-2 SCROLL BASS

 START YOUR 14 DAY

3: COOL & CLASSIC

FENDER JAZZ BASS RICKENBACKER 4001 GIBSON THUNDERBIRD

LA BELLA OLINTO FENDER MUSTANG LAKLAND SKYLINE DECADE

VIGIER EXCESS BURNS BISON PEDULLA MVP/BUZZ

PEAVEY CIRRUS BXP FENDER PRECISION BASS D’ANGELICO EX-SD BASS

G&L ASAT WARWICK STAR BASS II MUSIC MAN STINGRAY

F BASS BN5 FENDER DIMENSION BASS YAMAHA BBP34

STENBACK FOUR XOTIC XJ-1T ERNIE BALL MUSIC MAN BONGO

GRETSCH ELECTROTONE OVERWATER PERCEPTION BLADE B-2 TETRA

TRUSSART STEELCASTER RITTER JUPITER SEI FLAMBOYANT

SPALT INSTRUMENTS VVIPER GUS GUITARS G3 GITTLER B4F ELECTRIC BASS

IBANEZ SR2010ASC ASHULA BASS ARISTIDES 050 FODERA BOW BASS

ZON GUITARS ZEMI AKOUSTIK ENFIELD CANON ALUSONIC HYBRID 5

HANDS-ON SUPPORT KALA SOLID BODY U-BASS SURINE QUEST

 START YOUR 14 DAY

FYLDE MAGICIAN BASS SPECTOR TIMBRE SERIES WARWICK ALIEN

FENDER KINGMAN BASS SCE MICHAEL KELLY DRAGONFLY KALA U BASS

COURSE LIBRARY EXPERT FACULTY LEARN ANYWHERE

 START YOUR 14 DAY

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