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Ultralight basses

My ultralight bass concept is an instrument designed to be as light as possible, yet still balanced and ergonomic. I believe the only reason instruments are as heavy as they are is because tradition dictates this. I have developed a bass instrument that is significantly lighter than the rest of the bass market. The weight of the Nylon string version is around 2.0-2.1kgs and the weight for both models shown in the photographs is 2.1kgs. The weight of the steel string version (coming soon) should be around 2.5kgs.

This section of the website is still under construction as the first of these concept were only completed in September 2024. This section should be updated by the latest mid October 2024. If you have seen these instruments at the Guitar Summit 2024 show and have more questions, please contact me though the contact form on this website

Construction

The Ultralight basses are constructed with a solid spruce core at the heart of its design with the spruce being sandwiched by hardwood. The neck will usually be constructed from 3 pieces of Swiss maple to ensure stability and lightness.

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Electronics

The basses will be using RMC piezo pickups. The piezos will be run through a Richter Electronics preamp allowing individual string volumes to be adjusted. An option coming soon will be to add Delano magnetic pickups. This is only for the option with steel strings

Strings

The design currently utilises nylon strings. These are Classical bass strings. These strings offer lower tension which allows less pressure in the fingers. The preferred string for this concept is the Savarez 6CB640R set and is readily available.

The concept is designed around a 5 string E-C tuning but a 4 string E-G model and 5 string E-E model may follow. Unfortunately there is no available nylon string designed to be tuned to a low B for a 5 string with low B so this is not an option I can offer.   

A future model will offer the use of standard steel electric bass strings. 

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Scale length

These ultralight basses will be utilising a 30" (762mm) scale. This is what is classed as a 'Short scale' bass. 

Fretted vs Fretless

Both fretted and fretless options are available. The instrument thrives in both configurations offering 2 unique feels.

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Tuners

The nylon strings require classical tuners. I have discovered the Schertler tuners work perfectly in my concept for their light weight and tuning accuracy. 

The future steel string model will be utilising Gotoh Resolite tuners as these are very light and offer stable and accurate tuning even on short scale instruments. 

Weight

The Ultralight basses are extremely light. The nylon string model is around 2.1kgs and the upcoming steel string model should be around 2.5kgs.

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Ergonomics

The basses have plenty of ergonomic features for your comfort of play. From having a flatter neck profile which reduces squeezing pressure in the left hand, to a belly carve, to an angled leg rest should you want to play in classical position, to an all access joint at the neck heel allowing a comfortable hand position up to the very last fret. All this plus the extremely light weight which makes handling on the instrument very easy. 

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