Topshelf Instruments

Bacchus Standard-4, black oil, made in Japan 2004. We love Bacchus basses around here, they’re such great instruments. Bacchus kicked off in 1998, under the Deviser Co umbrella, offering vintage-style models, made completely by hand to the local Japan market. This one is a mid-00s Handmade series, so these were pretty high end in their day; with a list price of ¥189000, this cost around triple the asking price for a normal Fender Japan Jazz Bass. That means you get super classy woodwork: amazing ash for the body, super tight maple and some excellent ebony for the neck, all dialed and finished to a very high standard. It’s very enjoyable to play: the neck is quick, it balances nicely, and the natural resonance and responsiveness is exemplary. The black oil finish has faded and rubbed around the edges like a favourite pair of jeans; it looks super cool. The tone is Jazz Bass-ish, but with a modern twist via the active preamp: clear, fat, articulate, growly, immediate. This is a a brilliant bass, it delivers the goods.