Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,436

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash a symphony of sound with the Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass, an instrument designed for the adventurous bassist who craves dynamic tonal depth. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this extraordinary bass guitar features 12 strings, offering a rich, harmonic resonance that fills any room. The Rhapsody's lush, transparent black finish not only lends it an air of elegance but also allows the natural grain of the mahogany body to shine through, ensuring you look as good as you sound.

The Rhapsody's neck is expertly crafted from maple and paired with a rosewood fingerboard, offering smooth playability and a warm, balanced tone. Its dual humbucker pickups provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, rumbling lows to bright, articulate highs. Whether you're laying down the backbone of a groove or exploring melodic top lines, this bass offers unparalleled versatility. The innovative bridge design ensures precise intonation and sustain, making it perfect for studio sessions or live performances.

Key Features:

  • 12-string configuration for rich, harmonic resonance
  • Transparent black finish with natural mahogany grain
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Dual humbucker pickups for versatile sound options
  • Innovative bridge design for precise intonation and sustain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass?

The Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass offers a rich, full sound with enhanced harmonic overtones due to its 12-string configuration. The EMG-HZ pickups and Dean 3D preamp contribute to a versatile tone suitable for various music genres, from rock to experimental.

Is the Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass is well-suited for live performances. Its 34" scale and robust construction provide excellent playability and projection, while the black chrome hardware and striking finish offer a visually appealing stage presence.

How does the neck of the Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass feel?

The Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass features a bolt-on maple and walnut neck with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth playing experience. The 24 frets and abalone dot inlays enhance playability and visual appeal, making it comfortable for various playing styles.

What is the purpose of the Dean 3D preamp in the Rhapsody 12-String Bass?

The Dean 3D preamp in the Rhapsody 12-String Bass allows for detailed tone shaping, offering musicians the ability to adjust their sound for different performance settings. This feature enhances the versatility and adaptability of the bass for various musical styles.

Does the Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass require special strings?

The Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass uses specialized 12-string bass sets designed to accommodate its unique string configuration. These strings are typically available from various manufacturers and are essential for achieving the instrument's characteristic sound.

Insoma

Insoma

Pearl Jam - Jeremy Dean Rhapsody 12 String Bass Cover

Video thumbnail for Pearl Jam - Jeremy Dean Rhapsody 12 String Bass Cover by Insoma

Pearl Jam - Jeremy Dean Rhapsody 12 String Bass Cover

Insoma

Insoma

Video thumbnail for Mortal Kombat Funk on Dean Rhapsody 12-string Bass Guitar by freakystyley4000

Mortal Kombat Funk on Dean Rhapsody 12-string Bass Guitar

freakystyley4000

freakystyley4000

Video thumbnail for Dean Rhapsody 12-string bass guitar by Lou Ming Presents...

Dean Rhapsody 12-string bass guitar

Lou Ming Presents...

Lou Ming Presents...

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique 12-string configuration offers sounds unattainable with traditional bass guitars

  • Functions well as both a bass and rhythm guitar substitute

  • Broad neck suited for experienced players looking for versatile playability

  • Ready for stage use right out of the box, minimal setup needed

  • Rich, full, and dynamic sound from dual octave strings

  • Can create diverse tones, even mimicking a pipe organ with the right setup

  • Surprisingly comfortable neck, less complex than a 6-string bass

  • Eye-catching design, elicits strong reactions from audiences

  • Relatively affordable compared to other 12-string basses

CONS

  • Not beginner-friendly; requires experience to handle the broad neck and complex playing

  • Initial setup and tuning can be time-consuming, may need frequent adjustments

  • Stock strings are subpar; recommend replacing with better quality strings

  • Heavier weight might cause discomfort during extended play sessions

  • Sound can become muddied with sloppy playing, requires precise technique

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass.

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock pickups significantly alters the Dean Rhapsody's bright tone, suggesting a pickup swap is a key mod for desired sound customization.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Dean Rhapsody's stock pickups are noted for their excessively bright tone, which may not suit all musical styles or preferences.

    Source
  • Reversing the string courses can enhance fingerplay, though it might lead to uneven string spacing issues; players should consider this before modding.

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  • The dual unison strings in the 12-string bass offer a chorus effect, as they are typically not perfectly in tune, enhancing the sound's richness.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Waterstone 12-string basses, though expensive on the resale market, are still in production and offer an alternative to the Dean Rhapsody for those seeking a different brand experience.

    Source
  • The Schecter signature model by Dug Pinnick is highlighted as an alternative, suggesting some players prefer its design over the Dean Rhapsody for similar tonal applications.

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  • The Dean Rhapsody 12-string bass is often compared to Hamer models, with Hamer being credited for initially developing the 12-string bass concept.

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Use cases and applications

  • The 12-string bass allows unique tuning options, such as tuning the bottom two courses to power chords, enabling diverse musical applications.

    Source
  • Players find the 12-string bass particularly effective for ambient music, especially when combined with pitch-shifting effects for a rich, layered sound.

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  • The 12-string bass is particularly effective for achieving a full sound in three-piece rock bands, acting as a substitute for an additional rhythm guitarist.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some users report that the 12-string setup can be challenging, with particular difficulty in finding flatwound strings; using two 8-string sets was suggested as a workaround.

    Source
  • It’s challenging to tune a 12-string bass live due to the wide string spacing, making it difficult to handle during performances.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that playing a 12-string bass requires additional technique due to the wider 'string' configuration, which can be demanding but offers unique sound possibilities.

    Source
  • Owners find that playing with a pick is more effective due to the string arrangement, where the octave strings are placed above the fundamental string.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Davie504 uses Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass

Davie504

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

This is his 12 String bass that he plays in this video

See how Jesse Jolly uses Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass

Jesse Jolly

Singer, Bassist

Malevolent Creation

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook post by Dean Guitars, Jesse Jolly is seen demonstrating the Dean Rhapsody 12-String Bass.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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