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Description

Revolutionizing the world of bass guitars, the DeArmond (Fender) Ashbory stands out with its innovative design and unique sound. Crafted with an 18" fretless scale, this electric bass delivers the deep, resonant tones reminiscent of an upright bass—all while being surprisingly compact and lightweight. Its distinctive silicone rubber strings produce a smooth, warm sound that is both rich and versatile, making it an exceptional choice for musicians seeking a fresh sonic palette.

The Ashbory is not just about its sound; it's about the feel too. The fretless design allows for seamless gliding between notes, offering a playing experience that is both intuitive and expressive. Whether you're recording in the studio or performing live, the Ashbory's patented transducer ensures that every note is captured with clarity and precision.

Perfect for those who crave the traditional tones of a double bass but require the portability of an electric instrument, the DeArmond Ashbory is more than just a bass—it's a gateway to new musical horizons. Dive into a world where vintage meets innovation and let the music flow.

Key Features:

  • 18" fretless scale for deep, resonant tones
  • Unique silicone rubber strings for a smooth, warm sound
  • Patented transducer for clear and precise note capture
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Ideal for both studio recording and live performance

FAQs

What makes the DeArmond (Fender) Ashbory bass unique compared to other electric basses?

The DeArmond (Fender) Ashbory features a distinctive 18-inch scale and fretless design with silicone strings, offering a true string bass sound in a compact form. This makes it particularly easy to hold and play, providing a unique tonal experience.

How does the silicone string design of the Ashbory bass affect playability and sound?

The silicone strings on the Ashbory bass are gentle on the fingers and contribute to its unique sound, emulating the deep, resonant qualities of an upright bass while maintaining the convenience of an electric bass.

Is the DeArmond (Fender) Ashbory bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ashbory bass is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight design and easy playability, though its fretless neck may require some adaptation for those new to bass playing.

What genres of music is the Ashbory bass best suited for?

The Ashbory bass excels in genres that benefit from its upright bass-like tone, such as jazz, blues, and folk, though its unique sound can add character to any musical style.

Does the DeArmond (Fender) Ashbory bass require any special maintenance?

The silicone strings may require periodic cleaning to maintain their playability and sound quality, but otherwise, the Ashbory bass requires typical electric bass maintenance.

Bob Nagy

Bob Nagy

Ashbory Bass Over-View

Video thumbnail for Ashbory Bass Over-View by Bob Nagy

Ashbory Bass Over-View

Bob Nagy

Bob Nagy

Video thumbnail for Ashbory Bass by Fender by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Ashbory Bass by Fender

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for DeArmond / Guild Ashbory Fretless Mini Bass made by Fender - intonation and low E pitch issues. by Dylan McGee Jones

DeArmond / Guild Ashbory Fretless Mini Bass made by Fender - intonation and low E pitch issues.

Dylan McGee Jones

Dylan McGee Jones

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DeArmond (Fender) Ashbory.

Features and functionality

  • The DeArmond Ashbory bass features rubber strings, a piezo bridge, and a plastic body, offering a unique, thumpy sound distinct from traditional basses.

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  • The Ashbory's use of a piezo pickup is praised for contributing to its ability to mimic double bass tones, with some users suggesting its effectiveness in achieving the desired sound.

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User experience

  • Users appreciate the Ashbory for its fretless 24-inch scale, which provides a distinct playing experience compared to standard electric basses.

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Comparisons

  • The Ashbory is likened to a "hippie grandpa" of the Kala U-basses, highlighting its unique, vintage approach to bass design.

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  • Owners note that the Ashbory's short scale and rubber strings offer a closer double bass sound than metal-stringed electric bass guitars, though intonation can be finicky due to the scale length.

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Use cases and applications

  • Trey Gunn, known for his work with King Crimson, has been noted to use the Ashbory, suggesting its suitability for experimental and progressive music styles.

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  • The Ashbory's rubber strings are deliberately designed to imitate the double bass sound, making it a viable option for musicians seeking that tone.

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Setup and maintenance

  • High action and down-tuning with heavier gauge strings can enhance the Ashbory's ability to emulate a double bass, offering more mass and lower tension similar to a double bass string.

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Genre Usage

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

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