Pricing and availability

Average Price: $199

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your groove with the DeArmond Pilot Bass, a reliable companion for both budding bassists and seasoned performers. This electric bass guitar combines classic design with modern functionality to deliver a rich and deep tonal range. It's crafted to offer a smooth playing experience, making it ideal for various musical genres, from jazz to rock and beyond. The DeArmond Pilot Bass features a dual pickup configuration, enabling a versatile sound palette that caters to both subtle nuances and powerful riffs.

Equipped with a solid body construction, this bass guitar ensures durability and high-quality sound resonance. The neck is designed for comfortable playability, allowing for effortless transitions across frets. Whether you're jamming in the studio or performing live on stage, the DeArmond Pilot Bass offers consistent performance with its reliable hardware and electronics. Its user-friendly controls allow easy adjustments, ensuring that your sound is always just the way you like it.

Key Features:

  • Dual pickup configuration for versatile sound options
  • Solid body construction for enhanced durability and sound quality
  • Comfortable neck design for smooth playability
  • Easy-to-use controls for quick sound adjustments
  • Reliable hardware and electronics for consistent performance

Product specs

Brand DeArmond
Model Pilot Bass
Finish Black, Crimson Red Transparent, Polar White
Year 1999
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Red, White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music genres is the DeArmond Pilot Bass suitable for?

The DeArmond Pilot Bass, with its active pickups and preamp, is versatile and well-suited for genres that benefit from a bright, punchy sound such as rock, funk, and pop.

How does the active preamp in the DeArmond Pilot Bass affect its sound?

The active preamp enhances the tonal flexibility and output of the bass, allowing for a more dynamic range and the ability to cut through mixes in live and studio settings.

What is the neck profile like on the DeArmond Pilot Bass?

The DeArmond Pilot Bass features a comfortable, slim neck profile that facilitates fast playing and smooth hand movement, ideal for both beginner and experienced bassists.

Is the DeArmond Pilot Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the DeArmond Pilot Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, manageable weight, and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for those starting out.

What is the pickup configuration on the DeArmond Pilot Bass?

The DeArmond Pilot Bass features a split-coil and single-coil pickup configuration, providing a wide range of tonal options from deep lows to articulate highs.

11coopbass

11coopbass

DeArmond Pilot Bass 5 string

Video thumbnail for DeArmond Pilot Bass 5 string by 11coopbass

DeArmond Pilot Bass 5 string

11coopbass

11coopbass

Video thumbnail for Story time: DeArmond Pilot bass bought in 2001 by Accidentals & Hacks

Story time: DeArmond Pilot bass bought in 2001

Accidentals & Hacks

Accidentals & Hacks

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DeArmond Pilot Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The DeArmond Pilot Plus 5 has a 3-band onboard preamp and wide string spacing, offering versatility for different playing styles.

    Source
  • Regular Pilot models feature passive electronics, while Plus and Deluxe models include active preamps for enhanced tonal control.

    Source
  • The DeArmond Pilot Pro features a unique control layout with volume, pickup balance, bass, treble, and mid knobs, providing distinct tonal control.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Pilot Plus 5 is noted for its wide, flat neck, distinct from many basses at its price point, providing a unique playing experience.

    Source
  • Some users find the DeArmond Pilot Pro has a slightly "twangier" tone compared to other basses, like the Hamer Velocity 2, possibly due to its pickups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Originally priced around $300, Pilots were available for as low as $180 during clearance after Fender discontinued the brand.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the comfortable neck and ergonomic design, despite initial skepticism about the bass's appearance.

    Source
  • The knob layout keeps controls out of the way of strumming, which some players find beneficial during performance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • New strings or a fresh 9V battery can enhance tone, addressing perceived "twanginess" in the sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass's EQ versatility allows it to handle a variety of musical styles, despite being used through a guitar amp.

    Source

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Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DeArmond Pilot Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

Community setups

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spacecowboy776

spacecowboy776

Gear IQ 76

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