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Description

Revolutionize your bass-playing experience with the Fender Ashbory Bass—an instrument that defies convention with its compact design and distinctive voice. Originally a creation of Guild in 1987, this modern edition by De Armond stays true to its roots while introducing must-have enhancements for today’s musicians. With an 18" fretless scale, this bass captures the deep, resonant tone typically reserved for upright basses, yet it comfortably fits in your hands and on the smallest of stages.

The Ashbory Bass features a unique combination of a patented transducer and silicone rubber strings, delivering unparalleled sound quality and playability. Whether you're in the studio or performing live, this bass offers a tactile sensation and tonal warmth that traditional strings cannot match. Its feather-light weight and compact size make it a reliable companion for both traveling musicians and those looking to expand their sonic palette without sacrificing space or comfort.

Join a community of bassists who appreciate the quirky charm and innovative spirit of the Ashbory Bass. It’s more than just an instrument; it’s a conversation starter, a creative catalyst, and a testament to the power of ingenuity in music.

Key Features:

  • 18" fretless scale for authentic upright bass tone
  • Unique silicone rubber strings for a smooth, resonant sound
  • Patented transducer for enhanced sound quality
  • Lightweight and compact, perfect for travel and small venues

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Fender Ashbory Bass?

The Fender Ashbory Bass features an 18-inch scale length, which is significantly shorter than standard bass guitars, offering a unique playing experience.

Are the strings on the Fender Ashbory Bass different from regular bass guitars?

Yes, the Fender Ashbory Bass uses unique silicone strings, which are softer on the fingers and contribute to its distinctive upright bass-like sound.

Is the Fender Ashbory Bass suitable for beginners?

The Fender Ashbory Bass is lightweight and easy to hold, making it suitable for beginners who are comfortable with its fretless neck and unique string material.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Fender Ashbory Bass?

The Fender Ashbory Bass produces a sound reminiscent of an upright bass, thanks to its silicone strings and fretless design, making it ideal for jazz and acoustic settings.

Does the Fender Ashbory Bass require any special maintenance?

The silicone strings on the Fender Ashbory Bass may require occasional cleaning to maintain their unique tone and playability, but otherwise, it requires similar care to other bass guitars.

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 Tobias Ljungkvist explores the Ashbory bass by RothHandle

Tobias Ljungkvist explores the Ashbory bass

RothHandle

RothHandle

Video thumbnail for Ashbory Bass w/ Two Brands Of Strings- Review by stevekonbass

Ashbory Bass w/ Two Brands Of Strings- Review

stevekonbass

stevekonbass

Video thumbnail for SuperMonkeyCube introduces the Ashbory Bass by Chris Archer

SuperMonkeyCube introduces the Ashbory Bass

Chris Archer

Chris Archer

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Ashbory Bass uses unique rubber strings, contributing to its ability to mimic the tone of a 41" double bass despite its 18" scale.

    Source
  • Despite its niche appeal, the Ashbory is considered more upright-sounding than Acoustic Electric Basses, which lack low end and are midrange-focused.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ashbory Bass produces a low, resonant tone similar to a pizzicato double bass, which some find more convincing than tones from standard 34" basses.

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  • Owners find the Godin A4 fretless offers a more authentic double bass tone than the Ashbory, suggesting it as a superior alternative for emulating upright sounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The use of thick rubber strings on short scales like the Ashbory helps maintain tension and prevents flabbiness, delivering a distinct low-end thump.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For jazz band performances, some owners recommend exploring fretless basses with tapewound strings over the Ashbory for a more versatile upright-like tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users debate the necessity of replacing electronics in cheaper basses, recommending instead investing in a higher-quality model like the Squier VM Jazz Fretless.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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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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