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Guild Ashbory Bass

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Page last updated Jan 15, 2026

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Description

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The Guild Ashbory Bass is a standout in the world of electric bass guitars, renowned for its compact and innovative design. Originally introduced in 1987, this instrument has captivated musicians with its distinctive ability to emulate the rich, resonant tones of an upright bass. This is achieved through its patented transducer and unique silicone rubber strings, which produce a warm, full-bodied sound that is perfect for both studio recordings and live performances.

With an 18" fretless scale, the Ashbory is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it a favorite among traveling musicians and those who prefer a more compact instrument. Its fretless design allows for smooth, expressive gliding between notes, offering a playing experience that is both tactile and dynamic. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring bassist, the Ashbory provides a refreshing departure from the conventional bass playing experience, inviting creativity and exploration with every play.

Key Features:

18" fretless scale
Unique silicone rubber strings
Patented transducer for rich, upright bass-like tones
Lightweight and portable design
Ideal for both studio and live performances

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Guild Ashbory Bass?: The Guild Ashbory Bass features an 18-inch scale length, which is significantly shorter than typical electric basses, offering a unique playing experience.
What materials are the strings of the Guild Ashbory Bass made from?: The Guild Ashbory Bass uses unique silicone strings, which are gentle on the fingers and contribute to its distinctive sound.
Is the Guild Ashbory Bass suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Guild Ashbory Bass is lightweight and easy to hold, making it a good choice for beginners looking to explore fretless bass playing.
What kind of sound can I expect from the Guild Ashbory Bass?: The Guild Ashbory Bass delivers a true string bass sound, thanks to its 1-inch fretless neck and silicone strings, offering a deep and resonant tone.
How does the Guild Ashbory Bass differ from standard electric basses?: Unlike standard electric basses, the Guild Ashbory Bass has an 18-inch scale and uses silicone strings, providing a unique playing feel and sound reminiscent of an upright bass.

Videos

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offbeat2000

Guild / Dearmond Ashbory Bass [fretless] Soundbeispiel - Test

offbeat2000

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

Dylan McGee Jones

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

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Intonation can be challenging due to the short, low-tension strings on the tiny fretless neck, making it difficult for accurate recording after months of practice.
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Owners report difficulty finding replacement silicone strings, as standard trimming methods are ineffective due to the unique tuning mechanism.
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User experience

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Owners with larger hands find the Ashbory difficult to play, as fingers can unintentionally cover multiple frets, affecting playability.
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Owners mention the G string's extreme sensitivity, breaking easily with minimal handling or pressure.
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Owners suggest that the Ibanez Mikro series requires an initial setup to address issues, but once adjusted, offers a favorable playing experience with a fast, thin neck.
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Comparisons

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Solid body ukulele basses offer similar sounds to the Ashbory with better stock strings and more ergonomic designs, including fretted options.
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Pahoehoe strings from Road Toad Music provide a less "grippy" feel and a brighter sound compared to traditional Ashbory strings.
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The Kala U-bass is highlighted as a superior alternative with better tone and no need for talcum powder during play.
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The DeArmond version of the Guild Ashbory bass is noted for being found used under $300, offering an affordable alternative for those interested in the Ashbory style.
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The Kala Wanderer, Journeyman, and Passenger basses are budget-friendly options with pickups, making them practical for travel without significant loss if damaged.
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Build quality

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Ashbory strings are known to break easily, sometimes even with minimal handling, which affects their reliability.
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Use cases and applications

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The Ashbory is seen as a fun instrument for studio use or travel, though its novelty may fade quickly with limited live application potential.
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An ESP B5-Jr. with a 28.6-inch scale is mentioned as a compact option for travel, providing a balance between size and playability.
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Value and pricing

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Rondo Music's SX basses, including short and 3/4 scale models, are recommended around the $150 mark, touted for being cost-effective yet satisfactory Fender copies.
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Mods and upgrades

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A user described adapting a baritone uke with Pyramid metal strings to achieve standard bass tuning, providing a unique, budget-friendly alternative to traditional basses.
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Artist usage

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Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

Verified via Steveadelson

"A Guild Ashbory -little plastic thing. I first came across one when I saw David Gilmore sitting in a hotel coffee shop, practicing on the little thing. He suggested I get one. I've actually used this on a few albums: "Lovetown" which was Peter Gabriel's track for "Philadelphia Story", and one of the Bozzio/Levin/Stevens tracks."

Trevor Dunn

Bassist

Melvins

Verified via Photo

"The strings are made out of silicone and sort of look like snot, so I started calling it the Booger Bass. I used it on Bungle's Golem," says Trevor, about his Guild Ashbory, which Trevor's dad bought him in the late 80's.

Danny Sapko

Singer, Bassist

Verified via YouTube

Danny Sapko is confirmed to use a Guild Ashbory Bass, as he showcases it in his YouTube video titled "I play every single bass I have," where he goes through his collection of bass guitars.