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Kramer DMZ 4001 Aluminum-Neck Bass

Kramer DMZ 4001 Aluminum-Neck Bass

$899.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

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Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$899.99 13 available Used

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Average Price: $900

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Kramer DMZ 4001 Aluminum-Neck Bass is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Introducing the Kramer DMZ 4001 Aluminum-Neck Bass, a piece of music history that speaks for itself. Launched in 1978, this unique instrument was part of Kramer's second wave of basses, showcasing their innovative use of aluminum necks. The DMZ series stands out with its wooden inserts, a feature that adds a distinct sonic character. This bass was produced between 1979 and 1980, making it not only a quality instrument, but also a collector's item.

Key Features:

Part of Kramer's innovative DMZ series
Unique aluminum neck with wooden inserts
Solidbody construction for durability and resonance
Tropical wood body for a warm, rich tone
Ebonal fingerboard for smooth playability
Produced between 1979 and 1980, adding historical value

Product specs

Brand	Kramer
Model	DMZ 4001
Finish	Natural
Year	1979
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Natural
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	Split-Coil
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Kramer DMZ 4001 Aluminum-Neck Bass?: The Kramer DMZ 4001 features an aluminum neck with a slim profile, offering a smooth and fast playing experience. The aluminum construction provides excellent stability and sustain, making it ideal for players who prefer a modern, sleek feel.
What kind of tones can I expect from the active pickups on the Kramer DMZ 4001?: The active pickups on the Kramer DMZ 4001 deliver a bright and punchy tone with enhanced clarity and definition. This makes it particularly suitable for rock and funk genres where a cutting bass presence is desired.
Is the Kramer DMZ 4001 Aluminum-Neck Bass suitable for beginners?: While the Kramer DMZ 4001 is a high-quality instrument, its unique aluminum neck and active pickups might be better suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for specific tonal qualities and playability.
How does the aluminum neck of the Kramer DMZ 4001 affect its sound and playability?: The aluminum neck provides increased sustain and a distinct brightness to the sound, while also offering exceptional stability. This construction is favored by players who enjoy a modern, articulate tone and a smooth playing experience.
Does the Kramer DMZ 4001 work well for slap bass techniques?: Yes, the Kramer DMZ 4001's active pickups and bright tonal characteristics make it well-suited for slap bass techniques, providing the clarity and punch needed for this playing style.

Videos

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THE ZERO FRET

Vintage Aluminium Neck Kramer DMZ 4001 bass guitar review

THE ZERO FRET

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kramer DMZ 4001 Aluminum-Neck Bass.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners have added Jazz pickups and Badass bridges, though current models often come with Gotoh bridges affecting intonation.
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The Hipshot Kickass bridge is favored by some over the Badass bridge for its improved playability and setup flexibility.
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Use cases and applications

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The bass's heavy weight and unique tone are particularly suited for post-punk and noise rock styles, offering a noisy yet cool sound profile.
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Known for being played by Mike Dirnt during Woodstock '94, indicating its suitability for high-energy performances.
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These basses excel in producing a chimey, almost piano-like tone, making them less suited for flatwound strings if seeking traditional P-bass warmth.
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User experience

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The aluminum neck remains significantly colder than wood in cooler climates, though users in warmer regions report fewer temperature-related issues.
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The neck is described as having a weird feel, which might require an adjustment period for new players.
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These basses are extremely neck-heavy, and a wide leather strap with a sueded side is recommended for better balance.
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Features and functionality

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The sustain of the DMZ 4001 is notably high, attributed to the aluminum neck design, making it ideal for long, resonant notes.
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The neck features wood inserts that don't significantly help with cold feel, highlighting the unique challenges of aluminum necks.
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The neck's combination of aluminum and walnut inlays helps mitigate the cold feel often associated with all-metal necks.
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Zero fret design is noted, which affects the string action and intonation differently than traditional nut setups.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some owners note a need for fret leveling after the 12th fret due to typical wear, especially in older models.
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The aluminum neck can develop a bow that can't be fixed, potentially leading to tuning stability issues.
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Value and pricing

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Vintage cream DiMarzio pickups on these models are highly valued, often considered worth their weight in gold.
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Older DMZ models were sold between $600 and $1k, though prices may have increased due to vintage demand.
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Build quality

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"Ebonol" fretboards on these basses feel remarkably similar to wood, offering a unique playing experience.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

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John Deacon

Bassist, Composer

Queen

Verified via YouTube

John Deacon is playing a Kramer DMZ 4001 in the Top Of The Pops performance of Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love) in 1981.

Peter Steele

Singer, Bassist

Type O Negative

Verified via YouTube

In this video at 2:44 a young Steele can be seen playing a Kramer DMZ 4001 in a Natural Finish And in later fallout pics would sport his custom black Kramer bass with holes cut into it