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Description

The Kramer Duke Bass is a compact powerhouse designed to deliver mighty tones in a sleek, travel-friendly package. Its headless design not only reduces size and weight but also enhances tuning stability, making it a favorite among musicians on the go. Its alder body provides a balanced resonance and sustain that works for a wide range of musical styles, from jazz to rock. Equipped with a bolt-on maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard, the Duke Bass offers a smooth playing experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned bassists.

This electric bass features dual Kramer-designed pickups, delivering a range of tones from deep, thumping lows to bright, punchy highs. The 24-fret neck gives players extended range and versatility, perfect for exploring various musical expressions. With its minimalist yet sophisticated look, the Kramer Duke Bass stands out without being flashy, making it an ideal choice for players who prioritize both style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Compact, headless design for enhanced portability and tuning stability
  • Alder body with bolt-on maple neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 24 frets
  • Dual Kramer-designed pickups for versatile sound options
  • Ideal for a range of genres from jazz to rock
Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1980's Kramer Duke Deluxe Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally

Video thumbnail for 1980's Kramer Duke Deluxe Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally by Normans Rare Guitars

1980's Kramer Duke Deluxe Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Kramer Duke, Hondo Alien, Short Scale Headless Electric Bass Guitar by jsumbi

Kramer Duke, Hondo Alien, Short Scale Headless Electric Bass Guitar

jsumbi

jsumbi

Video thumbnail for Kramer "The Duke" Headless Bass by ZIMM'S GUITARS

Kramer "The Duke" Headless Bass

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for KRAMER THE DUKE  1981 ALUMINIUM NECK BASS by ferbhy silva

KRAMER THE DUKE 1981 ALUMINIUM NECK BASS

ferbhy silva

ferbhy silva

Video thumbnail for All The Basses 002: Kramer Duke Headless Shortscale Bass // Serek Basses by Serek Basses

All The Basses 002: Kramer Duke Headless Shortscale Bass // Serek Basses

Serek Basses

Serek Basses

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Delano double J set is too large for the Kramer Duke; single J pickups might fit but could introduce hum.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Original pickups offer a bright tone and were quad coils, allowing series/parallel/single coil switching.

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  • The switch on some Kramer Duke models offers single/series/parallel options, impacting tone versatility.

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  • The aluminum neck on the Kramer Duke bass is praised for its stability, making it ideal for experimenting with alternative tunings like piccolo bass or Cello fifths tuning.

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  • The Kramer Duke offers a short scale and avoids the need for double ball end strings, which can simplify string changes.

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  • The DiMarzio Model G pickup was used in a cheaper model of the Kramer Duke, which is now harder to find than models with the Schaller double J.

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User experience

  • Users report that the original pickups were bright with the right strings, despite rust issues significantly affecting tone.

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  • Without the switch, achieving desired tonal variations like a P bass sound is limited.

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  • Owners find the Duke's aluminum neck odd yet appealing, with some noting its suitability for experimental and unique sounds, especially in indie and techno genres.

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  • Some users report the Kramer Duke can be heavy, which might impact comfort during longer playing sessions, despite its attractive design.

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Build quality

  • The use of ebonol for the fingerboard has proven durable, with reports of it holding up well even after 35+ years.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Kramer Duke bass, despite its issues in standard tuning, is favored for its effectiveness as a piccolo bass, offering unique tonal possibilities.

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Comparisons

  • Owners note that unlike other headless basses, the Duke features regular tuners at the body rather than Steinberger licensed tuners, which is an unusual design choice.

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  • Owners compare the Duke favorably to Steinberger basses, highlighting its aluminum neck for stability and affordability at about an eighth of the Steinberger's price.

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Critic Reviews

Kramer Duke | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Kramer Duke Bass is a quirky nod to the Steinberger design, offering a lightweight, easy-to-play experience with its headless, compact form. While the aluminum neck and short-scale design make it unique, these features also detract from its resonance and sound quality. The Duke’s pickups deliver decent audio, but the overall sonic performance is lackluster compared to full-sized basses. Despite its limitations, the Duke remains a fascinating piece of guitar history for its innovative design and ease of handling.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eddie Van Halen uses Kramer Duke Bass

Eddie Van Halen

Guitarist

Van Halen

...
Verified via Photo

Van Halen can be seen playing a Kramer Duke Bass in this photo.

See how Andrew Wood uses Kramer Duke Bass

Andrew Wood

Singer, Bassist

Mother Love Bone

...
Verified via Photo

Wood can be seen in this photo playing a Kramer Duke Bass.

Genre Usage

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

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