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Nordstrand Acinonyx "Cat Bass"

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Nordstrand Acinonyx "Cat Bass"

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Page last updated May 20, 2026

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Description

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Lovingly nicknamed the "Cat Bass” in the workshop, The Acinonyx is an insanely cool, somewhat weird, and deceptively menacing instrument. This bass has all of the playability and phat tone you would expect from a short scale, plus the added fun of the tone control switches. Tone choices are available with a push of a button. Go “All In” by punching all of the buttons at once, which puts the pickups in series mode resulting in a a loud, thick, and punchy tone. The 1 over 3 headstock may seem unusual, but it provides straight string pull while honoring the original aesthetic of the Goya Panther.

Specifications: 780mm scale (about 30.7”) 17mm spacing at bridge 1.4” wide nut Alder body with Indian Rosewood fingerboard Parchment and Tortoise pick guard options 2 propriety (of course - it’s what we do) single coil chrome cover pickups 4 push button pickup selector switches (including “all in” series mode) 4 tone selections including flat, traditional tone roll off, heavy tone roll of, and mid notch Very light weight - averaging 6.5 pounds 2 way spoke wheel truss rod Classic color options: Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Surf Green, Black, and Dakota Red Compound radius for excellent playability D’Addario Nickel Round Strings Proprietary custom US Hipshot bridge Proprietary custom licensed Hipshot oval tuning machines

History: Inspired by Juan Alderete, reimagined by Carey Nordstrand, the Acinonyx (genus for Cheetah) is a well thought out, modern reinterpretation of the Goya Panther. Carey sorted out the design flaws of the Goya with the problem solving prowess for which he is known. String pull, switch assignments sorted out, Carey developed this bass with ease of tone selection and overall playability in mind, but the ultimate goal is for the bass to be as fun to play as driving a race car.

Videos

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BassTheWorld.com

NORDSTRAND ACINONYX // The Cat Bass

BassTheWorld.com

THE FAT CAT GOES FLAT! Nordstrand Acinonyx (Cat) Bass

Bass Whisperer TV

Check out the NORDY CAT BASS!!!!

Bass Whisperer TV

Nordstrand Acinonyx - Does this retro cat push the right buttons? - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

Nordstrand ACINONYX Bass Demo

The Bass Channel

The Cat's Out of The Bag || Nordstrand Acinonyx Bass Review

Sounds Like Ben

Nordstrand Acinonyx - "The Cat Bass" - Detailed Demo - Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Nordstrand Acinonyx "Cat Bass" - Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Nordstrand Acinonyx "Cat Bass" (short scale) Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Cat Bass Groove // Nordstrand Acinonyx Short Scale Bass

Maxwell Pierce

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 Nordstrand Acinonyx "Cat Bass".

Comparisons

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The neck is described as 1.4", resembling a Fender Jazz neck, but skinnier than a Talman, making it easier to play.
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Offers better ergonomics and comfort compared to the classic Beatle bass, avoiding common discomforts associated with it.
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User experience

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Owners prefer medium scale flats for the best fit, ensuring the silks clear the nut.
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The bass is lightweight at 6 1/2 lbs, enhancing playability and comfort.
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Owners describe the neck as skinnier both front-to-back and top-to-bottom compared to Mustang JMJ or typical P basses.
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Setup and maintenance

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Saddle positions appear counterintuitive but intonate correctly after adjustments, surprising some users.
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Features and functionality

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The switching system with push buttons is intuitive and quicker than traditional tone knobs or pickup blends.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners report exceptional performance during gigs, especially with flatwound strings, delivering a powerful, sledgehammer-like sound.
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Build quality

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Despite being a slab body, it maintains comfort, balancing well during play and offering a unique sound.
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Artist usage

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Juan Alderete

Bassist

Marilyn Manson

Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, you can see Juan Alderete in his “Pedals and Effects” room with his Nordstrand Acinonyx.

Juan’s visit to the Nordstrand Factory with his Goya Panther II was the Catalyst to inspire Carey Nordstrand to design the Acinonyx.

Tim Lefebvre

Bassist, Composer

Empire of the Sun

Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, Tim Lefebvre talks to Carey Nordstrand about playing the Acinonyx bass.

Tim also has it listed on his website as a part of his bass collection.

Amos Heller

Bassist

The Agency

Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Amos is doing a demo of the Acinonyx, with many of his basses in the background behind him.

Me’Shell Ndegéocello

Singer, Bassist

Verified via Photo

In this image, Meshell is using the Nordstrand Acinonyx. I had the privilege of seeing Meshell play in person on a tour for her new album No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, and this is the bass she primarily uses on this tour.