Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $449

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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High-end

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Description

In the realm of electric bass guitars, the Westone "The Rail" Bass stands out as a testament to innovative design and timeless appeal. Born from the creative surge of the 1980s, this distinctive instrument mixes nostalgia with modern versatility. Crafted initially in Japan and later in England, this bass embodies a unique blend of craftsmanship and forward-thinking design.

One of its most striking features is the slide-adjustable pickup mounted on dual rails, offering players the unparalleled ability to customize their tone by adjusting the pickup's position. This feature empowers musicians to explore a wide variety of sonic landscapes, from deep, resonant lows to crisp, articulate highs. The headstock-less design not only contributes to its sleek appearance but also enhances the playability and balance, making it a favorite among bassists who prioritize comfort and style.

With its lightweight yet robust construction, the Westone "The Rail" Bass is perfect for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians seeking a reliable and dynamic instrument. Whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or rocking out on stage, this bass promises to deliver performance and character that will leave a lasting impression.

Key Features:

  • Slide-adjustable pickup for customizable tone
  • Headstock-less design for enhanced balance and playability
  • Crafted in Japan and England, blending quality craftsmanship with innovative design
  • Lightweight construction for comfortable playing sessions

Product specs

Brand Westone
Model Rail Bass
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is unique about the pickup configuration of the Westone "The Rail" Bass?

The Westone "The Rail" Bass features a single humbucker pickup, providing a powerful and punchy tone suitable for a range of musical styles.

Is the Westone "The Rail" Bass suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Westone "The Rail" Bass is suitable for slap bass techniques, thanks to its double cutaway body shape that offers easy access to the higher frets and its 24-fret rosewood fretboard.

How does the lack of an active preamp affect the sound of the Westone "The Rail" Bass?

The absence of an active preamp means the Westone "The Rail" Bass relies on passive electronics, offering a more natural and vintage tone with less coloration, which appeals to players seeking a classic bass sound.

What type of music genres is the Westone "The Rail" Bass best suited for?

The Westone "The Rail" Bass, with its versatile humbucker pickup and passive electronics, is well-suited for rock, funk, and jazz, providing a rich and full-bodied sound.

How does the fretboard material of the Westone "The Rail" Bass affect playability?

The rosewood fretboard of the Westone "The Rail" Bass offers a smooth and comfortable playing surface, enhancing playability and providing a warm tonal character.

KIT CAR BUILDER

KIT CAR BUILDER

The Westone Rail bass guitar

Video thumbnail for The Westone Rail bass guitar by KIT CAR BUILDER

The Westone Rail bass guitar

KIT CAR BUILDER

KIT CAR BUILDER

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Westone "The Rail" Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The sliding pickup design allows for tone changes by adjusting the pickup position from P to J to mudbucker, though it's clunky to adjust.

    Source

Build quality

  • The tubes are hollow and were designed to resonate at a specific density, contributing to the bass's unique sound and sustain.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that playing while seated is challenging due to the lack of a leg rest, similar to Steinberger designs.

    Source
  • Owners who replaced the pickups report a marked improvement in tonal quality, suggesting the stock pickups may not meet all players' expectations.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Actual sales indicate that prices can be less than half of the $1200 seen on platforms like Reverb, with some owners not willing to pay more than $500.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some owners suggest using a strap while seated as a workaround for the awkward design when playing sitting down.

    Source
  • The Rail's design makes it particularly suitable for slap and pop playing styles, appreciated for its springy action.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing active EMG pickups, originally for Steinberger, enhances the bass's sound significantly, especially for slap and pop techniques.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Rail's unique look and feel can be divisive; some prefer its springy action for specific styles, while others find it underwhelming compared to traditional models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

A Bass With Style: 1986 Westone The Rail | MyRareGuitars.com

myrareguitars.com

The Westone "The Rail" Bass is a quirky relic of the 1980s, celebrated for its unique sliding pickup system and headless design that reflects the era's experimental spirit. While the moveable pickup offers intriguing tonal possibilities, its practicality might be questionable for some players due to the need for pre-play adjustments. The minimalist aesthetic and passive electronics capture the 80s vibe, but the tuning system, albeit precise, may challenge traditionalists. Though a rare find today, its historical novelty outweighs its functional appeal, making it more of a collector's item than a modern player's workhorse.

Old School: 1986 Westone “The Rail” Bass – No Treble

notreble.com

The Westone "The Rail" Bass is a quirky relic from 1986, capturing attention with its unique sliding pickup design that allows for versatile tone adjustments. While it offers distinct sound possibilities, the bass's unconventional aesthetics and lack of a tone knob make it a niche choice, potentially seen as gimmicky by traditionalists. Despite its sound capabilities, its visual style limits its appeal for professional gigs, rendering it more a collector's item than a go-to instrument. Overall, it's a fascinating piece of bass history, but its practicality is overshadowed by its novelty.

Rex and the Bass: Memory Lane: 1985 Westone The Rail Bass Review

rexbass.com

Westone’s "The Rail" Bass is a quirky, headless instrument from the '80s that aimed to offer versatility with its movable pickup. Its budget-friendly construction with maple and rosewood holds up well over time, and while the tuners and bridge are reliable, the lack of a tone control due to the pickup’s mobility is a notable design choice. The 32 ¼-inch scale and adjustable low action are highlights, yet its ergonomic design can be uncomfortable, making it a mixed bag. For those intrigued by its unique look and sound, it’s worth a try, but it's not the most comfortable to play.

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Margarette Hiroi uses Westone "The Rail" Bass

Margarette Hiroi

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

The Westone "The Rail" Bass can be seen used throughout the video, and most clearly at 0:15.

See how Graham Lewis uses Westone "The Rail" Bass

Graham Lewis

Singer, Bassist

Wire

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live televised performance from a 1987 episode of The Tonight Show, Wire was the musical guest. Lewis performed with a Rail 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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