Bacchus Handmade Woodline Ash 4 Hollow Black Oil 2005
Bacchus Woodline Ash 4 Hollow, black oil finish, made in Japan 2005. Bacchus launched in 1998 under the Deviser Co umbrella, one of Japan's most impressive and consistent guitar makers. They started off doing Fender and Gibson style models, but by the early 00s, they were producing some extremely dialled offerings all their own, most notably the Woodline bass models. You don't see many of the semi-hollow examples around, so I was super stoked to score this one. The body shape borrows from the Jazz Bass, with an offset body, slim neck and two single coils, but it's pushed in a hyper-playable direction. First, the neck: it's carved from some super tightly grained maple and capped with some deluxe ebony, and it feels amazingly quick and comfy. Second, the electronics: you get two snappy, clear, full sounding J-style single coils, but with an active/passive switch that throws a two band EQ boost/cut into the mix. You can get all sorts of tones out of it, from snappy gospel clarity to smooth jazz warble to aggressive metal growl. The hardware is great too, with easy adjustments and plenty of natural sustain and resonance on tap. The semi-hollow body takes a little out of the weight: some ash Jazz models we've had have been well over 5kg, so this one at 4.4kg is pretty moderate. It also adds a certain woody, open breathiness to the sound; just a little extra complexity and nuance compared to a regular model. The black oil finish has seen a fair bit of play and is designed to fade, like a pair of jeans. It's rubbed up beautifully on the high contact areas and has a very classy streetsmart look to it. This is an outstanding bass, it will deliver the goods night after night.
Model: Bacchus Handmade Woodline Ash 4 Hollow
Made: Japan, 2005, Aska workshop
Serial: 130667
Finish: black oil
Body: ash, semi-hollow
Neck: maple, ebony fretboard, 23" scale, 15" radius. 46mm nut, C to D taper profile
Weight: 4.410kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Bacchus JB AL-V single coil x2, active treble/bass boost/cut preamp
Accessories: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples and scuffs on the end and edges and some scuffs on the back and front. The is clean and smooth in the hands, dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has scuffs and dimples all over the body as well as a decent bald patch in the middle. The sides have rub wear and dimples around the whole body and some dents near the jack. The front has scuffs around the knobs and bridge, dimples in the elbow area and rub wear around the pickups, elbow area and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing Condition Notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 7/10, minor wear only