New Solid Body Electric Basses from Paul
Reed Smith
February 3, 2000
PRS Guitars introduces the first in a line of solid electric
basses. The PRS Bass features an Alder body and Rock Maple neck with the choice
of either Rosewood or Rock Maple fingerboard. Swamp Ash is an option. The 21 frets
are calibrated on a 34" scale length. Many of the world’s top bass players
were included in the instrument’s development program.
Many months of development went into the two passive magnetic pickups to achieve
the optimum tone and dynamic response. Each of the single coil pickups features
an integral thumb rest and curved "blade" magnet construction giving
even string balance.
The massive bridge is also a PRS design and offers unparalleled sustain and
sound coupling to the body. A piezo equipped version of the bridge is an option,
using Patent Applied For technology already in use on the company’s highly
acclaimed Hollowbody Piezo guitar. This option offers individual string voicing
and three band active EQ.
The individual volume and master tone controls on the standard PRS Bass are
optimally placed and traditionally uncomplicated.
Many of the best known PRS options like the Bird inlays are available on the
PRS Bass, together with a wide selection of the company’s signature opaque
and transluscent finishes.
Of special interest is the Maple Inset option that can be selected on an Alder
body. Using the accuracy of modern computer controlled machinery PRS "inlay"
a solid figured maple slab into the top of the guitar. The Alder body wood forms
an outline around the Inset.
List price is $1900.00.
For more information visit
their web site at www.prsguitars.com. | 
