- Ashbory bass
Infobox Guitar model|title=Ashbory Bass
bgcolor=#FFFFFF
manufacturer=Currently Fender. Previously manufactured by theGuild Guitar Company (1986-1988). The Ashbory was re-introduced by Fender in 1999 under theDeArmond brand name. [http://www.largesound.com/ashborydoc/dearmond/announce/]
period=1986 —1988 ,1999 — present
bodytype=Solid
necktype=Neck-thru
scale=18"
woodbody=Agathis , Guild models usedpoplar (one-piece neck and body)
woodneck=Agathis , Guild models usedpoplar (one-piece neck and body)
woodfingerboard=Plastic , fretless
bridge=Fixed
pickups=One activepiezoelectric bridge pickup.
colors=Black, Frost Red, Moon BlueThe Ashbory bass, designed by Alun Ashworth-Jones and Nigel Thornbory, is an 18-inch scale fretless (but marked) electric bass developed in 1985. This scale is just over half of the 34-inch scale of an ordinary
bass guitar . When amplified, the Ashbory produces a low, resonant bass tone similar to the tone of a pizzicato (plucked)double bass .Features
The Ashbory uses
silicone rubber strings and an acoustic piezo-transducer pickup to create the instrument's tone. The lower string tension of the instrument means that no truss rod is used in the Ashbory's neck. Unlike electric basses and electric guitars, neither the bridge nor the neck is adjustable. The manufacturer recommends that the silicone strings be dusted with talc powder to make the strings easier to play.Playing styles
The manufacturer recommends "standard electric bass 'fingerstyle' playing", and acknowledges that electric bass techniques such as slapping and popping and pick playing do not work as well on the Ashbory. On the other hand, the Ashbory can be used to create additional sounds. By muting the strings with the left hand and using the right hand to strike the strings, an analog-synth-like sound can be created. Snapping the strings with the right hand can create an upright-bass-like slap sound.
Miscellaneous
The Ashbory bass is now being manufactured under license by the Fender corporation.
External links
* [http://www.largesound.com/ Large Sound Ashbory Bass resources]
** [http://www.largesound.com/ashborytour/sound/ Ashbory sound clips]
** [http://www.largesound.com/ashboryarticle/general/userguide/ User's Guide for the Ashbory Bass]
* [http://www.liutaiomottola.com/instruments/elastico.htm The Elastico acoustic Ashbory style bass]
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