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Inspired by a deep passion for vintage instrument design and informed by the Bass Centre's decades-long communication with professional players and customers throughout the world, a truly iconic design has been re-imagined to blend period accurate looks and a classic sound with a modern, lightweight construction and a super fast, satin finish neck.
A tribute to the maverick genius of celebrated American bassist, composer, producer, and band leader Jaco Pastorius, the Portrait Bass sports a striking pickguard-free Solar Flare finish, smooth, lined fretless ebony fingerboard and, like the rest of the Jive Bass range, boasts powerful authentic tone, superb build quality, and an expert set-up.
Babicz Full Contact Hardware is a revolutionary new approach to bridge technology that, as the name implies, ensures full contact between the vibrating string and the body of the instrument, maximising sustain and tonal response. Courtesy of its patented eCam saddle technology, the Babicz design also provides enhanced tuning stability and fully lockable, precision adjustment for string height and intonation.
EMG low impedance pickups are available as a premium upgrade to all Bass Collection Jive models, fully installed and set-up to perfection in the Bass Centre's in-house workshop.
The original EMG active J pickup set retains all the hallmarks of the classic jazz bass sound whilst adding a broader tonal range that will add new dimensions and clarity to your playing. EMG's low resistance to inductance ratio increases the low end response, while the carefully radiused ceramic bar magnet helps to deliver a tightly focused mid-range with a crisp, lively and dynamic high end response.
Whether you play fretted or fretless, live or in the studio, you'll experience an incredibly full sound, with sweeping harmonic overtones, enhanced punch and super-quiet operation, free of hum and buzz.
All Bass Collection and British Bass Masters instruments are re-strung and set up prior to despatch by Chris Ward, long serving Bass Centre guitar tech since 1984. Accordingly, you can choose which gauge and type of Elites Strings you prefer and specify set-up requirements (please use the "Comments" field when you check out, or contact the BC sales team directly).
"These brilliant instruments are a steal at this price point... in fact it's hard to think of any bass range that offers so much quality for so little money."
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"Classy and impressively accurate takes on two classic templates (with) authentic sounds & an excellent level of build quality"
In G&B's annual round-up of the year's most impressive gear, Bass Collection swept the board in the "BEST BASS GUITAR UNDER £1,000" category, with the Jive Bass crowned the winner and the single pickup Power Bass in second place.
"The attention to detail is welcome, not only in the feel of the neck profile but also in that this instrument is nicely balanced and surprisingly lightweight. A very good bass for not a lot of money."
"A well put-together & handsome-looking bass... it’s fair to say that its modern good looks and fine playability make it an instrument that many will be happy to pay a little extra for."
"Exceptionally well built and finished for the price tag – a joy to play... small and perfectly formed, these guitars are easy on both the eye and the ear"
"Lightweight, resonant and extremely versatile... I really love this instrument and I’d recommend it to anybody looking for that classic J-Bass design at a super-affordable price point."
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"An absolute joy to play... a cool finish, playability and comfort by the bucketload, and a tonal performance that out-boxes many a bass at double the price. The Bass Centre have a winner on their hands."
GEAR OF THE YEAR 2016 — BEST FRETTED BASS UNDER £500"Bravo, chaps... a wonderful bass that you will not want to stop playing. And all for £495? A great F*nder alternative... Snap one up if you can."
"An excellent mix of passive tones... if you're looking for a bass that's a little different, the Wyman is a welcome new contender."
"Pros: Compact & lightweight, super fat. Cons: Provided you like the small proportions, there's nothing to dislike!"
"A great Fender-ish vintage rock 'n' roll tone which will sit perfectly in any blues trio... it continues the company’s tradition for quality basses at affordable prices."
"Well styled and nicely built... If you want something off the beaten track this has a great deal to offer... delightful to play, with its own character and sounds - recommended."
"A fine-looking beast with a heap of '60s flavour which harks back to wilder times. The basic sound is excellent; nice & fat with growling lows & an overall feeling of controlled aggression."
I thought I’d leave it a few weeks before posting a review of my new Jive Portrait to see (i) how it settled in and (ii) whether the fretless journey is for me.Well, I’m an old and *very* average sofa noodler (sounds illegal, but they can’t lock you up!) and this instrument has rekindled my love of playing. It’s an absolute beauty. Out of the box the set up was spot on (for me), the intonation is perfect, the solar burst finish is flawless, and the hardware exudes a solid, workmanlike quality, especially the Babicz bridge. The fret markers are very neatly finished and really help while I gradually develop my ‘fretless ear’. The Detroit Flats I asked for are silky smooth and a joy to play, even with my slow and clumsy digits! Even with the tone rolled off all the way there’s a lovely, warm, dub tone that’s still musical. It’s not too difficult to get those Jaco harmonics, especially on the bridge pickup. I’m a real fan of the passive electronics, with a straightforward volume, tone, and pickup blend control. It works effortlessly. Oh, and the free strap is wide and very comfortable to wear. The whole package says ‘pick me up and play’, which is what it’s all about, surely. At my price point I was looking to buy a fretless Sire V5, Fender Player or this Bass Centre Portrait. I think I made the right choice.PS A special mention for Barry at the Bass Centre, who patiently answered my queries and reassured me. Thanks to Chris, too, (I assume it was him) for the professional set up and attention to detail.
Response:
"Your Bass, Your Way" Indeed, prior to despatch, every single Bass Collection and British Bass Master instrument receives an expert set-up from Chris Ward – the Bass Centre's resident tech, man and boy, since 1984. Accordingly, you can choose which gauge and type of Elites Strings you prefer, and specify your own personal set-up requirements... at no extra charge! (please use the "Comments" field when you check out, or contact the BC sales team directly).
For a limited period, this elegant, practical and super-comfortable 100% vegan custom strap is FREE with every purchase from the Bass Centre's superb Bass Collection range.
