NBD, Baron 5 string.

[evan47]

I was offered a trade for an unwanted fretless bass from a local player.

I was more than a bit sceptical at first but, upon trying it out decided it was a decent deal.

From Tanglewood of all people, not a name associated high end gear but, with a Maple and Wenge neck through construction it seemed to be a decent enough instrument.

Admittedly, the Mighty Mite PUPs and active circuit are rather low output (I remedied this by running it through a MXR M81 preamp) but the sound and playability are as good or even better than anything else I have owned.

These things are pretty rare, only 24 being built and it never appeared in any catalogue or adverts as it was such a short run (I think they also made 221 4 stringers and only 5 6 stringers).

I restrung it with Dadarrios and have been paying it all day.

It has a great, smooth sound with sustain for days along with great playability.

• Does anyone else on here own one?

[binky_bass]

Yes. I owned a 6 string version that was then sold to @Oldman.

 

The series did exist in a catalogue (images below) but the build numbers you mentioned for 5 strings and 6 strings are about right. 

 

IMO these are excellent basses - the one I had was built to a fantastic standard and played beautifully. It could easily stand up against the likes of a Euro Spector. 

 

 

 

Edited May 22, 2022 by binky_bass

[evan47]

Yeah,  only the 4 stringers were in the catalogue.

As a matter of fact, I also own a Spector Euro (4 string), and, indeed , the Baron does compare in quality and sound albeit a little more flexible particularly on its bridge pickup.

String to string balance is as good or even slightly better than my Maruszczyk Elwood L5a Special.

The only minus point to the Baron is the pickups and active circuit are more than a little bit quiet.

I remedy this by running it through a MXR M81 preamp.

[tauzero]

20 hours ago, evan47 said:

Yeah,  only the 4 stringers were in the catalogue.

As a matter of fact, I also own a Spector Euro (4 string), and, indeed , the Baron does compare in quality and sound albeit a little more flexible particularly on its bridge pickup.

String to string balance is as good or even slightly better than my Maruszczyk Elwood L5a Special.

The only minus point to the Baron is the pickups and active circuit are more than a little bit quiet.

I remedy this by running it through a MXR M81 preamp.

 

That's a nice bass, and actually deserves the word "rare" in the description too!

 

Does the active circuit have a trim pot to adjust the level by any chance?

[evan47]

7 hours ago, tauzero said:

 

That's a nice bass, and actually deserves the word "rare" in the description too!

 

Does the active circuit have a trim pot to adjust the level by any chance?

I haven't bothered looking to be honest. may have a look later.