Mayones Cali 4 (VF4) "Puzzle" mini/travel bass £1250 Nottingham

[petecarlton]

Here is my little Mayones Cali 4 (now styled the Cali VF 4), bought from Bass Direct back in May 2020 – a lockdown impulse buy, in fact, but one I have never regretted.  Simply holding it tells you it’s a thing of real quality.  To say (accurately) that it was made from offcuts produced in the guitar manufacturing process gives no indication of the sheer craftsmanship and love which has gone into its creation. 

 

The body is in the “Triskelion” design, with many small interlocking pieces, glued together to create the iconic “puzzle” top.  Of course, this method would result in something far too heavy for a full-size bass, but it works brilliantly for a tiny 17”-scale jewel like the Cali 4.  It just feels “right” and was much appreciated by everyone who played or handled it at the two Midlands Bass Bashes I took it to in 2021 and 2023.

For the complete picture regarding these basses, best to head here.

 

I’ve used it as a travel bass and as something to pick up and play on the sofa (it’s acoustically really resonant), but I haven’t gigged it, other than as a novelty at jam sessions.  I’ve played it clean and through an octaver – I really recommend, if you want to hear what it can sound like, that you visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYAvWZGwc4s&ab_channel=BassTheWorld.com to hear Prince bassist Ida Nielsen showing off its paces.

Or, for a general introduction to the Cali 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVet5iQB2EI&t=0s&ab_channel=BassTheWorld.com

 

This version, by the way, is not the one with the headphone amp incorporated, which means that it has the advantage (in my book, anyway!) of the Aguilar OBP-3 active preamp (which you can bypass with the mini-switch for passive operation).

 

I’ve really struggled with how to price this.  It cost me £1700 from Bass Direct and it's still in mint condition, as you can see from the pix.  I think £1250 is fair four and a half years down the line, but PM me your offers.  

 

Sale or trade? Well, I’m in enough trouble with the other half for the multiple basses I already have, but I do have a yen for trying out a headless, as I have back issues.  Hit me with what you’ve got, but most would involve a liberal sprinkling of cash my way.

 

Talking of back issues, this weighs in at a healthy 2.3Kg (5lb 1oz), so there aren’t any! 😊

[Richard R]

I have played this at a couple of bashes. It's half the scale of my regular bass, but it is great to play and sounds good too. Great fun.

I'm sorely tempted, especially as I am away a lot, but funds won't permit it at the moment. 

 

GLWTS!