Built By A Master
Throughout the years, Truetone Music has received a ton of Custom Shop basses. They're all special, but when a Masterbuilt piece lands, it feels like an event, not just an instrument. This is especially true with one like this. As always, veteran Masterbuilder Jason Smith nailed it. It's truly unique, as it's the only one like it to ever exist.
During a visit to the Custom Shop in Corona, CA, we sat down with Masterbuilders to dream up some of the coolest instruments we could. When we met with Jason Smith, we had to do a few basses, as he's well-known in the bass world for doing some of the best Fender basses out there. For this one, we tossed "period correct" out the window to cook up something entirely different. This isn't gramps old P Bass. It's a modern machine goes where P basses normal don't go. We're excited to present this Masterbuilt Precision Bass in Ocean Blue, featuring a stunning Quilt Maple top, Lace Sensor Alumitone pickups, and a slew of other features take it to another level.
The Alder body is very resonant - this bass sounds powerful even unplugged. Of course what you'll notice right away is the beautiful Quilt Maple Top. We asked Jason to go with something exotic, in a color that normally isn't seen with a transparent touch that shows off the wood grain. Officially the spec sheet doesn't have a color listed - it was left "To Be Determined". We didn't know what it would look like, but when it landed, we were actually speechless. We dubbed it Ocean Blue. We'll pause now so you can dive in and get lost in the photos.
The neck is the next feature that will grab your attention - it's a stunning AAA Flame Maple, specifically chosen for this bass due to it's tight grain. The finish is a satin nitro lacquer, so your hand won't get stuck as you slide around, and the period correct 60 P Bass Oval "C" profile is very comfortable.
All of this by itself would be enough for a seriously cool bass, but it doesn't stop there. We asked Jason to go with what he, as a bass player, would love to see for the pickups and electronics. What he came up is incredible.
This bass is loaded with Lace Sensor Alumitone pickups in a PJ configuration. These were designed by Jeff Lace to enhance modern basses, featuring zerio noise, an ultra wide frequency response and lightweight design. The sound is full, powerful and punch, yet tight controlled with a piano-like quality. Formally introduced for Earth Day, the revolutionary Alumitone pickups use 95% less copper wire then standard bass pickup designs, reducing open pit mining and the very high energy needed to create fine wire.
The Jazz piece is a passive pickup with high-output gain. The Precision is also passive, with high output clarity and a huge bottom end. These full-range bass pickups extend the lows and highs of your instrument, reproducing the natural tone of your bass, all with zero noise!
Additionally, this bass has special wiring. You get a 3 way toggle switch, plus a Master Tone and a Master Volume that is a Push/Pull (to bypass the Volume & Tone controls). Having this provides the opportunity for a wider range of tones and a lot of flexibility.
Other features include a Silver Anodized pickguard, a bone nut, and a side input jack. The bass comes complete with a Custom Shop Deluxe Brown case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity.
This amazing example from one of Fender's premier Masterbuilders was created as a one-off for Truetone Music - and we couldn't be happier with the result. Don't hesitate, as it will be at least 2 - 3 years till we get another, as that's the wait time for all Jason Smith builds. Any Masterbuilt is a special instrument, and this one really stands out. Come to Truetone Music to check it out today, or order right here to be shipped to your home.
About the builder:
A Custom Shop veteran and son of longtime Fender R&D legend Dan Smith, Jason Smith grew up on Fender—“It has always been in my family,” he said, “And I was always extremely interested in everything my father did.”
Born in Rochester, N.Y., and raised in California, Smith remembers meeting guitar greats from about age five on through his father’s work with Fender—Eric Clapton, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Beck and Robben Ford, to name only a few. He went to his first big rock concert at age six—Rush—and Smith remembers going backstage with his dad and meeting Geddy Lee after the show. Before he was even in his teens, Smith was going to see Pink Floyd, ZZ Top and many other major artists.
Rock music and Fender are part of his DNA. Smith joined the Fender Custom Shop in 1995, and in 2006 completed a five-year apprenticeship under acclaimed Senior Master Builder John English. Among many diverse projects with English, Smith worked on a pair of double-neck Stratocaster guitars for Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo. He has since crafted fine instruments for players and acts including John 5, Michael Landau, Flea, Josh Klinghoffer, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Reggie Hamilton, Linkin Park, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Neon Trees and many others.
- Serial # R146695
- Part # 9216088309
- Weight: 8.6 lbs
- Finish Package: NOS
- Finish: Nitro Lacquer
- Color: Ocean Blue
- Pickguard: Silver Anodized
- Pickups: Lace Sensor Alumitone PJ Bass Set
- Body: Alder with Quilt Maple Top
- Body Finish: Nitro Lacquer
- Neck: AAA Flame Maple (Tight Grain)
- Neck Finish: Nitro Lacquer Satin
- Tint: Medium
- Neck Shape: 60 P Bass Oval "C"
- Frets: 20
- Fretwire: Jumbo 6100
- Dot Spacing: Wide
- Dots: Micarta Black
- Radius: 9.5"
- Neck Nut Width: 1.750"
- Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .8550"
- Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .980"
- Neck Butt Width: 2.500"
- Tuners: Gotoh Resolite Non Reverse
- Nut: Bone
- Bridge: Fender High Mass
- Electronics: 3 Way Toggle; Master Tone; Push/Pull Volume (bypass Volume & Tone)
- Jack: Side Mount
- Case: Custom Shop Brown with Gold Interior
Model No.: 9216088309
