Fender Kingman Bass with Gigbag

The Fender Kingman Bass is an acoustic-electric bass guitar that draws inspiration from Fender's iconic electric bass designs, particularly the Jazz Bass. It's part of Fender's California Player series, known for blending electric-inspired aesthetics with acoustic projection. The Kingman Bass typically comes with a deluxe gig bag for protection and portability.

Key Features:

• Body:

  • Shape: Often features a Newporter Bass body shape (a compact mid-sized auditorium body) with a single cutaway for easier access to the upper frets. Some models may be described as Concert Bass or Grand Auditorium.

  • Top: Solid Sitka Spruce (or Solid Spruce), which is a key component for producing rich resonance, volume, and dynamic range. It contributes to a clear, articulate, and nuanced tone.

  • Back & Sides: Laminated Sapele or Laminated Mahogany, providing durability and contributing to a warm, rich tone with good sustain.

  • Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing, optimized for superior resonance and reduced mass.

  • Finish: Typically a gloss polyurethane finish, often in colors like Shaded Edge Burst or Black.

  • Rosette: Usually a 2-ring B/W/B design.

  • Binding: Aged White or Cream binding on the body.

• Neck:

  • Material: Nato or Mahogany, known for stability and contributing to the instrument's overall tone.

  • Profile: Slim "C"-shaped Jazz Bass neck profile, designed for comfortable playability, especially for electric bass players transitioning to acoustic.

  • Scale Length: Short 30" or 30.3" scale length, which provides a comfortable playing feel and contributes to a warmer, more "slinky" tone, also making it easier to play seated.

  • Fingerboard: Walnut or Indian Laurel (sometimes Rosewood in older models), with a 12" radius.

  • Frets: 20 Medium Jumbo frets (often 2mm size).

  • Nut: Graph Tech NuBone nut, enhancing sustain and tuning stability.

  • Inlays: Pearloid Block position inlays.

  • Headstock: Matching painted 4-in-line headstock, inspired by Fender's electric bass DNA, contributing to a distinctive look.

  • Neck Finish: Satin Urethane, for a smooth and fast playing feel.

• Electronics:

  • Preamp System: Fishman Presys or Fishman Presys Plus pickup/preamp system. This active preamp system allows for amplified sound when performing or recording.

  • Controls: Typically includes Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Notch, Brilliance, and Phase controls. The Notch and Phase controls are particularly useful for combating feedback in live situations.

  • Tuner: Integrated electronic tuner with an On/Off switch and low battery indicator light.

• Hardware:

  • Bridge: Modern Viking bridge.

  • Bridge Pins: Aged White or Cream Colored with Black Dots.

  • Tuning Machines: Open-Back Geared vintage-style tuning machines, providing smooth and accurate tuning.

  • Hardware Finish: Nickel.

  • Pickguard: Often a 3-ply Black or Gold pickguard.

  • Strings: Comes with Fender Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass strings (.045-.100 Gauges).

• Included Accessory:

  • Gig Bag: Comes with a Deluxe Gig Bag (e.g., FA-610 gig bag) featuring comfortable padded backpack straps, durable outer material, and multiple pockets, offering a good balance of protection and portability.

The Fender Kingman Bass is celebrated for its comfortable playability, particularly for electric bass players, its distinct acoustic projection, and its versatile amplified sound, making it a solid choice for practice, performance, and recording.