(SOLD) Bacchus Handmade Woodline 5 Alder Black 2009
Bacchus Woodline 5, gloss black, made in Japan 2009. Bacchus are a Topshelf favourite, and these Woodline models are among the most player-friendly basses going around. Bacchus came out in the 1990s under the Deviser group umbrella, making instruments in the Nagano region of Japan under the careful supervision of master luthier Yasuo Momose. This is a fairly recent example; I initially thought it must be near-new owing to the shiny condition, but a serial-search placed it to 2009... it's in great shape. The idea of these is to take the Jazz Bass style shape and update it: super fast C to D tapered neck, modern passive pickups with a handy boost on tap. super adjustable and sturdy two piece bridge and lightweight tuners. All that sounds sensible and works really well, but the standout thing is the woodwork: holy heck. This is made so carefully and to such a high standard that it would make many USA made instruments at twice the price blush. It's responsive, resonant and super smooth to play, it feels alive in the hands in a way very few production instruments manage. It's turned a few heads in the shop already, the subtle touches like pearloid binding and the clear guard really jazz up the classic curves. This is so much bass for the cash it's almost upsetting. Price aside, it will punch against almost anything and come up looking suave. Top marks!
Model: Bacchus Handmade Woodline 5 Alder
Made: 2009, Aska Japan
Serial: 132856
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, ebony fretboard, 23" scale, 15" radius. 46mm nut, C to D taper profile
Weight: 4.400kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Bacchus JB AL-V single coil x2, push/pull passive 'Turbo' boost
Accessories: Bacchus gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has some light scuffs in the middle of the body, near the neck plate and in the elbow area and back edge, no major marks. The sides have light scuffs on the top horn, elbow area and near the jack. The front has light scuffs around the bridge and elbow area and minor play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 45/130 Rotosound strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only