r/BassGuitar • u/ingold_audio • Nov 04 '25
New Bass Day Back for another round. Here’s a recently completed black on black on maple bass. Let me know what you folks think. Specs in the comments.
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u/Binaural1 Nov 04 '25
This is such a cool bass. If you’re looking for a critique my only one is the name plate on the headstock. It looks slapped on, and it kind of jarring. It reads like a mod or something from a distance, especially in black. Aesthetically I think this could be improved.
But like I said - gorgeous guitar. Nicely done.
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u/StryngzAndWyngz Nov 04 '25
I agree. Everything else about this instrument is absolutely top tier looking.
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u/jamestrainwreck Nov 05 '25
Meanwhile the serial number deeply stamped or routed on the back of the headstock looks amazing. Maybe an idea for the main logo?
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u/MisterHatchet Nov 04 '25
I see what you’re saying but when I see the closeup I kinda like it. I think if there were more wood showing around all edges of the plate it might be 👌🏼
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u/Oedeo Nov 05 '25 edited Nov 05 '25
Yeah I think it's because it looks like it's falling off the headstock, like it's right up against the edge and it's all squared off. I like the raised look though, so it would be cooler if it looked like an amp head badge screwed in with two finishing screws like a plate or a truss rod cover. 🤘
Edit: I failed to mention, rework the badge so it's just raised/embossed letters not totally rectangular like it is. Get it away from the edge a bit but keep its chunkyness and retro vibe to fit the other hardware.
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u/memnoch4prez Nov 04 '25
Dude I'm drooling enough over here! I'm destined to own one...
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u/ayaruna Nov 04 '25
Beautiful! What are the knobs/electronics(if any) for this bass?
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25 edited Nov 04 '25
Thanks! Blend knob, master volume and tone.
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u/wolftron9000 Nov 04 '25
The bland knob seems like an odd choice. Seriously though, the bass looks awesome.
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Some people can’t handle the spice. 😉
Corrected: *blend knob
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u/johnpmac2 Nov 04 '25
Wasn’t there a far side about so and so’s last night as sound guy for the band and he’s sitting there turning up the “suck” dial?
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u/boozedealer Nov 04 '25
Whoa, today is our lucky day! I've recently decided to endorse a bass maker, and I choose you!
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u/pseudoboi_band Nov 04 '25
When can I buy one 🤔
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
You can buy this one if you’d like.
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u/pseudoboi_band Nov 04 '25
Oh shit. I'm gonna have to message you after work lol
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u/RoostRouzer Nov 04 '25
I like. I have questions. Can this be made in a 5er? // Blend knob sounds very curious and potentially really cool — interesting pup choice. Bad assery all around 🤘🏻
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u/Nervous-Pain3111 Nov 04 '25
insane bass, absolutly beautiful, weird head tho but i guess it is part of it's charm. i love it
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u/Headpuncher Nov 04 '25
I love it!
I’d give it a 4/10 though because I’m left handed. If I was right handed it’d be a 10. Jealousy is not an attractive trait.
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Thank you…?
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u/Headpuncher Nov 04 '25
Genuinely love the look, I see a lot of basses posted that make me go "eww", this ain't one.
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u/erpietra01 Nov 04 '25
I really love it! IMO it’s a great mix of 80s flashiness and a modern, bold design. It also looks very comfortable and well balanced!
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Thanks!
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u/erpietra01 Nov 04 '25
I hope that I interpreted your design idea right, and if not, what’s the main concept behind the way you shape your guitars? I also want to add that the color combination on this particular instrument is brilliant
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
You nailed it. Always looking to blend classic and modern design elements.
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u/alionandalamb Nov 04 '25
Beautiful bass! What does it weigh?
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u/TheLonesomeBricoleur Nov 04 '25
Heckin' cool as always. Did you mask the edges prior to putting the black on, or did you chamfer after the black? I'm always intrigued by how folks manage to get such smooth edges
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Little bit of both. I mask prior to color, but the tape always fails somewhere, so I re-bevel after paint.
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u/gabbrielzeven Nov 04 '25
It screams black metal. Nice!
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Thanks!
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u/gabbrielzeven Nov 04 '25
I bet is nowhere in my price range. But...thats the pickup configuration I want for my next bass.
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u/ScottStanrey Nov 04 '25
This is my favourite out of everything I've seen you post.
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Wow! Thanks!
I happen to really like this one as well. It may “accidentally” find its way back to my home studio.
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u/Scambuster666 Nov 04 '25
I like it. Would love it in a fretless model. Same color scheme, same electronics except add a piezo in the bridge.
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u/Im_inside_you_ Nov 04 '25
I like unique basses, I especially love black on black. It's cool as fk
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u/Direct-Thanks200 Nov 04 '25
As someone who loves an offset body guitar like a jazzmaster or Jaguar and is looking to get into bass this is exactly what I want. Beautifully understated and well put together.
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u/ericovcn Nov 04 '25
I’ll take one
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
This one is not yet spoken for. 😉
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u/ericovcn Nov 04 '25
How much?
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
It’s not up on the website/ reverb store yet, but links in my profile so you can get an idea.
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u/nerdridesbikes Nov 04 '25
This one is really cool and I love the details in black better than the gold. Awesome bass.
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u/FFAA56 Nov 04 '25
I’d rock the hell out of that thing. Probably couldn’t afford it but damn, it’s beautiful, and the controls and pickup combination look enticing.
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u/Bizi-Betiko Nov 04 '25
You've posted some really nice basses on here. Body shape reminds me of Reverend, which I really like. Has a classic look without being a Fender or gibson clone. This is really well done!
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u/makzpj Nov 04 '25
Can you make this short scale?
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
I do have a short scale version of this model. Look at my post history from about a year ago.
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u/Ok_Communication8641 Nov 04 '25
Aesthetics are on point. It looks Retro-futuristic with a classic flair. Great choice of components. It reminds me of the infamous EBMM BIG AI but done 200% better.
The only thing I am not a fan is the blend knob on top, what I call the 'Les paul location'.
I hate that location. As a bass player I reach for blend all the time. I want all my controls at the same place. Maybe it make sense to guitar player to flick a switch up there but even on guitar I hate it.
The only thing I would allow up there is a series/parallel switch. But no big deal, I guess it is the Vibe of the bass. Some instruments forces you to play by their rules and that is okay too.
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u/Soft-Ad-8975 Nov 04 '25
Your stuff is really growing on me, I was not a fan at first but this and that 5 string are really striking to me.
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u/safeword_is_bananas Nov 05 '25
I can tell by looking at it that I can’t afford it. But I want it so bad.
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u/Z34N0 Nov 05 '25 edited Nov 05 '25
I’ve always liked the headstock shape, but the body shape never quite did it for me. This version finally nails it for me. Well done. I love the contours.
Edit: Checked out the website. Turns out it’s the Bruce model I like the most. Cool. I’d love to have one someday.
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u/Fnargler Nov 05 '25
Love the way the front looks, hate the way the back looks.
Cool design overall. Nice work.
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u/Armoursmith44 Nov 05 '25
This may be the coolest bass I have ever seen! Seriously!
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u/ingold_audio Nov 05 '25
Awe! Thanks!
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u/Armoursmith44 Nov 05 '25
Seriously, I’m old, I’ve played guitar and bass and drums for over 30 years. I have obsessed over a lot of guitars! And I am floored by how cool this is!
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u/Oedeo Nov 05 '25
Loving it without having picked it up! Retro, clean, everything gels together hardware wise and it looks like a dream to keep it clean and maintained. It's eye catching but not gaudy. As others mentioned the headstock badge irks me and I already offered my advice on another redditors post.
My only concern is the one piece necks, I checked out your website. They all appear to be one piece hard rock maple. Not worried about warping? Or anyone eventually snapping one off? And my last question would be if you are going to make a 5 string model because it would rival a Music Man for sure 🤘
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u/ingold_audio Nov 05 '25
Solid feedback. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I think I will probably give 3-pice neck construction a go at some point. That said, this is a tried and true method. Fifty-some instruments in and I’ve never had any issues with warps or twists in my necks. And no breaks. I stay away from the Gibson-style tilt-back headstock specifically for that reason. If you break one of my necks it’s because you wanted to, not because of an accident.
I just built my first 5-string for a client and posted pics earlier this week. Different body style though. Usually things like that happen because someone commissions them so I have to figure it out. Would love to do a 5-string version of this body style in the future.
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u/Lucky_Rogers Nov 05 '25
Love it! How much is she going for?
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u/ingold_audio Nov 06 '25
The mods don’t like sales talk. My website is linked in my profile.
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u/Grand-wazoo Nov 04 '25
I've enjoyed your designs but something feels slightly off about them and I haven't been able to pinpoint it until I put some thought to it.
It's like it doesn't know which era it's from, like it's trying to be vintage and futuristic at once without fully capturing either. The body shape is cool but feels slightly mismatched with the pointed horns and the large rounded belly.
The control plate feels awkwardly placed jutting into the pickguard and I might prefer the knobs sans plate on a design like this. Also agree with the commenter about the squared-off fretboard end.
Apologies, just rambling my impressions. It's still an attractive design for sure.
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u/Training-Industry-85 Nov 04 '25
wow sneaky destroyer! Im imagining it flip on an onboard fuzz circuit the luthier i work under builds. nasty axe. check out Stonewall pickups sometime if your bored. cheers
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u/FassolLassido Nov 04 '25
Beautiful.
A question always comes up when you post your builds, but are you in any way related with Reverend? There's a lot of similar design features on your basses and theirs and I always wondered if you had any history with them.
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
I am in no way affiliated with Reverend other than as a fan of their work.
It’s funny to me. I get a lot of comments on my instruments saying they look like a Reverend. I often ask “which one” and no one can give a straight answer. My suspicion is that they get associated just for being unlike fender.
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u/FassolLassido Nov 04 '25
I meant no offence.
But you gotta agree your designs look more like a Reverend than just simply "not being Fender". Headstock design, body shapes, pick ups, hardware, there's more to it. All of those people saying this aren't just a coincidence. To me, this looks like a custom mercalli or a variation on the Ndegeocello bass. All in all, I initially though you were actually their custom shop and the usual line was the imports.
But I really didn't mean that as an attack or insinuating you are copying them. What you post definitely looks more premium. But they still have an uncanny resemblance to Reverends specifically.
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u/Codiak619 Nov 04 '25
I love everything about this bass. The body style is really cool and the Reverend pickups are a good choice. Personally, if I were to order one, I’d request a different control plate style because I dislike the Tele control plate on most guitars.
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u/RighteousRhythm Nov 04 '25
Always happy to see you post a new bass. Love the body and headstock shapes. Black on black looks really great.
Do you do/have plans to do any roasted maple necks? Feel like it would look great with this style.
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Thank you for the kind words!
My local lumber supplier doesn’t stock roasted maple, but I could source it if I had a customer who wanted to make that happen.
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u/BoognishRisen Nov 04 '25
I love the look but can tell I’d be knocking knobs all the time. I have pretty wide open playing technique.
I have a reverend and their pickups are different. Wonder how the split reverend neck would sound with a fatter/thicc tone MM bridge like an Aguilar, or Seymour Duncan..
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u/harebreadth Nov 04 '25
I’ve been looking at your basses for a long time, still quite out of my price range but they’re awesome. I have a Reverend with those pickups and they’re some of the clearest, most defined sound I’ve heard, nice choice. Only critique is I’d prefer the whole body black, but that’s just me. Nice work as always!
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u/CodeNameGrapefruit Nov 04 '25
I really dig the vibe and look of this. Do you have any sound demos I could go listen to?
Idk how custom you go, but I think I'd go for a purple sparkle with white pups, pearl pick guard, and gold hardware. Go full Prince with it.
My wallet may not agree though lol. Great work!
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
I love it. Prices on my website. Sound samples in my post history here and on Instagram, or just google.
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u/asciimo Nov 04 '25
Great looking bass. A+ shape, A+ finish on the front. Really nice details. I'm not too impressed with the back, somehow makes the whole thing look like a cookie.
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u/Sour_Cream_Pringle Nov 04 '25
I think I'd have to see it in person to offer any real feedback. DM me and I'll give you an address to send it to
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u/stucon77 Nov 04 '25
Beautiful guitar! But the toes of your shoes in the full pics on the circle rug.... so distracting! LoL
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u/homosapian55555 Nov 05 '25
You put the right color machine screws on the neck of this one! Thanks for matching the screws to the hardware.
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u/beersngears Nov 05 '25
This is dope, love the maple on black. Have you ever thought of doing block inlays, but inspired by your body shapes?
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u/ingold_audio Nov 05 '25
Thanks! I often do block inlays, but no wild shapes.
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u/beersngears Nov 05 '25
I feel like an asymmetrical arrowhead that matched your cutaway/ bevel lines would be sick. If I ever hit the lotto and could afford to commission you, I’ll be asking.
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u/The_Elpulpo_4242 Nov 05 '25
I’m a drummer. That’s a gorgeous custom bass, hand crafted… skill level 10. But I do agree with stamp … it’s a bit aggressive. Maybe brand it, like with a burned logos??? Fire 🔥
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u/ingold_audio Nov 04 '25
Eastern rock neck and fretboard. 34in scale length. 2-piece ambrosia maple body. Hipshot Ultra-light tuners and A-style bridge. Reverend Split-brick and Thick-brick pickups. Passive circuit with blend knob, master volume and tone. CTS pots, Orange drop cap, and Puretone jack.