Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Chris Seldon Guitars Alchemist 534

Originally featured April 5, 2021

Luthier Chris Seldon has shared one of his latest creations with us, and it’s absolutely stunning. This five-string Alchemist 534 is crafted with an African Mahogany body and a maple burl top that has us drooling.

Seldon built the neck with Big Leaf Maple, wenge, and roasted maple, all reinforced with carbon fiber rods. The fretboard is East Indian rosewood, which is mirrored in the bass’s head plate and backstrap.

As good as it looks, it has to sound great, too. The Alchemist has a pair of Norstrand FS5 pickups matched to a Nordstrand 18-volt 3B preamp.

Hear bassist Mitch Starkman laying down a slick groove to show off the bass’s tone:

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