The first electric bass set the standard with four strings. That began expanding in the ’70s with five- and six-string instruments, leading to a whole world of extended range instruments. Today, we’re looking at an abridged range instrument.
The Hot Wire Funderbird III is a three-string bass first commissioned by Magnum Coltrane Price from the company in 2003. Although it omits the fourth string, the bass retains all the dimensions of a standard bass.
“We went through his wish list with the customer and determined all design points,” Hot Wire writes. “Basically, it makes sense that the three-neck width has four-string dimensions so that the neck doesn’t feel like a broomstick and the tone comes across as fat enough. The string spacing is ‘neat’ and easy to reach.”
The Funderbird III we’re checking out is a recent build decked out in red. It has a Khaya mahogany body, maple neck, and ebony fingerboard. Other features include individual bridge units and the company’s FunderBucker pickups.
It’s tuned B-E-A, so check out its big fat sound:
