Today we’re checking out the Element Bass, a new concept designed by Tom Germann of Torillo Basses and Steffen Fendt of Fendt’s Finest. Available in four and five-string versions, the bass was created using their collective experiences in bass playing.
“What makes sense in a bass and what is negligible? Our bass should be suitable for (as much as possible) every gig and have the qualities of a high end bass, but cost only half,” Fendt tells us. “As many bass players as possible should have the chance to buy a handmade custom instrument. We left out things that cost money (fancy tops, high gloss lacquer, etc.) and focused only on the really crucial parts.”
Those standard set of features includes a Quartersawn maple neck, a red alder body, and the choice of an East Indian rosewood or maple fretboard. The neck has a compound radius for a comfortable feel. It’s fitted with a pair of Torillo single coils in ebony covers with a special preamp.
“We were able to win over a small team of bass-playing electronics enthusiasts from Nuremberg for the electronics, who liked our project,” they write. “They designed a preamp for us according to our ideas, which is now used in the Element. Handmade in Germany.”
Other features include a Hipshot USA bridge and Gotoh Japan tuners. While the Element Bass comes with a standard set of features, they do have options for upgrades like a swamp ash body and a top wood.
