Volume 6: Atlansia ~ The Ultimate in Japanese Vintage ~
Hi, this is Karibe m(__)m
This time, Atlansia (#`Д´)ﾉ“
A truly remarkable piece has miraculously arrived!!!!!
==What is ATLANSIA?==
“Atlansia” is the brand founded by Nobuaki Hayashi, the creator of AriaProII’s best-selling model, the “PE-1500.”
The brand is characterized by its highly original designs, logical engineering that incorporates unique parts found nowhere else—even in individual instruments—
and its commitment to crafting extra-thick, tapered necks, making it a purely Japanese-made brand.
For over 40 years, it has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, and its ideas and techniques continue to captivate players and builders around the world.
GARLAND
Atlansia ’86 GARLAND DELUXE BASS
[SPEC]
BODY: Ash
NECK: Maple
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
P.U.: Original ARC PU
WEIGHT: 4.85 kg
w/Original Hardcase
"Atlansia" is the brand founded by Nobuaki Hayashi, the creator of AriaProII’s best-selling model, the "PE-1500."
This model, the “GARLAND,” features the original “ARC” pickup and simple controls such as master volume and master tone.
While the neck isn’t quite extra-thick, it’s certainly on the thick side. Despite using parts brimming with originality, this guitar is crafted with the player’s perspective in mind, prioritizing playability—resulting in a truly well-made instrument!!
[Body Front/Back]
The well-balanced design features a cutaway in the high-fret area, ensuring stress-free playability all the way to the final fret.
Metal bushings are installed in the control section to maintain the strength of the wood, and the volume knob is mounted at an angle—adopting the “SLANDED VOLUME KNOB,” designed with playability in mind.
[Headstock Front/Back]
The headstock features a 1:3 layout and an original design with a veneer applied to the G-string side.
The headstock is flat, but the tuning pegs are mounted at an angle.
It features a single tension guide equipped with two rollers.
The tuning pegs are locking-style!!
[Fingerboard]
The ebony fingerboard has no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only side position marks. The neck, made of hardrock maple, has a matte finish.
You can really see the curvature of the fingerboard radius!!
[Joint]
The joint is secured at three points using hex screws instead of Phillips screws.
【Controls】
The controls include a master volume, pickup balancer, and a 3-band equalizer.
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed.
It looks kind of stylish!!
【Bridge】
Of course, it features independent screw-type bridge saddles!! String height can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw sections. Additionally, ball-end locks are attached to the octave adjustment screws, demonstrating a commitment to originality down to the finest details!!
The bridge is secured at two points, and the strings can be routed through the back!!
[Pickups]
We’ve mounted our original “ARC” pickups, each featuring two individually independent pole pieces.
Since they’re independent, you can fine-tune the sound with subtle nuances by rotating them.
GARLAND
Atlansia ’82 GARLAND Bass
【SPEC】
BODY: Alder
NECK: Maple
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
P.U.: Original HB
WEIGHT: 4.35 kg
w/Softcase
This “GARLAND” model is equipped with an original humbucker pickup.
Controls include a master volume and master tone.
Pulling up the volume knob engages the coil-tap, activating only the neck-side coil of the pickup.
While featuring parts brimming with originality, this guitar showcases excellent craftsmanship designed from the player’s perspective, with playability carefully engineered.
[Body]
The body, which is close to full size, appears to have a standard shape at first glance, but it features a well-balanced design that offers high playability, allowing you to reach the top fret in the high positions without any strain.
Metal bushings are inserted into the control section to maintain the strength of the wood,
and the knobs are mounted at an angle, featuring the “SLANDED VOLUME KNOB” designed to prioritize playability.
Additionally, although it’s quite a challenge to remove… the guitar is equipped with an original endpin that keeps the body well clear of the ground.
[Head]
The head features a 1:3 layout and an original headstock design. Compared to other Garland models, the headstock is flatter.
It is equipped with a single tension guide featuring two rollers.
The pegs are recessed... Is it because of the thickness of the headstock...? Or is it for tension...?
[Fingerboard]
The rosewood fingerboard has no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only on the sides.
The neck, made of hard rock maple, has a glossy finish.
[Joint]
The joint is secured at four points using hex screws instead of Phillips screws.
【Controls】
Controls include a master volume and master tone.
Pulling up the volume knob engages coil tap on the neck pickup’s coil only.
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed, and you can see that the angled section is quite thick!!
[Bridge]
The bridge is the “ATB-01.” The logo is engraved on the bridge. Of course, it features independent screw-type saddles!!
String action can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw sections.
Additionally, ball-end locks are attached to the octave adjustment screws, demonstrating a commitment to originality down to the finest details!!
[Pickups]
The guitar is equipped with an original humbucker pickup.
Pulling up the volume knob engages coil tap mode, activating only the neck-side coil of the pickup.
GARLAND
Atlansia ’82 GARLAND Fretless Modify
【SPEC】
BODY: Alder
NECK: Hard Rock Maple
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
P.U.: Atlansia Original HB
WEIGHT: 4.3kg
w/Softcase
This instrument, “GARLAND,” has been converted to a fretless guitar but retains its original humbucker pickups.
Controls include a master volume and master tone.
Pulling up the volume knob engages coil tap on the neck-side pickup coil only.
While featuring parts brimming with originality, this instrument showcases excellent craftsmanship designed from the player’s perspective with playability in mind.
[Body]
The body, which is close to full size, appears to have a standard shape at first glance, but it features a well-balanced design that offers high playability, allowing you to reach the top fret in the high register without any stress.
Metal bushings are inserted into the control section to maintain the strength of the wood, and the knobs are mounted at an angle—featuring the “SLANDED VOLUME KNOB,” designed with “playability” in mind.
Additionally, although it’s quite a challenge to remove… the guitar is equipped with an original endpin that keeps the body well clear of the ground.
[Head]
The head features a 1:3 layout and an original head design.
Compared to other Garland models, the headstock is flatter.
It is equipped with a single tension guide featuring two rollers.
The pegs are recessed... Is it because of the head’s thickness...? Or is it due to tension...?
[Fingerboard]
The fingerboard has been modified to be fretless, but it features a rosewood fingerboard with inlaid fret lines.
There are no position marks on the fingerboard surface; only side position marks are present.
The neck, made of hardrock maple, has a glossy finish.
[Joint]
The joint is secured at four points using hex screws instead of Phillips screws.
[Controls]
Controls include a master volume and master tone.
Pulling up the volume knob engages coil tap, engaging only the neck pickup’s coil.
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed, and you can see that the angled section is quite thick!!
[Bridge]
The bridge is the “ATB-01.” Of course, it features independent screw-type saddles!!
String action can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw sections.
Additionally, ball-end locks are fitted to the octave adjustment screws, demonstrating a commitment to originality down to the finest details!!
【Pickups】
The guitar is equipped with an original humbucker pickup.
Pulling up the volume knob engages coil tap, activating only the neck-side coil of the pickup.
Stealth
The compact active model, “Stealth”
‘90 Stealth Deluxe
【SPEC】
BODY: Alder
NECK: Hard Rock Maple
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
P.U.: Atlansia Original J/J
PREAMP: Atlansia Original 2-Band EQ
WEIGHT: 3.4 kg
w/Softcase
The “Stealth Deluxe” features an original J/J-style pickup mounted on a compact body.
Controls include a master volume, pickup balancer, and 2-band equalizer.
While featuring highly original parts, this guitar exudes excellent craftsmanship designed from the player’s perspective, with playability carefully considered.
[Body]
The compact, easy-to-hold body features a unique shape that allows for stress-free playing all the way to the top fret.
It boasts a well-balanced design that delivers high playability.
A finger rest is recessed next to the pickup.
The rounded section on the back of the body houses the battery compartment, allowing for tool-free battery replacement!!
【Headstock】
On the headstock, from top to bottom, the posts are arranged in the order of 4th string, 1st string, 3rd string, and 2nd string. Two roller-type tension guides are installed.
When tuning the strings, be careful not to mix up the string you want to tune with the others!!
We’ve selected “GOTOH,” a brand Japan is proud to present to the world!!
[Fingerboard]
The fingerboard is made of solid dark brown rosewood. There are no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only side position marks.
It features jumbo frets and a brass nut!!
The radius ranges from approximately 300 at the nut to approximately 400 at the fingerboard end, creating Atlantis’s “conical fingerboard surface”!!!
The scale length is the standard 864 mm (34 inches).
The neck, made of hard rock maple, features a matte finish—in contrast to the body’s glossy finish.
[Joint]
A streamlined 4-point joint design that does not compromise the body’s shape.
[Controls]
The larger knob is the master volume.
The smaller knobs, from top to bottom, are for treble, Bass, and a pickup balancer, making it a 2-band equalizer.
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed and features an internal trim pot for master gain.
[Bridge]
The bridge, while simple at first glance, is the ATB-02 (AB-2), which allows for fine adjustments.
Each string is independent, and string action can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw-type saddles.
Octave adjustment is possible using an Allen wrench.
[Pickups]
At first glance, the pickups appear to be single-coil Jazz Bass-style, but
the guitar is equipped with original humbucker pickups split into 1/2-string and 3/4-string sections.
By the way... the front and rear pickups are the same size!!
Fortune
A “semi-hollow” model with a larger body and a 35.5-inch scale
’94 Fortune 5-String Active Model
[SPEC]
BODY: Alder
NECK: Maple 35.5”
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
P.U.: APU-B
PREAMP: Original
WEIGHT: 5.55 kg
w/Softcase
This “Fortunel” model features a 900mm (35.5-inch) scale length and a semi-hollow body design.
It is equipped with two original humbucker pickups.
Controls include a master volume knob and a 2-band equalizer (treble/mid) for each pickup.
Although it’s called a semi-hollow, only a portion of the body is hollowed out, so it delivers a remarkably solid sound!!
[Body]
It’s a bit hard to tell from the photo, but it’s quite large and has a striking presence!!
The single-cutaway body features a semi-hollow construction. There are recessed finger rests at the joint and next to the pickups, two original humbucker pickups are mounted, and the cutaway is designed for stress-free playing all the way to the last fret.
[Headstock (Front/Back)]
Two roller-type tension guides are installed.
On the 5th-string side of the headstock, the tuning posts are arranged from top to bottom as follows: 5th string, 4th string, 3rd string; on the 1st-string side, from top to bottom: 2nd string, 1st string
When tuning the strings, be careful not to mix up the string you’re tuning with the others!!
We’ve selected “GOTOH,” a brand Japan is proud to present to the world!!
[Fingerboard]
The fingerboard is made of quite thick, jet-black ebony. There are no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only side position marks.
It features jumbo frets, and the nut is a screw-type brass nut!!
The radius ranges from about 50 at the nut to about 100 at the fingerboard end, featuring Atlantis’s “conical fingerboard surface”!!!
The scale length is 900 mm (35.5 inches)—even longer than long or extra-long scales.
[Back of the Neck]
The neck, crafted from hard rock maple, is reinforced with graphite!!
[Joint]
Features a bolt-on joint with 5-point mounting.
[Controls]
The large knob controls the master volume, while the smaller knobs serve as 2-band equalizers for each pickup:
Red controls treble, black controls mids, and the switch functions as the pickup selector.
【Inside the Cabinet】
The back panel is cut flat against the body surface and is made from a thick cut of the same wood as the body.
Additionally, the back panel is secured by being “clamped” in place with screws.
[Bridge]
The bridge features an original cylindrical design.
Each string is independent, and string action can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw-type saddles.
Octave adjustment is possible using a hex wrench.
[Pickup]
The guitar is equipped with the “APU-B” humbucker pickup.
Victoria
“Semi-hollow” model with a walnut body
‘04 Victoria Special
【SPEC】 BODY: Walnut
NECK: Hard Rock Maple
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
P.U.: ATLANSIA ORIGINAL VCT
PREAMP: Original
WEIGHT: 4.1kg
w/Softcase
The “Victoria Special” features a rounded body shape with original humbucker pickups. Controls include a master volume, pickup balancer, and a 2-band equalizer. The walnut body has a semi-hollow construction, and the F-hole, shaped like a seagull, is particularly striking♪
[Body]
The rounded body shape is crafted from walnut.
The joint features a recessed finger rest, and the semi-hollow construction includes a striking F-hole shaped like a “seagull.”
The left horn features a classic scrolled design.
It is equipped with an original humbucker pickup, and the high positions feature a stress-free cut that extends all the way to the final fret.
The rounded section on the back of the body serves as the battery compartment, allowing for tool-free battery replacement!!
The body end is fitted with a large rubber foot, giving it a look that’s not unlike that of a double bass…?
[Headstock]
The furniture-like headstock design features roller-type tension guides.
The tuning pegs are from “GOTOH,” a brand Japan is proud to present to the world!!
[Fingerboard]
The fingerboard is made of quite thick, jet-black ebony. There are no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only on the sides.
It features jumbo frets, and the nut is a screw-type brass model!!
The radius ranges from about 120 at the nut to about 180 at the fingerboard end, featuring Atlantia’s “conical fingerboard surface” design!!!
The scale length is the standard 864 mm (34 inches).
[Neck]
The neck, crafted from hard rock maple, is reinforced with graphite
[Joint]
A unique bolt-on construction featuring original parts not found in other brands and a three-point fastening system with hex bolts.
[Controls]
The large knob serves as the master volume.
The smaller knobs control a 3-band equalizer consisting of a pickup balancer (gray), treble (black), bass (black), and midrange (red).
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed, and an original preamp is mounted behind it.
Additionally, the back panel is secured by being “clamped” in place with screws.
[Bridge]
The bridge is the hexagonal ATB-03 “VICTORIA.”
Each string is independent, and string height can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw-type saddles.
Octave adjustment is possible using a hex wrench.
[Pickups]
The guitar is equipped with a resin-encapsulated humbucker.
Pentagon
A unique single-cutaway model with a 35-inch scale!!!
’94 Pentagon 5-string ACTIVE 2EQ
【SPEC】
BODY: Alder
NECK: Hard Rock Maple 35”
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
P.U.: APU-B
PREAMP: Original
WEIGHT: 4.7kg
w/Softcase
This “Pentagon” model features a 35-inch scale and a unique single-cutaway design.
It is equipped with two original “APU-B” humbucker pickups.
The controls consist of a master volume and a 2-band equalizer (treble/mid).
Even among Atlantia’s lineup of distinctive instruments, features like the adjustable armrest are particularly impressive♪
[Body]
The striking single-cutaway body features an adjustable armrest,
with recessed finger rests at the joint and next to the pickups,
It is equipped with two original humbucker pickups,
and features a unique cutaway with a smooth, unobstructed line extending all the way to the final fret.
【Headstock】
Two roller-type tension guides are installed.
On the 5th-string side of the headstock, the posts are arranged from top to bottom as follows: 5th string, 4th string, 3rd string; on the 1st-string side, from top to bottom: 2nd string, 1st string.
It may look simple at first glance, but when tuning the strings, you must be careful not to mix up the string you want to tune with the others!!
The tuners are from “GOTOH,” a brand Japan is proud to present to the world!!
[Fingerboard]
The fingerboard is made of quite thick, jet-black ebony.
There are no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only side position marks.
It features jumbo frets and a screw-type brass nut!!
The radius ranges from about 300 at the nut to about 400 at the fingerboard end, creating Atlancia’s signature “conical fingerboard surface”!!!
The scale length is 35 inches—even longer than long scale or extra-long scale.
[Joint]
Features a bolt-on joint with 5-point mounting.
This method ensures the neck is firmly secured to both the bottom and sides of the neck pocket—a design that minimizes string vibration loss, offers superior strength and durability, and features a cutout that enhances playability in the higher frets.
The hardrock maple neck is reinforced with graphite!!
[Controls]
The large knob is the master volume; the smaller knobs, from top to bottom, are the two-band equalizer (treble [red] and Bass [black]), and the bottom red knob serves as the pickup selector.
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed, and the wooden section around the potentiometers is fitted with bushings,
leaving a considerable amount of material and providing excellent strength and durability.
【Bridge】
The bridge features an original cylindrical design.
Each string is independent, and string action can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw-type saddles.
Octave adjustment is possible using a hex wrench.
[Pickup]
The guitar is equipped with the “APU-B” humbucker pickup.
Solitaire
This is just too outlandish!! An unbelievable “1-string” model!!!
'00s Solitaire 1st FL
【SPEC】
BODY/NECK: Hard Rock Maple
P.U.: INDIVIDUAL CLICK TURN PICKUP “ARC”
WEIGHT: 1.65 kg
w/Softcase
At first glance, you might not believe your eyes—this “Solitaire 1st FL” truly looks like a single “stick,” consisting of just one piece for both the neck and body.
The back of the neck features an exposed truss rod!! It’s equipped with the original “ARC” pickup and features a single volume control.
Tuning is possible using a black, cylindrical winder, and it features an integrated bridge called the “TAILPIECE WITH TUNER ‘WILPIECE’” that uses a screw-type saddle.
The strings are secured by a brass part on the back of the neck, and it features a screw-type nut.
With its unique, square-shaped neck, this “1-string” model is sure to spark your imagination!!
[Body]
A clean (?) design consisting of a single piece (neck and body integrated into one).
【Head】
The strings are secured by a brass part on the back of the neck, and it features a screw-type nut.
【Fingerboard】
There are no position marks on the fingerboard surface; only side position marks are present.
It features a unique, square-shaped neck with a standard scale length of 864 mm (34 inches).
[Neck]
The truss rod is exposed on the back of the neck!!
[Controls]
The only control is a master volume knob!!
By the way... the black part visible on the side is the jack!! It’s exposed, too!!
The bridge features a “TAILPIECE WITH TUNER ‘WILPIECE’” that allows tuning via a black cylindrical winder, and string height can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw-type saddle
.
Octave adjustment is possible using a hex wrench.
[Pickup]
It is equipped with the original “ARC” pickup and features a single volume control.
[End Pin]
The endpin is mounted using a plate-like body—or is it a rod?—which allows for a well-balanced playing position.
CONCORD
Atlansia ’91 Concord Super Model Active 3EQ
[SPEC]
BODY: Ash
NECK: Maple
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
P.U.: Atlansia ARS
PU WEIGHT: 4.9 kg
This “Concord” model features a slightly slimmer body shape and is equipped with original “ARS” pickups, each dedicated to a separate string. Controls include a master volume, pickup balancer, and a 3-band equalizer. While it incorporates highly original parts, this guitar exudes a sense of craftsmanship designed from the player’s perspective, with playability carefully engineered into its design.
[Body Top/Back]
The slightly slimmer body shape offers a well-balanced design that provides high playability, allowing for stress-free playing all the way to the top fret in the high positions. Metal bushings are inserted into the control section to maintain the strength of the wood, and the volume knob is mounted at an angle, featuring a “SLANDED VOLUME KNOB” designed to prioritize playability.
[Headstock (Front/Back)]
The headstock features a 1:3 layout and an original design with a veneer on the G-string side.
The headstock is flat, but the tuning pegs are mounted at an angle. It features a single tension guide equipped with two rollers.
The tuning pegs are locking-style!!
[Fingerboard]
The ebony fingerboard has no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only side position marks. The neck, made of hard rock maple, has a matte finish.
You can really see the curvature of the fingerboard radius!!
【Joint】
The joint is secured at three points using hex screws instead of Phillips screws.
【Controls】
The controls include a master volume, pickup balancer, and a 3-band equalizer.
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed.
It looks kind of stylish!!
【Bridge】
Of course, it features independent screw-type bridge saddles!! String height can be adjusted by raising or lowering the screw sections. Additionally, ball-end locks are attached to the octave adjustment screws, demonstrating a commitment to originality down to the finest details!!
[Pickups]
We’ve mounted our original “ARS” pickups, each featuring two individually independent pole pieces. Because they’re separate, you can fine-tune the sound with subtle nuances by rotating them.
GALAXY
ATLANSIA ’93 GALAXY BASS
The “GALAXY BASS” features an extremely asymmetrical body shape with an original “ARC” pickup mounted on it. Controls include a master volume, pickup balancer, and a 2-band equalizer. It features a beautifully designed laminate made from maple and walnut.
It might look a bit odd just sitting there, but once you put it on your shoulder with the strap, it feels perfectly balanced—a mysterious model that doesn’t feel out of place at all♪
[Body]
A visually striking laminate structure composed of six layers of maple and walnut. The body shape is extremely asymmetrical from left to right.
The joint at the left horn features a recessed finger rest.
Additionally, the body back features a stress-free cut extending all the way to the top fret, ensuring excellent playability in the high positions.
The round section houses the battery compartment, allowing for tool-free battery replacement!!
The sticker on the control panel is said to indicate the date the instrument was adjusted or repaired at Atlantis—or maybe not…
[Headstock]
The headstock features a simple 2:2 design—a rarity for Atlantis—with chamfered edges.
The tuners are from “GOTOH,” a brand Japan is proud to share with the world!!
[Fingerboard]
The fingerboard is made of quite thick, jet-black ebony.
There are no position marks on the fingerboard surface—only on the side.
It features jumbo frets and a screw-type nut,
with a standard scale length of 864 mm (34 inches).
[Neck]
The neck, made of hard rock maple, is reinforced with graphite
[Joint]
A simple 4-point joint.
[Controls]
The large knob serves as the master volume control.
The smaller knobs feature a 2-band equalizer with treble (red), Bass (gray), and pickup balancer (black).
[Inside the Cabinet]
The back panel is recessed.
You can really feel the craftsmanship here!!
There’s also a sticker here, just like the one on the control panel…
[Bridge]
The bridge is equipped with an ATB-06 W/N "WILY/NOBLE."
It’s actually a per-string independent bridge co-branded by “WILLKINSON / N.HAYASHI”!!
[Pickups]
It features an original pickup with individual string-specific pole pieces. The mounting base also doubles as a finger rest, showing attention to detail even in the smallest aspects.
*Believed to be an ARS-II / This pickup does not rotate!!
===Afterword===
In writing this column, I not only examined the products but also took actual measurements of customers’ Basses for comparison. I drew on various resources, input from staff, and the support of Atlantis to create this piece.
This is a niche brand—one that few owners are willing to part with, making it a rare find on the market—and since each instrument is handcrafted one by one, there may naturally be slight variations between them.
However, I was able to bring this column to life by actually handling numerous Atlantis basses at once, playing them, and examining them closely with my own eyes.
Also, our shop’s repair technician, Tanaka, is a die-hard Atlantis fan.
If you stop by the shop, be sure to say hello—you might just hear him talk about other models not mentioned in this column (or maybe not! lol)
We’ll continue to update this column whenever we get any rare or interesting Basses in stock♪
Well then, see you in the next feature! (´▽`)ﾉｼﾞ
(´▽`)ﾉｼﾞ See you later!!