Hello! I'm Oda, the Bass player!
It’s hard to believe it’s already late March.
Since the start of the year, we’ve been busy preparing for the launch of MGBass’s new lineup.
We’ve just launched six new models—have you had a chance to check them out yet?
Actually, these six are special models that TCGAKKI custom-ordered by selecting the wood and electronics!
Here’s a list with brief introductions to each one!
While the descriptions I wrote for these are all based on my own personal opinions, I’d like to take this opportunity to zoom in on some of my personal highlights.
I have a special announcement at the end, so I’d be thrilled if you’d read all the way through!!
First up is this one with the most “What on earth is this?!” shape!
Extreman headless natural quilted 5
Since there aren’t many manufacturers making headless guitars to begin with, I imagine very few people have actually had the chance to try one.
At first, when I sat down to play it, I thought, “It’s so short—I’m not used to this,” but when I put on a strap and stood up, I was surprised by how great it was: it’s well-balanced, easy to handle, and (as a bonus) fits in a standard guitar case.
Of course, the headless design definitely affects the sound.
While it’s generally accepted that headless guitars produce a “tight, focused tone,” the combination of an ash body and an ebony fingerboard results in even better separation, producing a clear, crisp sound.
The quilted maple grain is absolutely stunning, and I can’t help but smile to myself at how well it complements the ebony fingerboard.
Next up is another Extreman model—this time, the non-headless version!
Extreman 5 Strings
Of the six basses I ordered this time, only the two mentioned above share the same body shape.
Since MGBass offers such a diverse lineup, I wanted to bring as many models as possible to Japan, so I selected them carefully to avoid duplicates.
Among them, the Extreman body shape stood out for its excellent playability and striking looks, so I ended up ordering two—one headless and one with a headstock.
MGBass typically features natural finishes. Since I wanted a vibrant color from the lineup, I chose padauk for the top!
It’s a vibrant yet natural reddish hue—it was definitely the right choice! I’m also looking forward to seeing how it ages over time.
With a single-coil pickup in the front and a humbucker in the back, the sound is generally on the harder side, but I get the impression that the wide range of the Aguilar pickups allows for a broad range of sound shaping!
This is our third Infinity model to arrive!
Infinity 5 Strings
Among the models we received last year, there were two 4-string Infinitys.
This was the first model we encountered at the NAMM Show, and for us, it’s the most impressive model in the MGBass lineup.
“We already know all about the Infinity’s merits. So, we wanted a 5-string too!” That’s why we ordered this one!
We chose spalted maple for the top and went with gold tuners and a gold bridge—these are the key design touches we focused on for the look.
The knobs, like on other Infinity models, are made of wood, so even with the gold tuners and bridge, the overall look isn’t too flashy—which is great.
With an ash body and maple fingerboard, I think this is the easiest combination to visualize in terms of sound.
It has an organic, crisp punch—a character you don’t often hear among so-called “high-end Basses.”
This is the true Mid-Fi sound. (Link) This is the one that made me feel, “This is MGBass’s greatest appeal!”
This has gotten a bit long, so I’ll introduce the other models next time!
Now then! I have an announcement for everyone who’s read this far!
Actually, the video of our band session using the Extreman Headless Natural Quilted 5—the first one I introduced—is now complete! 👏
The bassist is,
believe it or not,
if I may say so myself,
it’s me, Oda!
Since I usually only play a 4-string Bass, I practiced like crazy on the 5-string. (lol)
By the way, the guitar I’m using is also a TMG Guitar—a brand for which our store is an authorized dealer!
We’ve recorded not just this one song, but several others that I played as well, so I’d love it if you’d stay tuned for more updates!
We’ll be posting them on our store’s YouTube channel, so please be sure to check them out!
Oda