Epiphone Zenith 4 String Fretless Bass

Stereo Electronics

At the heart of this bass is the revolutionary NanoFlex(TM) and NanoMag(TM) pickup combination. Custom-made for this bass by Shadow Germany, these pickups provide a wide range of tones suitable for almost any type of music. Under the saddle, the NanoFlex senses the vibrations of the strings AND the body of the instrument simultaneously.

Not a piezo, this exclusive, low-impedance 7-layer element has active electronics and 100% shielding to ensure no sound is lost and no hum is introduced. The NanoMag is located right at the end of the fingerboard - just like in Epiphone's award-winning Ultra-II guitar. Positioned at this sweet-spot, the NanoMag captures all the subtle nuances and harmonics of every string.

Like the NanoFlex, it too is low-impedance with active electronics on-board but it features a tiny air-coil, 3 samarium-cobalt magnets and silver-platinum shielding for a hum-free output. Both pickups are controlled by an active electronic system featuring a Master volume, pickup Blend and individual bass and treble controls for each pickup.

The Sound

You will find that this bass offers some deepest and warmest bass tones to be found on any bass as well as all of the bite and punch you would want for whatever you musical style may be. It provides a lot of acoustic properties, while not being subject to feedback issues so common to other acoustic bass guitars. And with stereo outputs, the pickups can be summed together (mono) or split (stereo) using standard 1/4" cables. This feature opens up excellent recording opportunities as well.

Acoustically Chambered Body

Also unique to this bass is it's construction. A cross between a solid-body and a semi-hollow bass, the body is computer-routed to create acoustic chambers. The top is laminated Flame Maple with tortoise bound "F" holes. The 5-piece, satin finish neck features a combination of Hard Maple and Walnut. It's attached to the body with a deep-set, 5-bolt design that holds it solidly in place and adds to it's deep, rich tone.

Another unique feature of this bass is the bridge. Drawing inspiration from Epiphone's upright bass models of the 1940's and 1950's, it features a solid Rosewood tailpiece with a replica of the historic Epiphone triangular metal badge. The strings go over the fixed saddle and through the body which adds even more tone and sustain. Other features include a comfortable "belly-scarf" on the body, premium die-cast 14:1 bass tuners, tortoise multi-binding on the body, an easy access 9V battery compartment and under-stated black hardware.