Crafted in Japan, Vola’s ZVA 4P MF bass combines concepts from famed forefathers the Jazz and Precision, together with a slinky maple neck and slim nut. Add a 9.5″ radius and Fashionable C profile, and you’ve got what could possibly be known as a “extremely grab-able” neck.

So, did Vola pull it off?

A double-cut with alder physique, 34″-scale maple neck, maple fretboard, 40mm Duracon nut, and 21 frets, our tester was wearing Charcoal Frost end with a tortoise pickguard and dot inlays. {Hardware} features a Gotoh 303 SJ 4 Bass bridge with string-through-body configuration, a string tree, and Gotoh GB707 tuners. For correct intonation, a zero fret is a part of the bundle.

The Vola’s five-knob array appears daunting, however is fairly simple with a mini-switch that jumps between energetic and passive modes and controls for grasp Quantity, Steadiness (which blends between its proprietary J- and P-styled pickups) and Treble, Center, and Bass, which work in energetic mode. Performed passively, there’s no roll-off tone. As an alternative, the Steadiness knob gives shading and texture. The energetic part, nonetheless, is a lot enjoyable you may solely use the passive mode if the battery fails mid-gig.

On the job, the ZVA 4P MF does effectively. Its neck performs effortlessly, evoking a mixture of classic goodness with later Asia-built evolutions courtesy of Yamaha and Ibanez. The carved, sturdy four-bolt neck joint permits upper-fret entry, whereas the slim neck gives a quick taking part in floor. Properly arrange and able to go proper out of its gig bag, the Vola was stage-ready.

The ZVA 4P MF is a strong performer with a enjoyable neck and strong tones, particularly in energetic mode. As you’d anticipate, the big alder physique has some heft – north of 9.5 kilos – however that goes with the general idea.

The Vola model will not be acquainted, however its MIJ pedigree is real and there’s apparent craftsmanship and a focus to element. Go thump one.

This text initially appeared in VG’s Might 2024 difficulty. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.