An sudden and thrilling new addition to Orangewood’s line that makes training a lot simpler.

Value: $345.00 new from Reverb!

Overview & Ultimate Rating: 7.6

Acoustic bass guitars have lengthy been one thing I discovered extremely enjoyable. The Orangewood Oliver Jr Stay takes that concept and brings it right down to a extra compact and reasonably priced package deal. This acoustic-electric bass has a 23.5″ scale size, Fishman Sonitone EQ, and a C-shaped neck that feels nearly guitar-like. This miniature 4 string is managed by tone and quantity dials that sit inside the highest of the sound gap, not straightforward however not onerous to achieve whereas taking part in. The Oliver Jr Bass Stay options layered Mahogany again and sides with a strong Mahogany prime. The Mahogany neck is roofed in an Ovangkol fretboard, that pairs with the Ovangkol bridge. Plus all these options come delivered to you inside a luxurious gig bag as effectively.

Sound: 7.5

The acoustic sound from the Oliver Jr Bass Stay is nice if unspectacular. The small physique measurement and shorter bass scale does it make onerous to get the massive, wealthy acoustic bass tones {that a} full measurement would provide. It’s not too loud and a bit muddy, however nonetheless completely wonderful because the observe instrument it was meant to be. The place the true additional factors come from are the electrical tones, that are surprisingly enormous. I used to be shocked after I plugged this in and felt like I had a way more costly, excessive output acoustic bass. In the event you actually crank the amount, you nearly get a hollowbody electrical really feel that simply goes again to a handy guide a rough acoustic when you roll down the amount and tone and controls only a bit. When cranked, I even layered on some distortion and had a ton of enjoyable of with this little Oliver Jr bass.

However again to the clear tones, which have been surprisingly snappy, responsive, and percussive when performed by an affordable Fender Rumble. The Oliver Jr Bass Stay is unquestionably nice for sofa gamers or musicians in search of a bass that’s simpler to take round their home, hometown, or area.

Playability: 8

Proper out of the field the motion was wonderful, as was the fretwork which featured easy edges and no fret buzz. The C-shaped neck was actually quick and simple to slip up and down the neck. The one actual criticism needed to be that the smaller neck and frets take some actual getting used to. Each me (a guitar participant) and my roommate (a bass participant) nonetheless took awhile to get used to the actually small frets and neck. There was additionally this actually unusual tough patch between the third and fifth frets, however all the pieces else was extremely easy and enjoyable to play.

End & Building: 9

Whereas the Oliver Jr Bass Stay has to lose some extent for the tough patch on the neck, all the pieces else was in tip prime form on this acoustic bass. The motion was nice, the end was spotless and lovely with a darkish pure satin look that felt a bit “more durable” than most acoustics . I used to be particularly impressed with the tuning stability and spectacular neck. The small measurement makes it tremendous straightforward to move, particularly with the padded case. It’s gig prepared within the sense that it feels dependable and cozy when plugged into an amp, however definitely isn’t meant to be anybody’s primary gigging instrument. Total, it doesn’t really feel like it’ll let me or anybody else down in anyway.

Worth: 6

This rating could seem harsh, however for me it appears onerous to justify paying $350 for a journey bass guitar. As enjoyable as it’s, it isn’t good, and if this was a $300 electrical guitar was a tough patch on the neck or a sure lackluster tonal high quality, I’ll have been harsher. It’s a very nice little bass that will be tremendous handy to have laying round the home or tackle the street, however $350 is beginning to transfer in direction of gigging instrument stage. I do love the Oliver Jr Bass Stay total and will certainly be having fun with my time demoing it and taking part in it, however that is a kind of devices that I’m not begging the corporate to offer me or promote me. In the event you’ve acquired the cash to burn, you gained’t be disillusioned in any respect, I’m simply undecided many finances minded gamers shall be leaping on this bandwagon.

Good for: Learners, Musicians Who Want A Compact Apply Bass, Acoustic Followers

Demos and UG critiques on the way in which, hopefully even sooner than ever due to this beautiful lockdown!