I play in an acoustic 'classic rock' band and wanted an upgrade to my original little Ibanez bass. As soon as I saw this new version the Fender Kingman, with the iconic headstock and a beautiful tobacco-burst finish, I knew this would be the one.
When it arrived I wasn't disappointed - a beautiful, quality build & finish and, considering this is the best and most expensive acoustic bass that Fender make, I think it's incredible value for money.
The body feels a little bigger and wider than the Ibanez, but you quickly get used to it and find a comfortable way to hold and play it. And my goodness is that Jazz-style short scale neck wonderful, just perfect.
I'd been converted to playing flat wound strings on my electric bass already and knew at the time of purchase that, after a bit of research into what works on an acoustic, I should add a set of short scale tape wound strings to the order. That my friends was the mistake: when fitted to this bass, and the way the ball end installs under the bridge and is held in place by the pins, short scale strings are, well, too short - about half an inch too short at least!
Luckily I had chosen to try Deep Talkin' Bass black nylon tape wounds and I have to say that, having been made aware of the problem, La Bella have been absolutely fantastic at helping come up with a solution.
After much trans-Atlantic discussion, measuring and photo sharing, it would appear that this latest version is a little longer 'ball to silk' than previous models and that, while short scale strings are too short, medium scale is slightly too long!
The solution: Beatle Bass strings!
I chose La Bella's own black nylon tape wound Beatle Bass strings and they're absolutely perfect. Lower tension than the stock bronze strings perhaps, but that suits me and they play beautifully, as smooth as butter and as mellow as an upright bass.
La Bella also do a steel flatwound in this length and, as the saying goes, 'other Beatle Bass strings are also available', but that's the learning:
- If you want a pro-quality acoustic bass that sounds fantastic, doesn't break the bank, and has the right name on the headstock for the audience to assume you're good (ha ha), this is the one. Just buy it.
- ...but if you intend to only play it 'amped up' and prefer flat or tape wound strings, make sure you get 'Beatle Bass' strings that are 33-34" length ball to silk, because anything else won't fit!
Hope the review is useful, cheers.... 👍
