I Got a New Bass 😮 | The Janek Gwizdala Podcast #309

My new bass from RKM is here! It's the prototype of something we've been talking about and working on for the past 6 months, and it's an incredible start to the process.

Once I've had a chance to seriously put it through its paces over the next week or so, there will be some notes and we'll start on the build of the final product. The bass should launch at NAMM 2025 here in Southern California, and I can't wait for some of you to get the chance to try it.

Get the The Bassist's Book of Scales and Arpeggios now!

[janekgwizdala]

Bass Specs

Scale 33”

Body: Mahogany 2 piece solid

Neck: Hard rock Maple with carbon fiber reinforcement (medium profile)

Fretboard: Birdseye maple

24 frets w/zero fret

Pickups: 2 x Nordstrand NP5FA

Preamp: Trickfish IPA 3 band 18V

Tunners: Hipshot Ultralite

Bridge: Hipshot style A

String spacing: 0.069” (17mm)

[joaniepeters]

Yes!! Five string! After hearing your four string, I’ve been searching the Internet for a five string base just like this with the same pick up configuration.. I absolutely love that tone

[martinheath]

Even in reverse, the legend of Leo Fender's P-bass split coil pickup design lives on in modern fashion. How many people can say that? Sounds so good in all the right ways

[beewsee]

🍣 looks awesome, Janek! I would be interested in one of these going forward. I actually received my Mattisson Series IV 5 string, that is in the JG style, just today. It’s an incredible instrument so thank you for the inspiration always!

[mixc]

Beautiful bass! I love double P's I had a custom double P's bass built by Tom Clement a builder out of Florida. It's a great bass by all standards. Double P's give you a whole different sonic quality, I also love reverse double P's as well.

[glenjaco]

Man, Janek what a beaut... I love the color. A dark olive would look great as well. Thanks for showing it off! Excited for the future builds. 🫡

[lauriebluesguy]

Lovely new Bass, looking forward to the Book, your instructional techniques help this old Bar Band Bass Player enormously. (I pre-ordered it weeks ago).

[justinfedenyszen]

Gloss all the way. Love the AirTag feature! I've never thought of that. This bass rocks!

[Freebybass]

I love this, I’ve been thinking about getting a double P but there aren’t as many demos as I’d like. Thanks for posting, you sound great as always.

[joemills]

Great vid & congratulations on the proto bass. Sound n looks wicked! Love the double reverse P!

[subschool]

I'm 21 minutes in, forgive me if you get to this later in the video. I'd love to hear the front pickup solo'd passive with your hand over this pickup to hear how the bass model does with a more classic P sound. take care! 🍣

[Fat_pigeon]

🍣 Think it looks perfect as is. The blue 4 string relic look is fantastic too.

[justinfedenyszen]

I like the tonal profile of this bass a lot! I've never tried the Trickfish pre, but the whole aperture seems useful. I've heard all your basses many times over, and own a score of basses myself. Subjectively, I would absolutely add this to my stable. The looks are the icing on the cake. I hope this works out for you Janek. Enjoyed this video very much!🤜

[collinbanks]

Man that sounds absolutely incredible!! Beautiful bass that really suits your sound. Love it!

[Thr-Words]

I love the sounds you’re getting from that bass, and good god: you’re such a music machine when you’re playing an instrument you like! I got myself a semi-hollow bass with P/J pickups and man, it’s so much more fun to play at low volume. Haven’t played it live and I won’t for a long time, but so far it’s temporarily turned me against solid body instruments

[stefanbogner]

5strings for the win. 🎉 Janek, always wanted to say that I totally appreciate the way you record your videos. Just headed over from the big DI shootout, you have amazing content and I like your style just as that of your dear friend Ian Martin Allison. You both do so much for the bass community.

[SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

That’s a sweet bass, man. I actually love the color and finish. Thanks for sharing and def a polished finish 🍣🥂✨

[BGroovyOrLeave]

🍣 I love the color as is and would do it in gloss. I’m hoping to make it out to NAMM, working on securing a ticket. Looking forward to playing it in person. Haven’t played an RKM.

[bongosock]

You could always screw a fretted ramp directly to the body for four extra frets.

[tomarity]

Exactly the tone I've been chasing for decades.