Mantispa Bass

foldable, headless and multiscale bass

Mantispa Bass

The Mantispa Bass is a headless, multiscale, foldable bass guitar.

It uses exactly the same folding system as the Mantispa guitar, but is one third larger.

It weighs around 2 kg in the 4-string version, and just like its smaller sister, once unfolded it provides contact points on the arm and the leg, allowing comfortable seated playing with either the right or left leg. The two strap buttons also allow a strap to be attached for standing performance.

The two hand-wound pickups are Growl Buren-type, and the bass can be equipped with either a Delano or Darkglass preamp, featuring one volume control per pickup, a 3-band EQ, and a switch to toggle between active and passive modes.

Like all models, it is fully custom-made, including wood selection, neck profile, scale choices, neutral fret position, and finishes.

It is available in 4- or 5-string versions, for right-handed or left-handed players.

In the 4-string version, the multiscale lengths are 32″ / 34″
In the 5-string version, the multiscale lengths are 33″ / 35″

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Headless Bridge

The bridge is made by Riviera. It consists of individual saddles. The adjustment knobs allow the string to be tightened smoothly and precisely. The saddles are easily adjustable for intonation or string action.

The Head

The head block allows the strings to be locked using two Allen (hex) screws. The two locking points provide better grip without needing to overtighten the strings. This way the strings are less pinched and therefore less fragile.

Access to the neck adjustment screw—the truss rod—is located at the headstock.