|
|
BGRA: Status Graphite Jonas Hellborg Signature
| Manufacturer |
Status Graphite |
Model |
Jonas Hellborg Signature |
| Reviewer |
Patrick McDonald |
|
|
| Experience |
10 |
Item owned |
1-6 months |
| Review Date |
2001-07-26 |
Price paid |
$1300 used. |
|
|
|
Bass type | 4 string fretted |
|
Neck join | Bolt-On |
|
Neck construction | 3 Piece Maple |
|
Fignerboard | Rosewood, 24 Frets (plus a zero fret), 34 inch scale. |
|
Body | 2 Piece utile. (Mahogany) |
|
Finish | satin |
|
Pickups | 2 Status humbucking |
|
Hardware | Status Graphite |
|
Electronics | Active - 36 volt. (more info in review) |
|
|
|
Made in the UK in the mid 1990's. This model has 36 volt (!!) active
electronics - volume, balance, bass cut/boost, treble cut/boost, variable
frequency midrange coupled to a cut/flat/boost switch. The body is small,
but perfectly balanced sitting or standing. The neck profile is very
interesting - rounded up near the nut, gradually flattening out as it
approaches the body. The fingerboard radius is very flat. All this, plus
the satin finish makes for a very comfortable neck. You won't want to put
this bass down! It came with a "lite flite" hardcase.
With the electronics, you can get any type of sound you want. Also, the
electronics are dead quiet - the quietest I've ever heard. (And I'm used
to very quiet active systems.) This bass can be hard on amplification -
with 36 volts, the output is well above normal! Also, the bridge pickup is
located very close, (practically touching), to the bridge itself. It gives
it a very clear, well defined sound. The sound of this instrument really
is awesome.
I bought this used, but I don't think it was ever played. It was still
set up perfectly. The fretwork is perfect, and it has the tightest neck
joint I have ever seen on a bolt on.
I think this bass would stand up well to live playing. It's solidly built.
I've never had to adjust the neck. (Possibly due to the graphite
reinforcement. I haven't had it too long, but it's been through some
drastic temperature/humidity changes with no movements.) Although the body
is satin finished, the wood seems pretty hard. As long as it wasn't
abused, I think it would hold up as well as any bass.
I can't say enough positive things about Status Graphite. They are
extremely helpful and friendly. I haven't needed repairs, but I buy all my
strings from them. They take an interest in their customers, and they have
answered many questions for me. Since I bought it used, there's no
warranty, but there is a lifetime warranty on new Status instruments.
I own a number of Status Graphite basses, and a Steinberger XL2A. When I
bought this bass, I was looking for a more traditional "wood" bass, but
with the Status Graphite sound. This certainly fits the bill. I was very
interested to experience the 36 volt circuit - it almost seemed like
overkill. I love it - it's so quiet! The only thing to watch out for is
that you don't overload an amp!
| |
|
| construction |
 | (100%) |
| |
|
| playability |
| (100%) |
| |
|
| appearance |
| (100%) |
| |
|
| sound |
| (100%) |
| |
|
| value |
| (98%) |
| |
|
| service |
| (100%) |
| |
|
| overall |
| (100%) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
