Reviewer Jeff Novack
Experience 18
Review date May 27 2003
Manufacturer David King BGS
Model Fretless 5 String "D" Bass
Price $1650
Item owned for A very, very long time

Bass type 5 string fretless
Neck join Neck Through
Neck construction 5 Piece Walnut, Wenge, Bloodwood
Fingerboard Ebony, 35" Scale
Body Zebrawood Top, Sapele Back, Bloodwood Rails
Finish Oil Based
Pickups 2 Johnny Morch J Pickups
Hardware David King Bridge, Chrome Finish
Electronics Passive Pickups, Active EMG Preamp with Sweeapable Midrange

About 8 years ago I decided to have a custom fretless bass built after having played off the rack basses for years, but was scared that I wouldn't be able to afford it. I happened to pickup up Bass Player's "25 Amazing Bargains" issue and found an article on David King Basses and was knocked out by the design and the price. I quickly called David and found him to be extremely helpful in picking out the woods and working with me to get a bass with the sound that I desired. He even pointed me to a local bassist who already owned one of his basses that I could go and try out before ordering. The price at the time, for a bass of this quality, was simply unheard of. Needless to say I was very happy when I got this bass and in the 8 years since it has remained my main bass.

First off, the construction on this bass is outstanding. The woods look great and the body has a nicely countoured design with a built in thumbrest that runs the length of the body (a King Bass signature.) The bass just feel comfortable when you play it and since it's headless it balances very well either sitting or standing. I have to admit it took me awhile to get used to not having a headstock, but now it's like second nature to me.

The Playability of this bass is unlike most other basses I have tried with the exception of a couple of very high end boutique basses. Everyone who I've played this thing for cannot get over the smoothness and growl of this bass. It's got that Jaco tone that's so hard to find on many fretless basses.

One minor complaint that I've had is the Morch pickups seem to be very sensitive and pickup interference sometimes. I've talked to David about this and this is really more of a pickup issue than an issue with the bass itself and one day I may replace them, but I'm afraid it'll change the sound :)

Overall, I can't say enough about this bass. In fact, I'm so happy with it that I currently have David working on a a fretted five to compliment it and will post a review when it's done.


Construction 100%
Appearance 100%
Playability 100%
Sound 100%
Customer Service 100%
Value 100%
Overall 100%

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