Bacchus owners club

[reddog]

Anyone? Anyone? Does this already exist?

Seems like all things, it would be good to have a space to share insights and questions.

 

[reddog]

Moi? Recently acquired 33" 5-er, of Indonesian origin. Just discovering it.

 

[scubaduba]

Bacchus, Show 'em if you've got 'em!

 

[davidchampoux]

GASing at a WL-535 at the moment... OP, how do you like yours?? Tell me more please!

 

[McBubbler]

Just picked up a used WL-501 and what can I say? This thing is punching waaaay above its class. Body is a solid and resonant chunk of alder, neck is stable and adjusts easily, and don't forget about the dark and uniform piece of rosewood on the fretboard. Fret dressing is acceptable, although I think mine may have been in the hands of an amateurish luthier at some point. All the fundamentals are there, it could benefit from some EMF shielding, and a hi-mass bridge might balance it a little better, but it's more than fine how it is. In the past, I owned a WL-433, and was really happy with it. I don't know why more bass manufacturers don't try a 33" scale on their 4 strings, it's like the Goldilocks ratio. I feel privileged to have discovered Bacchus, they don't seem to have a following outside of Japan and Europe. Pics to come.

 

[groove pump]

Just scored a 2nd hand WL-434 in minty fresh condition and it went straight to the shop for a setup and pickup swap (stocks to be replaced with DiMarzio Area J's). This one may replace my hefty old passive parts Jazz. The cut of the Bacchus neck seems cozy, it's more than two pounds lighter than my other Jazz, and it has a b/t preamp on board.

I'll have it back in about a week and I think the big test will be the first practice with the band. We just got louder with the addition of a second guitar player, so I'm hoping this rig will be able to make itself heard. I've been spoiled with a custom 4-string P/J - active EMG's and on board preamp - that can really bark through the mix and I love having the controls for quick tweaking.

Although a Jazz and a P/J are different beasts, I'm looking forward to maybe having a cheap and decent player that won't harsh on my shoulder after a couple of hours. "Details at eleven..."

 

[Fngparas]

Bacchus, Show 'em if you've got 'em!

 

[Quadzilla]

Forgot to out mine here. Since the below verbiage, I upgraded the preamp from the Bartolini to a Audere 4 band with a passive tone control (much better)!

She's arrived! Made in Japan, Bacchus Woodline DX4 Hybrid!
This was a custom order (not a production model). The original owner ordered it with a DX4 body and neck coupled with the pickups out of their Woodline 24 series. It's the only one that I've ever seen.

She has a Bartolini 3-band pre with an active/passive switch and a coil tap switch (humbucking or single coil mode for both pickups).

The pickup covers are actually wood. They are 2-piece. Bottom halves are stained brown and top halves are stained black. Pretty cool!

Very light, around 8 lbs. One of the very few basses that came properly setup out if the box. Very straight neck, very low action (buzz-free).

Lots of tonal options. I'm very happy with her!

 

[Woodchuck]

Just pulled the trigger on this one.

 

[ClassicJazz]

My Craft Series Bacchus. Installed a 3-band Audere preamp, sounds amazing!

 

[studio848]

Woodline White oil finish 4 banger; love it.

I changed the pickup covers to white. I also installed a bent bridge, with threaded saddles (Wilkinson, std Fender design). Lighter bridge, and I can get perfect alignment w/the pickup pole pieces. Direct replacement bridge (5 screws, no drilling).

 

[Quadzilla]

Just bought this beauty new from a dealer in Japan. Hope to have it in a week or so. Literally can't wait to get her in my hands! Ash body, spalted maple top, ebony fret-board, passive electronics w push/pull tone pot (series/parallel), all Gotoh hardware....

I've owned a handful of MIJ Bacchus instruments and their build quality is right up there with the best. Truly boutique quality at a reasonable price (big bang for the buck)! Here she is:

 

[bassrique]

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Just bought this beauty new from a dealer in Japan. Hope to have it in a week or so. Literally can't wait to get her in my hands! Ash body, spalted maple top, ebony fret-board, passive electronics w push/pull tone pot (series/parallel), all Gotoh hardware....

I've owned a handful of MIJ Bacchus instruments and their build quality is right up there with the best. Truly boutique quality at a reasonable price (big bang for the buck)! Here she is:
View attachment 4282079 View attachment 4282080 View attachment 4282081 View attachment 4282082 View attachment 4282083

I'm usually more a fan of solid colors over wood grain but that is pretty amazing looking!

Hope it's all you wanted when you get your hands on it!

 

[Quadzilla]

Update! She shipped on Saturday, 5/29 from Japan (via FedEx) and arrived at my house 2 days later, here in Maryland, USA! Couldn't believe it!?!??!

Anyway, here she is in my home, sweet, home! Tone is awesome. Very punchy! Of course the build quality is perfection. I love that the pickups have the staggered poles (A & D, taller than E & G). Electronics are assembled with great care (some of the best soldering work I've seen). Also, cool looking cap in there too (never seen this one in person before...oiled-paper, vitamin-Q). Neck pocket is TIGHT! A few pics!

 

[jd56hawk]

Update! She shipped on Saturday, 5/29 from Japan (via FedEx) and arrived at my house 2 days later, here in Maryland, USA! Couldn't believe it!?!??!

Anyway, here she is in my home, sweet, home! Tone is awesome. Very punchy! Of course the build quality is perfection. I love that the pickups have the staggered poles (A & D, taller than E & G). Electronics are assembled with great care (some of the best soldering work I've seen). Also, cool looking cap in there too (never seen this one in person before...oiled-paper, vitamin-Q). Neck pocket is TIGHT! A few pics!
View attachment 4288586 View attachment 4288587 View attachment 4288588 View attachment 4288589 View attachment 4288590 View attachment 4288591

As if it's not nice enough, the hardware definitely puts it over the top!

 

[Quadzilla]

As if it's not nice enough, the hardware definitely puts it over the top!

Agreed! Even the Gotoh tuners rock!

 

[songwriter21]

Update! She shipped on Saturday, 5/29 from Japan (via FedEx) and arrived at my house 2 days later, here in Maryland, USA! Couldn't believe it!?!??!

Anyway, here she is in my home, sweet, home! Tone is awesome. Very punchy! Of course the build quality is perfection. I love that the pickups have the staggered poles (A & D, taller than E & G). Electronics are assembled with great care (some of the best soldering work I've seen). Also, cool looking cap in there too (never seen this one in person before...oiled-paper, vitamin-Q). Neck pocket is TIGHT! A few pics!
View attachment 4288586 View attachment 4288587 View attachment 4288588 View attachment 4288589 View attachment 4288590 View attachment 4288591

That's the fastest shipping EVER...must've been very few stops along the way. I had a Woodline DX/A, and the wiring is indeed phenomenal.

 

[groove pump]

Agreed! Even the Gotoh tuners rock!
View attachment 4288792

That's a gorgeous addition. Congratulations and happy funkin'

The narrow necks on the 4-string Bacchus basses have proven to be not good for me. I also picked up a Model 24 with a double JJ pickup layout similar to your other Bacchus and even though it's too skinny for my hands, I adore it. It makes a few different sounds that are all useful sounds and I'm actually considering trying to get one of their 5-strings and converting it to a 4... but I'll get some input from my luthier pals before I dignify that impulse.

 

[Yahboy]

The Squier Jazz bass alternative....

 

[Yahboy]

Few upgrade on BJB1RMS

Wilkinson Brass Saddle bridge and Cort VTB-ST hum-cancelling Jazz pup.