• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

SUGI Basses- Anyone (else) play or try one?

B-line

B-line

Inactive
Sep 11, 2016
2,101
2,872
Las Vegas NV- 110 in the shade.
#1
Just curious-
Sugi Guitars – Official Web International - Guitars and Basses

These are not very well known outside of Japan, where they are rightly considered as one of the premier builds- equivalent to Sadowsky, Lakland, etc. here in the states.

Very limited variety of basses,only their own J-Bass styled "NightBreeze", and the "Rainmaker" oddly enough built for them by an associate in California!

The woods used and craftsmanship are incredible, impeccable attention to detail, and the necks are made from aqua timber-
Invalid Link Removed

Here's mine: Its actually one of their more basic models w/out one of their amazing
tops. It does have a beautiful grain and the finish is superb.
Sugi NB4M SL-ASH STR(Standard Series).jpg1.jpg


Nice, huh?

As far as the tone- the electronics are very hi-fi & transparent; it produces a clean, defined, and tight J-bass tone with is own character. One of the best passive J-Basses I've ever played.

I'd start a "Club" but I'm betting it would have a very low membership!:D
 
  • Like
Reactions: VerryBerry, wmmj, kobass and 7 others
#3
ModuMan said:
Well, you could add me to the list!

I was trying to hold out for a 5-string but haven't seen an affordable one come up. When I saw this 4-string here on TB I grabbed it. I'd still like a 5-string though, they are remarkable instruments.

Check the wiring, doesn't get much cleaner than that!

View attachment 3215067 View attachment 3215069
Click to expand...

Right on about the wiring,same attention to detail in every facet of the build.
"Nick" Sugimoto & the crew have incredible standards.

SUGI's don't come cheap, but IMO are worth what they ask. Here's some drool-worthy basses from IKEBE:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

A few more from Musicland Key:
Sugi Guitars｜ミュージックランドKEY

Not too shabby. When I was in Shibuya, I visited KEY, and saw their SUGI stock
Didn't buy one then ( did buy a Dragonfly tho; that's another story-and another great bass!:cool:)



I doubt Sugi's will ever be sold Stateside, maybe not even in Europe either. Not that there aren't a lot of superb builders around, but SUGi kind of stands as ...Royalty, in a way!

Another glam shot:

Sugi NB4M SL-ASHSTR(Standard Series)A.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: VerryBerry, kobass, filwitheneff and 2 others
#4
Wowzers, pretty amazing selection. The one with the MM pickup in the neck position was interesting, haven't seen any others like that.

I like to say that some basses have a butterfly, some have birds, this one has a freakin' bat lol

Would like to hear about the Dragonfly, I've never gotten to play one.
 
#5
ModuMan said:
Wowzers, pretty amazing selection. The one with the MM pickup in the neck position was interesting, haven't seen any others like that.

I like to say that some basses have a butterfly, some have birds, this one has a freakin' bat lol

Would like to hear about the Dragonfly, I've never gotten to play one.
Click to expand...

You need to plan a trip to Ochanomizu & Shibuya, et al:smug:
A-mazing stuff to see & play there.

Edit: P.S.

HARRY'S ENGINEERING | dragonfly custom guitars and Bass Guitars

These are sweet as well- There are some posts here about a few.
 
#12
Fathand said:
Sugi builds for Ibanez as well, usually some of the most expensive Artist/Custom(my assumption) models.
Click to expand...

I've read that Nick "Sugi" Sugimoto was a design consultant for Ibanez, I wouldn't be surprised if the Prestige series was built by Sugi for Ibby. They are very similar in shape and concept; difference being that the Sugi's use their own pups, and that their wood, neck, and finishes are over the top awesome.
 
#13
cnltb said:
I think they look really good( well the non fancy top etc ones!)
Thanks for starting this as I were unaware of this manufacturer. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Its somewhat surprising that here on TB- a haven for gearheads- that these basses are not well-known. It's a vast market of builders tho.

Pretty sure R. Sadowsky is a fan of theirs; IIRC I saw that on SUGI's Facebook page.

I prefer the straight-ahead models too, but I have to say- The top woods and finishes on the more exotic and "special edition" etc. series are works of (playable) art!
 
Last edited:
#15
B-line said:
Its somewhat surprising that here on TB- a haven for gearheads- that these basses are not well-known. It's a vast market of builders tho.

Pretty sure R. Sadowsky is a fan of theirs; IIRC I saw that on SUGI's Facebook pate.

I prefer the straight-ahead models too, but I have to say- The top woods and finishes on the more exotic and "special edition" etc. series are works of (playable) art!
Click to expand...
They are not so popular in regular guitar market, because every thing they make is pure custom shop from A-Z and they are not cheap.
 
#16
B-line said:
Its somewhat surprising that here on TB- a haven for gearheads- that these basses are not well-known. It's a vast market of builders tho.

Pretty sure R. Sadowsky is a fan of theirs; IIRC I saw that on SUGI's Facebook pate.

I prefer the straight-ahead models too, but I have to say- The top woods and finishes on the more exotic and "special edition" etc. series are works of (playable) art!
Click to expand...
I am generally no fan of fancy stuff if it does not directly contribute to playability and tone. No difference here.
I have heard of these before but a long time ago, so I had completely forgotten...
How heavy are they and how expensive?
Can one customise if one orders one?
 
#17
nilorius said:
They are not so popular in regular guitar market, because every thing they make is pure custom shop from A-Z and they are not cheap.
Click to expand...

They are pretty popular in Japan though, very coveted much like a Sadowsky is to many in the states.

Definitely not cheap; but---You get what you pay for. :cool: IMHO, worth the $$ because the feel and quality are THERE.
I had a Japanese Prestige IBBY- It would be a good "substitute" for a Sugi. As I mentioned Nick Sugimoto was/ maybe still is the design consultant for Ibanez. The general outline and build of the Prestige SR series and a Sugi NightBreeze can be easily seen:

05.jpg


But the Sugi's are hand-built to a higher level, and their electronics, aqua-timber neck, et al make for a price differential. Worth it to some, including me! My Ibby Prestige SR with Barts was VERY nice, but my NightBreeze- wow!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: pellomoco14
#18
cnltb said:
I am generally no fan of fancy stuff if it does not directly contribute to playability and tone. No difference here.
I have heard of these before but a long time ago, so I had completely forgotten...
How heavy are they and how expensive?
Can one customise if one orders one?
Click to expand...

I'm no expert (just a fan!) but-
My bass is not at all heavy. I don't have a scale but I'll venture around 8 lbs. The body is slim & ergonomic; very trim with no wasted space. They aren't chambered, so they're not extremely light, so much like a Lull for instance, or a Sadowsky, but they are not boat anchors by a long shot.

Not sure if the shop or a Dealer would build to order, it seems to me that they do a limited run of their Nightbreeze basses, including special "Luthier Collection" series, etc. and that's it. But then again- $$$ talks.

And that's the bad news so to speak- Sugi's command premium prices, starting at around $3K US for a basic no-frills model like mine, and go up-up-up from there for the exotic tops. Not shocking, considering a basic US Sad is around 5K and Alleva-Coppolo bassses get waay up there too, not to mention many other premium builders.
I'm in accord with you- The topwoods don't call to me (except that they are truly beautiful) but I am more than happy with my basic 1-piece Ash model. The grain is amazing; and the transparent finish is perfectly done.
 
Last edited:
#19
B-line said:
I'm no expert (just a fan!) but-
My bass is not at all heavy. I don't have a scale but I'll venture around 8 lbs. The body is slim & ergonomic; very trim with no wasted space. They aren't chambered, so they're not extremely light, so much like a Lull for instance, or a Sadowsky, but they are not boat anchors by a long shot.

Not sure if the shop or a Dealer would build to order, it seems to me that they do a limited run of their Nightbreeze basses, including special "Luthier Collection" series, etc. and that's it. But then again- $$$ talks.

And that's the bad news so to speak- Sugi's command premium prices, starting at around $3K US for a basic no-frills model like mine, and go up-up-up from there for the exotic tops. Not shocking, considering a basic US Sad is around 5K and Alleva-Coppolo bassses get waay up there too, not to mention many other premium builders.
I'm in accord with you- The topwoods don't call to me (except that they are truly beautiful) but I am more than happy with my basic 1-piece Ash model. The grain is amazing; and the transparent finish is perfectly done.
Click to expand...
Thanks for all the info!
That sounds good!
I would not buy a chambered bodied bass, so that's all good :) .
As to the customisation; As far as I can see, it would just have to be a wider neck at the nut and 20mm string spacing at the bridge...
The prices you speak of do not sound 'worse' than those charged by more commonly known builders.

Thanks again for the info!
 
Last edited:
#20
cnltb said:
Thanks for all the info!
That sounds good!
I would not buy a chambered bodied bass, so that's all good :) .
As to the customisation; it would just have to be a wider neck at the nut and 20mm string spacing at the bridge...
The prices you speak of do not sound 'worse' than those charged by more commonly known builders.

Thanks again for the info!
Click to expand...

No worries; hope you can move forward if you so desire.

I contacted Sugi directly once-I was waiting for one of their gig-bags. Nick himself got back to me right away, telling me when they would have stock, so the attention to Customer Service is also of the highest order.
No doubt they could build what you want, I guess it just depends on their particular schedules & agenda.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back