Nordstrand Acinonyx V1 Short Scale 4 String in Lake Placid Blue £695 Fakenham, Norfolk, UK

[Obrienp]

Hi Folks,

 

Like my amps and cabs, I'm sure my basses have been multiplying while my back was turned. I now have too many and I have to thin the herd.

 

Up for sale is my Nordstrand Acinonyx V1  4 string in Lake Placid Blue. This one is not from the original batch and consequently hasn't suffered from some of the issues those had, like the dropping bridge saddles and pickups. The full spec of the bass can be found here on the Nordstrand website: https://nordstrandaudio.com/products/acinonyx-short-scale-bass?srsltid=AfmBOoqXRCMzsQ38QEkKuMECUYDt-DGX53aeBYqGr9AYmHWpuGsqi1lr.

 

The headlines are that it is an extremely light bass, with a 30.7" scale and 1.4" nut. Bridge spacing is 17mm. Combined with the slim neck, it is extremely easy to play and great ergonomically. A great bass for those 3 hour gigs.The Nordstrand made pickups are very powerful and it has a wide range of tonal options. It has quality Hipshot hardware as well.

 

 I got a bit fed up of the original push button switches for pickup selection and tone. I liked the concept of being able to get predictable tones at the press of a switch but I didn't much like the execution. I found it particularly difficult to select the series "all-in" option. Consequently I had a new scratch plate made (while pearl) that allowed me to wire it up with a 4 position telecaster switch and a baritone switch for tone. The switch positions are 1. fully forward - both pickups in series ("all-in"); 2. front pickup solo; 3. both pickups in parallel; 4. bridge pickup solo. The varitone switch has 6 positions ranging from off to 0.1 uf. The volume pot is now a full sized CTS 250 k audio taper and the jack socket is a Pure Tone. While I was doing this I took the opportunity to improve the shielding with copper tape in the cavity and back of the scratch plate. It is now a lot quieter than standard. 

 

I find this switching and tone arrangement much easier to use than the original. However, these modifications can be easily reversed. I have the original electronics and scratch plate, so the bass can be returned to standard very easily but with improved shielding. If you would prefer, I can return the bass to original spec before posting/collection. You can have the new parts (which cost around £130) as well, or if you opt to keep my mods, I will provide the original parts in the price. I have included a picture of the bass in original spec.

 

The bass is in very good condition. I can't find any marks, dings or scratches on the body and there is only one small ding on the neck, which I have pictured. There are a few scrtaches on the original scrtachplate from using a pick but again, nothing significant. It is fitted with new D'Addario light gauge nickel rounds (45-100). I tried flats on it and they were fun but I prefer the extra bite from the rounds.

 

Nordstrand have stopped making these basses in the Far East, so new ones are going to be US made to order and expensive. You are very welcome to come and try it through various amps at my place in Fakenham (refreshments provided). That may not work for many and I have the original box, so can post at buyer's expense. I can meet up within about 50 miles of Fakenham. I am thinning the herd, so not looking for a trade at the moment.

Edited 39 minutes ago by Obrienp