Fender Kingman Bass Review: A Closer Look at Fender’s Acoustic-Electric Bass
Fender has long been renowned for its quality and innovation in the world of bass guitars. The Fender Kingman Bass – part of Fender’s acoustic bass lineup – represents a unique blend of classic Fender aesthetics with modern acoustic‑electric functionality. Designed to provide a rich, warm tone and versatile performance, the Kingman Bass is aimed at musicians who need an instrument that can hold its own both unplugged and when amplified. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Fender Kingman Bass tick, exploring its design, build quality, integrated electronics, tonal characteristics, playability, and overall value.
Design and Construction
Distinctive California Series Style
The Fender Kingman Bass is part of Fender’s California Series, a line that evokes the laid‑back, creative spirit of the West Coast. With its sleek, glossy finish—typically available in eye-catching colors such as Black or Tobacco Sunburst—the Kingman Bass sports a modern yet classic look that stands apart from traditional acoustic basses.
Compact and Playable
One of the key features of the Kingman Bass is its short scale length. With a scale of approximately 30.3 inches (770 mm), the instrument is designed to be comfortable for players of all sizes. The shorter scale means lower string tension, which translates into a slinkier playing feel—a boon for beginners and players looking for ease in fast, articulate playing.
Quality Tonewoods and Construction
Fender has crafted the Kingman Bass with a focus on both aesthetics and sound:
- Solid Spruce Top: The Kingman features a solid Sitka spruce top that helps produce a clear, articulate tone with excellent projection. Spruce is a popular choice for its ability to deliver bright highs while still offering a balanced overall sound.
- Sapele Back and Sides: The back and sides are constructed from sapele, a tonewood known for its warmth and rich resonance. This combination helps round out the sound, ensuring the bass produces a full, deep low end while retaining clarity.
- Bound Nato Neck and Walnut Fingerboard: The neck is made of durable nato and is designed in a slim “C”-shaped Jazz Bass profile. Paired with a walnut fretboard, the instrument provides a smooth playing surface and comfortable feel, making chord transitions and lead lines effortless.
- GraphTech NuBone Nut and Saddle: Fender’s use of GraphTech NuBone components at the nut and saddle enhances sustain and tuning stability, ensuring that the bass maintains a focused fundamental tone whether played unplugged or amplified.
Ergonomics and Finish
The overall design of the Kingman Bass is aimed at maximum playability. The cutaway design not only adds to its modern aesthetic but also provides easy access to the upper frets, making soloing and intricate fingerstyle passages more comfortable. The instrument’s lightweight construction and compact body make it an excellent choice for gigging musicians and for those who frequently travel.
Integrated Electronics
Fishman® Presys Preamp System
A standout feature of the Fender Kingman Bass is its integrated Fishman® Presys preamp system. This system is engineered to capture the natural acoustic tone of the bass and deliver it with clarity when amplified:
- Side-Mounted Controls: The onboard controls allow you to adjust volume as well as tone parameters such as bass, mid, and treble. Additionally, features like Notch, Brilliance, and Phase controls offer further fine‑tuning to shape your sound.
- Built‑in Electronic Tuner: A convenient built‑in tuner ensures that you’re always playing in tune, even on the go.
- Seamless Plug‑and‑Play: The Kingman Bass’s electronics are designed to be intuitive and user‑friendly, making it simple to plug into an amplifier, PA system, or recording interface. Whether you’re practicing at home or performing live, the integrated system preserves the natural acoustic character of the bass.
Versatile Performance Options
The integration of quality electronics means that the Kingman Bass can transition effortlessly between unplugged acoustic sessions and amplified live performances. For players who require a reliable acoustic‑electric solution, the Fishman system ensures that the bass sounds rich and vibrant regardless of the environment.
Tone and Sound Quality
Rich, Full-Bodied Acoustic Tone
Tone is paramount in any bass instrument, and the Kingman Bass delivers on this front:
- Deep Low-End Projection: Thanks to the solid spruce top and sapele back and sides, the Kingman produces a deep, punchy low end that anchors your playing. This is essential for keeping a strong rhythmic foundation in any ensemble.
- Articulate Midrange and Crisp Highs: The combination of tonewoods provides a balanced frequency response. The midrange is clear and well‑defined, while the highs are crisp and articulate without becoming harsh. This balance makes the Kingman Bass suitable for a variety of musical styles—from rock and pop to folk and jazz.
- Dynamic Response: Whether you’re playing gently with your fingers or using a pick for a more aggressive attack, the Kingman Bass responds dynamically, allowing you to express a wide range of tonal nuances.
Amplified Sound Integrity
When plugged in, the integrated Fishman® Presys system ensures that the amplified sound remains true to the natural acoustic tone:
- Consistent Tonal Fidelity: The bass’s natural resonance is faithfully reproduced through the preamp, ensuring that the warmth and clarity of the acoustic tone carry over into the amplified realm.
- Adjustable EQ: The onboard tone controls allow you to tailor your sound to different venues or recording situations, ensuring that you always achieve the desired tonal balance.
Playability and Comfort
Ergonomic Neck and Fretboard
The Fender Kingman Bass is designed to be exceptionally playable:
- Slim “C”-Shaped Jazz Bass Neck: The neck is modeled after Fender’s popular Jazz Bass profile, known for its slim, comfortable feel. This design allows for quick chord changes and smooth scale runs, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
- Walnut Fingerboard: The walnut fingerboard provides a smooth surface with a slight warmth in tone. Its clear fret markers aid in navigation, which is particularly helpful for beginners.
- Accessible Cutaway: The cutaway design enhances access to the higher frets, which is essential for soloing and intricate playing techniques.
Ready-to-Play Setup
Out of the box, the Kingman Bass generally comes well‑set, with action and intonation optimized for immediate playability. This ready‑to‑play quality is a major advantage for beginners who want to jump right into practice without the need for extensive setup adjustments.
Value for Money
Competitive Pricing for a Quality Instrument
The Fender Kingman Bass is positioned as a mid‑range acoustic‑electric bass that offers excellent value:
- Affordable for Its Feature Set: Fender has incorporated high‑quality materials, a refined design, and integrated electronics into an instrument that is priced competitively. For those seeking a versatile acoustic bass without a high price tag, the Kingman Bass is an attractive option.
- Durability and Reliability: The use of laminated tonewoods and robust construction methods ensures that the instrument can withstand the demands of regular practice, gigging, and travel.
- Trusted Fender Quality: Fender’s reputation for reliability and craftsmanship adds confidence that you’re investing in an instrument that will serve you well over time.
Long-Term Investment
For both beginners and intermediate players, the Kingman Bass offers a solid foundation to develop your skills. Its versatility—suitable for both unplugged sessions and live amplified performance—ensures that it remains relevant as your playing evolves, making it a wise long-term investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rich Acoustic Tone: The combination of a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides delivers a deep, full‑bodied sound with clear articulation.
- Integrated Electronics: The Fishman® Presys preamp system provides reliable amplification and tone control, making it ideal for live performance and recording.
- Ergonomic Design: A slim, “C”-shaped neck and smooth walnut fingerboard offer comfortable playability, even during extended sessions.
- Short Scale Length: The compact 30.3-inch scale makes the instrument easier to play, particularly for players with smaller hands.
- Stylish and Modern: The Kingman Bass’s distinctive look, featuring a gloss finish and modern hardware, sets it apart from traditional acoustic basses.
Cons
- Price Considerations: While competitively priced for its features, some players might find it slightly more expensive compared to entry‑level acoustic basses.
- Limited Unplugged Volume: As with many acoustic basses, its unplugged projection may not be as loud as that of electric basses or larger acoustic models.
- Specific String Requirements: Some users have noted that the bass might require specific string types (such as certain flatwound or tape‑wound strings) to achieve the optimal tone, which could add to the cost.
- Feedback Sensitivity: When used in amplified settings, careful placement and possibly additional gear (such as feedback busters) might be needed to manage feedback in certain venues.
Final Verdict
The Fender Kingman Bass stands as a compelling choice for musicians seeking a versatile acoustic‑electric bass that blends classic Fender craftsmanship with modern design. Its rich, balanced tone—delivered by a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides—coupled with the convenience of integrated Fishman electronics, makes it suitable for a wide range of playing environments, from intimate acoustic gigs to full‑band performances.
The instrument’s ergonomic features, including a slim “C”-shaped Jazz Bass neck, walnut fingerboard, and accessible cutaway, ensure that it is comfortable to play whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage. While the unplugged volume may not match that of larger electric basses, the Kingman Bass excels when amplified, making it a versatile option for modern players.
In terms of value, the Kingman Bass offers an impressive array of features at a competitive price point. For beginners and intermediate players alike, it provides a solid foundation to develop your skills while offering the flexibility to explore both acoustic and amplified performance. Although there are minor trade-offs—such as potential feedback issues and specific string requirements—the overall package makes the Fender Kingman Bass a worthy investment for those looking to expand their musical horizons.
Conclusion
In summary, the Fender Kingman Bass is an excellent acoustic‑electric bass that marries traditional Fender aesthetics with modern functionality. Its rich, full‑bodied tone, combined with user‑friendly integrated electronics and a comfortable, compact design, makes it a standout option for both beginners and seasoned players. If you’re in the market for a versatile bass that can deliver both unplugged warmth and amplified clarity, the Kingman Bass is well worth considering. With its solid build, ergonomic playability, and Fender’s trusted reputation, this bass is poised to become a long‑term companion on your musical journey.
Happy playing, and may the deep, resonant tones of the Fender Kingman inspire your next great bass line!
Analysis Note:
This review was compiled using insights from multiple online sources including product pages from Guitar Center and Fender’s official website, as well as user discussions on forums like BassChat and TalkBass. The aim was to provide a balanced, comprehensive look at the Fender Kingman Bass, covering its design, electronics, tone, playability, and overall value to help potential buyers make an informed decision.