Modern Vintage MVP4-62-BLK 2024 - Gloss Black

Developed with the assistance of master luthier Rob Elrick, this South Korea-built range aims to evoke those classic designs while incorporating updates and improvements that retain the sound, look and feel of the instruments that inspired them.

The MVP4 was inspired by a 1962 Precision bass, and with the exception of the torrified – roasted, in other words – maple of the neck and headstock, that’s exactly how the bass appears. With a Gloss Black finish over an alder body, dot inlays and a four-ply tortoise shell pickguard, the vintage vibe is present and correct. However, the updates to the original become evident as soon as you pick the instrument up. It’s lighter, with reduced headstock dive thanks to the Hipshot Ultralite Clover Key tuners, and the neck has a significantly slimmer profile. The vintage small nickel frets and bridge saddle screws, in place of modern allen key adjustments, also reinforce the vintage vibe, although that is offset by the easy-access dual-action truss rod. In short, old and new sit comfortably next to each other here. Build quality is exceptional across the instrument: the slim neck is beautifully smooth and easy to get around, and the fretwork is faultless.