Wood&Tronics
It is pretty rare for me to stumble across a bass manufacture of note that I haven’t see before, but yesterday was one of those days… I ran into a very nice chap by the name of Mark Graham, and he was playing a Wood&Tronics Chronos.
I was immediately struck by the sound (I heard it before I saw it). It had the kind of articulation I’d associate with a Ken Smith or a Fodera. Then I saw it. A very striking single cut bass, with at least a nod and a wink to a Fodera – at least in my view.
Wood&Tronics are based in Italy, and join a growing stable of fine Italian bass producers. They have five main models: the Spectrum, the Chronos, the Ergon, the Zoid and the EJ. The EJ plays tricks with your eyes, there’s a little bit of jazz in there and a lot of Wood&Tronics: see for yourself.
The influences aren’t that surprising when you find out that one of the co-founders, Enrico Pasini, spend time living in New York and was a frequent visitor to Fodera’s workshops, hence the influence. These basses are very much their own though, with customised East electronics, the sound is very full-on. They certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste, in looks or sound. However, if you are looking for a very distinctive, stand-out bass, this is definitely a luther to try out. Currently they are distributed in the UK by Bass Direct, and in the Netherlands by Fray’s Bass Corner.
A big thank you to Mark for letting me inspect his baby – it had wonderful wood combinations (Zebrano + Padouk + Maple + White Ash with Ebony fingerboard) and the kind of sound you’d expect from a Thru-neck single cut bass. I’d definitely recognise it if I heard it again!
There’s wierd. I was jus reading this and glanced over to the copy of BGM sitting at my right hand side and thought… that bass on the cover looks rather familiar. Could swear it’s a Wood & Tronics.
A check inside confirmed that it was, in fact a GMS Bassforce SE5. However, in the 5-string bass shot-out what was two basses below it? A W&T Spectrum. Spooky! Issue 40 Jan/Feb 2009 if you’re interested in a review. Also featured were a GB Guitars Rumour, a Nordstrand vJ5 and a Mayones Victorious 5
All rather nice!
Cool – haven’t seen that yet, I shall have to go and find a copy… If I find a link to the website I’ll post it here.
Checked on the site – no link there, but it does mention the 5 string shoot out…
Another interesting thing about the Wood&Tronics was the frets. Really really fine fret wire – it made it almost look like a lined fretless!
Hey Benjamin
Great website! I’ve been checking it out since you mentioned it to me.
It was a pleasure to meet you on Sunday. Pleased to hear you were digging the bass. Full pics of my particular bass can be found here http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=39407
Feel free to drop me a line next time you’re up that way again.
Mark
Thanks Mark! Sounds like Wood&Tronics are getting more and more known!
They are indeed getting more and more attention, which is good. I’ve dropped Enrico at W&T an email with a link to your website and this post.
The level of craftsmanship over at Wood&Tronics is outstanding. Italians at their best.