Every so often, a bass comes along that feels less like an instrument and more like a moment — a statement of where modern design is headed. The Abasi Concepts LARADA 5 Bass is one of those rare creatures, and thanks to bassist and gear-analyst Brad Williamson, many players are discovering just how far the envelope can be pushed.
And as far as we’re concerned?
The envelope deserves the push.
A Bass Built for the Modern Player
Headless basses aren’t new, but the LARADA 5’s approach is undeniably forward-thinking. The combination of its sleek body contours, confident geometry, and bold multi-scale layout instantly signals that this isn’t your father's four-string Fender. This bass was sculpted for today’s low-tuned landscape — and its audience knows exactly why that matters.
What really stands out is how playable it remains despite its extended range. Many multi-scale instruments feel like an engineering exercise; the LARADA feels like a musician’s companion.
The Scale Length That Changes the Game
One of the biggest talking points — and the part Williamson emphasises most convincingly — is the bass’s 34″–37″ multi-scale system. Long-scale basses often flirt with awkwardness, but this one finds a sweet spot between tension and comfort.
The result?
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A low string that roars with clarity
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Piano-like articulation
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Zero flub, even in extreme tunings
For a generation of players exploring ever-deeper registers, this instrument doesn’t just keep up — it leads.
The Fishman Factor
Thanks to its Fishman Fluence multi-voice pickups, the LARADA 5 serves up a startling tonal range. From glassy cleans to aggressive modern punch, you can feel the engineering at work — but never in the way. The instrument remains musical, expressive, and remarkably transparent.
It’s rare for a bass this technologically ambitious to also sound natural. Yet somehow, the LARADA threads that line effortlessly.
A Critic’s Verdict: A Standout in a Crowded Market
After watching Williamson put the bass through its paces, it’s impossible not to walk away impressed. The LARADA 5 isn’t simply another extended-range experiment; it’s a refined, mature, performance-ready tool that inspires confidence the moment you lay a hand on it.
This is a bass for players who want the cutting edge without the compromises.
And for critics? It’s a reminder that innovation in the bass world is alive and well.
Ready for More?
This article is only scratching the surface of what makes the Abasi Concepts LARADA 5 one of the most talked-about modern basses of the year.
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