New Pilot IV and V Basses from DeArmond

July 26, 1999 -- For enthusiasts and students of the bass guitar, DeArmond is proud to introduce two new members to its growing family of affordable stringed instruments. DeArmond's sleek new Pilot Bass IV and five-string Pilot Bass V offers up a long scale bass with active electronics, at a price that allows beginners, or professionals on a budget, the opportunity to play a beautiful and fine-crafted instrument.

These new sleek and modern basses are inspired by the Pilot Bass, Guild's most popular and successful line of bass guitars. Borrowing design and structural aspects from its parent company's basses, DeArmond is ready to "re-introduce" these no-longer-produced classic instruments, adding to the popularity of DeArmond's own bass line which includes the Jet Star and Starfire models.

The Pilot Bass IV features passive P/J pickups, which allow a player to change between two distinctly different pickup configurations without switching instruments. Conversely, the more specialized Pilot Bass V offers two passive J/J pickups, which will give the five-string player the sound that is sought after by so many jazz bassists. The active electronics for both guitars offer an active EQ with master volume, balance, treble, middle and bass controls.

Not often found on basses in this price range, the scale length of both the Pilot Bass IV and Pilot Bass V is 35". This offers players a greater string tension which will result in a more piano-like tone than the full scale length of the 34" bass. Made of maple, the neck has a rosewood fretboard highlighted by pearloid "dot" inlays.

Available color options for both models include: Black; Crimson Red Transparent; and Polar White. United States MSRP for the Pilot Bass IV is $499.99 without a case, or $629.98 with a case. United States MSRP for the Pilot Bass V is $599.99 without a case, or $729.98 with a case.

For more information on DeArmond products, visit www.dearmondguitars.com.