With its familiar Fender feel, warm acoustic voice and distinctive California Series styling, the Fender California Deluxe Kingman Bass offers a uniquely approachable take on the acoustic-electric bass. A solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped X-bracing provide the projection, punch and responsiveness needed to bring bass lines to life, while mahogany back and sides add warmth and balance. The slim Jazz Bass-inspired neck profile, 30" short scale length and comfortable 1.5" nut width create a playing experience that feels immediately familiar to electric bass players. Outfitted with a Fishman CD-1 preamp system and finished with signature Fender details like its 4-in-line headstock, the California Deluxe Kingman Bass delivers inspiring acoustic tone with unmistakable Fender character.
Solid Sitka Spruce Top and Scalloped X-Bracing for Punchy Acoustic Bass Response
The California Deluxe Kingman Bass begins with a solid Sitka spruce top reinforced by scalloped X-bracing, a combination designed to maximize projection, responsiveness and note definition. The solid top reacts dynamically to a player’s touch, while the scalloped bracing encourages greater resonance and openness throughout the instrument’s range. Laminated mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth, helping balance the attack of the spruce top while supporting a focused, articulate low end. Combined with the compact auditorium body shape, the result is an acoustic bass voice that remains punchy, controlled and musical across a wide variety of playing styles.
Jazz Bass-Inspired Neck for Familiar Fender Playability
The California Deluxe Kingman Bass was designed with electric bass players firmly in mind. Its slim C-shaped mahogany neck takes inspiration from Fender’s popular Jazz Bass profile, creating a comfortable feel that encourages fluid movement across the fingerboard. The 30" short scale length reduces string tension slightly, contributing to an easy-playing feel without sacrificing clarity or definition. A walnut fingerboard provides a smooth, natural playing surface, while the 1.5" nut width keeps the neck feeling fast and approachable. Together, these features create a bass that feels instantly familiar to Fender players transitioning into an acoustic format.
Fishman CD-1 Electronics for Natural Amplified Bass Tone
Whether performing on stage, recording direct or practicing through an acoustic amplifier, the Fishman CD-1 preamp system faithfully captures the Kingman Bass’s natural voice. Dedicated volume, bass and treble controls allow for quick tone adjustments, while an onboard tuner and phase control provide additional performance-friendly functionality. Designed to preserve the instrument’s balance, punch and low-end character, the system delivers a clear, reliable amplified sound that remains true to the acoustic experience.
Distinctive Fender Styling and Dependable Hardware
The California Deluxe Kingman Bass carries several visual cues that immediately connect it to Fender’s electric bass heritage. Most recognizable is its 4-in-line headstock, a hallmark design that gives the instrument a distinctive Fender identity. Sealed die-cast tuning machines with split shafts provide smooth, accurate tuning adjustments, while the Micarta nut and saddle and Modern Viking bridge support consistent performance and efficient string transfer. A pearloid rosette, tortoiseshell pickguard and chrome hardware complete a package that feels every bit as distinctive visually as it does sonically.
An Acoustic Bass Built the Fender Way
The Fender California Deluxe Kingman Bass combines the comfort and familiarity of a Fender electric bass with the warm, resonant voice of an acoustic instrument. Its solid spruce top, responsive bracing, stage-ready Fishman electronics and player-friendly neck design create a bass that feels equally at home on stage, in the studio or during everyday practice. Blending acoustic character with unmistakable Fender style and playability, the Kingman Bass offers a refreshing take on what an acoustic-electric bass can be.