The Patina PPJB3 Bass is a vintage style bass that brings the iconic snap, definition, and versatile tone-shaping capabilities of a PJ pickup config into a lightweight instrument designed for demanding modern performers. Built around a beautifully balanced offset double-cutaway shape, it offers an exceptionally fluid playing experience without losing any of the rich foundational growl needed to cut through a busy mix.
This bass solves a common dilemma for working musicians by providing an authentic, era-correct voice without the back-breaking weight typical of vintage instruments. It delivers a highly responsive dynamics range that sits perfectly in a live or studio setting, giving you a reliable workhorse for long sets and sessions.
Versatile Dual Single-Coil Electronics
At the heart of the instrument is a versatile PJ pickup setup - custom hand-wound Alnico V single-coil pickups positioned in the classic bridge and middle layout. This combination provides an impressive sonic palette, letting you dial in everything from thick, warm low-end thump to the signature mid-range growl and bite required for articulate slap and fingerstyle playing. Wired with premium Alpha pots to a traditional dual volume and master tone control configuration, it offers independent blending for precise sound shaping.
Lightweight Resonant Tonewood and Nitro Finish
The body is carefully crafted from lightweight Paulownia, a tonewood highly regarded for its acoustic resonance and exceptionally comfortable weight distribution. This is paired with an authentic nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Unlike thick modern polymer coatings, a nitro finish allows the wood to breathe and vibrate naturally, and it will age gracefully over time by checking and wearing to uniquely reflect your individual playing journey.
Modern Roasted Maple Neck
The neck is constructed from quarter-sawn roasted maple with a modern C profile and a smooth satin finish, offering a fast and familiar feel from the very first note. A premium rosewood fingerboard houses 20 jumbo stainless steel frets with rounded edges for exceptional durability and seamless note transitions. For effortless navigation on dark stages, luminescent side dot inlays keep your positioning perfectly clear.
Rock-Solid Design and Hardware
A reliable double-action truss rod ensures long-term neck stability, while a high-quality bone nut enhances overall tuning consistency and sustain. The chrome locking hardware and fixed bridge provide rock-solid intonation, anchored by locking machine heads with a smooth 1:19 gear ratio. The instrument comes strung with standard 045-105 gauge strings.
Patina PPJB-3 Bass Specifications
- Pickup Configuration - two single-coils (JJ).
- Pickup Type - custom hand-wound Alnico V single-coil pickups.
- Controls - 2 Volume, 1 Tone with Alpha pots.
- Body Material - Paulownia.
- Body Finish - nitrocellulose lacquer.
- Neck Material - quarter-sawn roasted maple.
- Neck Finish - satin.
- Neck Profile - Modern C.
- Fingerboard Material - rosewood.
- Fingerboard Radius - 13.75" (34.9 cm).
- Scale Length - 34" (86.4 cm).
- Nut Width - 38 mm.
- Nut Material - bone.
- Frets - 20 jumbo stainless steel frets with rounded edges.
- Inlays - luminescent side dot inlay.
- Hardware - chrome locking hardware.
- Machine Heads - chrome locking tuners with a 1:19 gear ratio.
- Bridge - fixed.
- Truss Rod - double action.
- Strings - 045-105 gauge.
The Patina PPJB-3 Bass earns its place as a dependable workhorse for bassists who demand classic PJ pickup flexibility alongside modern, lightweight playability. It stands ready for the stage or studio, providing a rock-solid sonic foundation night after night.