BACCHUS: Woodline Jazz DX5AC-WBDP

A Japanese Super-Jazz? Mike Brooks heads to the land of the rising sun

- Mike Brooks

We haven’t had the pleasure of playing many Bacchus basses over the years, so it’s about time we cast our gaze over one. This particular instrument is part of the handmade Woodline range and features several extra touches alongside the standard Jazz Bass features—so how much value do they add?

Build Quality

The familiar design template has been used to good effect, although there are some aesthetic changes. The burgundy scratchplate and black control plate stand out against the translucent white ash body; flip the bass over and the lumber grain is clearly visible through the gloss lacquer. With effective contouring front and back, for the player’s benefit and comfort, and considerable access to the upper frets courtesy of the extensive lower cutaway, this resembles a buffed-up Jazz bass.

Although it’s a little weighty at 9.26 lbs and with a slight headstock bias, the bass balances perfectly well when placed on a strap. Overall, the instrument feels substantial and sturdy, and is blessed with a tight and solid neck pocket. The dark 24-fret ebony fingerboard features mother-of-pearl block inlays with black side dots inset into a green pearloid binding; this aesthetic has also been used on the underside of the fingerboard. The one-piece satin-finished maple neck has an impressive figuring of its own to show off.