What is the scale length of the Hartwood Delta Bass?

The Hartwood Delta Bass features a 30-inch short scale length. This is shorter than the industry-standard 34-inch scale, resulting in lower string tension and closer fret spacing.

What type of pickups are installed on this model?

The guitar is equipped with a PJ-style pickup configuration. This includes a split-coil pickup in the middle position and a single-coil pickup at the bridge.

What wood is used for the neck of the Hartwood Delta?

The neck is made from roasted maple. Roasting the wood removes moisture, which improves structural stability and provides a smooth, satin feel.

How many frets does the Hartwood Delta have?

The bass features 19 medium-sized frets. These are housed on a laurel fretboard with a 16-inch radius.

What is the body material of the Hartwood Delta?

The body is made from contoured basswood. This material is chosen for its lightweight properties and balanced resonance, finished in a high-gloss green.

Does this bass have a 3-way switch?

Yes, the Hartwood Delta includes a 3-way toggle switch. This allows the player to quickly select between the bridge pickup, the middle pickup, or both simultaneously.

Is the Hartwood Delta suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is highly suitable for beginners due to its shorter scale length and contoured body. The reduced tension and smaller fret gaps make it easier for those with smaller hands or new players to learn.

What is the neck profile of the Hartwood Delta?

The neck features a modern 'C' profile. This shape is designed to be comfortable for a wide variety of hand sizes and playing styles.

How does the short scale affect the sound?

Short scale basses typically have a warmer, rounder tone with a strong fundamental. The lower string tension also results in a unique feel and a slightly 'thumpier' response compared to 34-inch basses.

Where was the Hartwood Delta Bass designed?

The Hartwood Delta series was designed in the United Kingdom by Hartwood. It aims to blend classic UK-influenced design with modern manufacturing standards.

What kind of hardware is used on the Delta Bass?

The instrument features solid chrome hardware. This includes a standard fixed bridge and geared tuning machines designed for reliable tuning stability.

How does the Hartwood Delta compare to a Fender Player II Jazz Bass?

While the Fender Player II series offers premium materials and a full 34-inch scale, the Hartwood Delta is a more affordable alternative. The Hartwood specifically offers a short-scale offset design which is not found in the standard Jazz Bass configuration.

Gear article

Hartwood Delta Bass Guitar, Green

The Hartwood Delta Bass is a short-scale four-string electric bass featuring an offset body design and a versatile PJ-style pickup configuration. Designed in the United Kingdom, it combines vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern specifications such as a roasted maple neck and a 30-inch scale length.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Hartwood Delta Bass is defined by its bold offset body styling and high-gloss green finish. Developed in the UK, the instrument focuses on providing a modern playing experience while maintaining a vintage aesthetic. The body is constructed from contoured basswood, a lightweight timber known for its balanced tonal properties, which helps ensure comfort during long playing sessions.

One of the instrument's most distinctive features is its 30-inch scale length. This shorter-than-standard neck reduces string tension and narrows the distance between frets, making the instrument physically easier to navigate than a traditional 34-inch long-scale bass.

Neck and Playability

The Delta Bass features a roasted maple neck, a process that increases stability and provides a dark, caramelised appearance. The neck is carved to a modern 'C' profile with a satin finish to prevent friction while playing. The laurel fretboard has a notably flat 16-inch radius, facilitating smooth fingerwork across its 19 medium-sized frets.

Gear4Music Chicago Bass Guitar Trans Red Burst 15W Bass Amp & Accessory Pack

Electronics and Hardware

The instrument utilises a versatile pickup layout consisting of a split-coil pickup in the middle position and a single-coil pickup at the bridge. This configuration allows players to access both the thick, punchy tones associated with Precision-style basses and the brighter, more articulate sounds of a Jazz-style bridge pickup. A 3-way toggle switch enables rapid switching between these configurations, supported by solid chrome hardware for tuning stability.

Tonal Character

Due to the combination of basswood and its specific pickup layout, the Hartwood Delta offers a wide frequency response. The middle split-coil provides a classic low-end thump, while the bridge single-coil adds definition and treble clarity. The shorter scale length contributes a slightly warmer, rounder fundamental tone compared to long-scale alternatives, often described as having a 'blooming' low end.

Market Position and Comparisons

Positioned within the entry-to-mid-level market with a typical price point of approximately £180, the Hartwood Delta competes with other affordable options like the Gear4Music Chicago series. However, it distinguishes itself through premium features like the roasted maple neck and offset design. While professional-grade instruments like the Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass or the Player II series offer higher-specification electronics and materials, the Hartwood Delta serves as a functional alternative for those seeking short-scale playability at a significantly lower cost.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of the Hartwood Delta Bass?: The Hartwood Delta Bass features a 30-inch short scale length. This is shorter than the industry-standard 34-inch scale, resulting in lower string tension and closer fret spacing.
What type of pickups are installed on this model?: The guitar is equipped with a PJ-style pickup configuration. This includes a split-coil pickup in the middle position and a single-coil pickup at the bridge.
What wood is used for the neck of the Hartwood Delta?: The neck is made from roasted maple. Roasting the wood removes moisture, which improves structural stability and provides a smooth, satin feel.
How many frets does the Hartwood Delta have?: The bass features 19 medium-sized frets. These are housed on a laurel fretboard with a 16-inch radius.
What is the body material of the Hartwood Delta?: The body is made from contoured basswood. This material is chosen for its lightweight properties and balanced resonance, finished in a high-gloss green.
Does this bass have a 3-way switch?: Yes, the Hartwood Delta includes a 3-way toggle switch. This allows the player to quickly select between the bridge pickup, the middle pickup, or both simultaneously.
Is the Hartwood Delta suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is highly suitable for beginners due to its shorter scale length and contoured body. The reduced tension and smaller fret gaps make it easier for those with smaller hands or new players to learn.
What is the neck profile of the Hartwood Delta?: The neck features a modern 'C' profile. This shape is designed to be comfortable for a wide variety of hand sizes and playing styles.
How does the short scale affect the sound?: Short scale basses typically have a warmer, rounder tone with a strong fundamental. The lower string tension also results in a unique feel and a slightly 'thumpier' response compared to 34-inch basses.
Where was the Hartwood Delta Bass designed?: The Hartwood Delta series was designed in the United Kingdom by Hartwood. It aims to blend classic UK-influenced design with modern manufacturing standards.
What kind of hardware is used on the Delta Bass?: The instrument features solid chrome hardware. This includes a standard fixed bridge and geared tuning machines designed for reliable tuning stability.
How does the Hartwood Delta compare to a Fender Player II Jazz Bass?: While the Fender Player II series offers premium materials and a full 34-inch scale, the Hartwood Delta is a more affordable alternative. The Hartwood specifically offers a short-scale offset design which is not found in the standard Jazz Bass configuration.