What is the scale length of the Hartwood Satellite Bass?

The instrument features a 32-inch medium scale length. This is shorter than a standard 34-inch bass but longer than a 30-inch short-scale bass.

What wood is used for the neck?

The neck is made from roasted maple with a satin finish. The roasting process helps with stability and provides a smooth playing feel.

Is the Hartwood Satellite Bass active or passive?

It is a passive bass guitar. It does not require a battery and features simple volume and tone controls.

What type of pickup does it use?

It uses a single split-coil pickup. This design is known for providing a punchy, warm tone while reducing unwanted electrical hum.

What is the fretboard radius?

The fretboard has a 16-inch radius. This is relatively flat compared to vintage-style basses, making it easier to play quickly across the laurel surface.

What is the body material?

The body is constructed from basswood. This wood is chosen for being lightweight and providing a balanced tonal foundation.

How many frets does the instrument have?

The Hartwood Satellite Bass has 20 medium-sized frets. These are laid out across a 32-inch scale for comfortable reach.

Who is this bass guitar designed for?

It is designed for players seeking a vintage-style offset look with a modern feel. The medium scale makes it particularly suitable for those who find standard basses too large.

What is the neck profile?

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

Does the Hartwood Satellite come with an amplifier?

The standalone model typically does not include an amp. For a full setup, users often look at bundles like the Gear4Music Chicago Bass packs which include 15W amplifiers.

What finish is applied to the body?

The body features a high-gloss white finish. This is paired with a white pearloid pickguard for a classic aesthetic.

How does it compare to a Fender Player II Jazz Bass?

The Hartwood is an entry-level medium-scale bass with a single split-coil pickup, whereas the Fender Player II Jazz Bass is a professional long-scale instrument with two single-coil pickups and a higher price point.

Gear article

Hartwood Satellite Bass Guitar

The Hartwood Satellite Bass is a 4-string, medium-scale offset electric bass guitar designed in the United Kingdom. It features a distinctive vintage-inspired aesthetic combined with modern playability features like a roasted maple neck and a 32-inch scale length.

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Background and Design

Designed in the UK, the Hartwood Satellite Bass is part of a contemporary wave of instruments that prioritise ergonomic updates to classic designs. The instrument is characterised by its offset body shape, which provides a balanced weight distribution when played seated or standing. The white high-gloss finish is complemented by a pearloid pickguard, positioning the instrument within a 'vintage-modern' aesthetic category.

Construction and Materials

The core of the instrument is a contoured basswood body, a lightweight tonewood known for its balanced frequency response. A significant feature is the roasted maple neck, a process usually found on more expensive instruments to enhance stability and provide a smooth, satin feel. The neck uses a modern 'C' profile, paired with a 16-inch radius laurel fretboard. This relatively flat radius facilitates easier movement across the 20 medium-sized frets.

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Playability and Scale Length

Unlike standard 34-inch long-scale basses, the Satellite uses a 32-inch medium scale length. This design choice results in lower string tension and places the frets closer together. These physical attributes make the neck easier to navigate, particularly for players with smaller hands or those transitioning from electric guitar, while maintaining more low-end tension than a short-scale (30-inch) bass.

Electronics and Sound

The Satellite is equipped with a single split-coil pickup, a configuration noted for its hum-cancelling properties and focused midrange. The electronics are passive, featuring a master volume and a master tone control. This setup is designed to produce warm, punchy tones with enough clarity to remain distinct within a full band mix. The sonic character is versatile, suitable for genres ranging from indie and rock to blues.

Market Context

The Hartwood Satellite occupies an entry-level price point near £150, competing with traditional starter instruments like the Gear4Music Chicago or VISIONSTRING packs. However, its use of 'premium' budget features—such as the roasted maple neck and offset design—distinguishes it from standard P-style or J-style clones. It offers a more design-focused alternative to the Squier Classic Vibe or the entry-level Fender Player II series for those seeking a unique medium-scale instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of the Hartwood Satellite Bass?: The instrument features a 32-inch medium scale length. This is shorter than a standard 34-inch bass but longer than a 30-inch short-scale bass.
What wood is used for the neck?: The neck is made from roasted maple with a satin finish. The roasting process helps with stability and provides a smooth playing feel.
Is the Hartwood Satellite Bass active or passive?: It is a passive bass guitar. It does not require a battery and features simple volume and tone controls.
What type of pickup does it use?: It uses a single split-coil pickup. This design is known for providing a punchy, warm tone while reducing unwanted electrical hum.
What is the fretboard radius?: The fretboard has a 16-inch radius. This is relatively flat compared to vintage-style basses, making it easier to play quickly across the laurel surface.
What is the body material?: The body is constructed from basswood. This wood is chosen for being lightweight and providing a balanced tonal foundation.
How many frets does the instrument have?: The Hartwood Satellite Bass has 20 medium-sized frets. These are laid out across a 32-inch scale for comfortable reach.
Who is this bass guitar designed for?: It is designed for players seeking a vintage-style offset look with a modern feel. The medium scale makes it particularly suitable for those who find standard basses too large.
What is the neck profile?: The neck features a modern 'C' profile. This is a versatile shape designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.
Does the Hartwood Satellite come with an amplifier?: The standalone model typically does not include an amp. For a full setup, users often look at bundles like the Gear4Music Chicago Bass packs which include 15W amplifiers.
What finish is applied to the body?: The body features a high-gloss white finish. This is paired with a white pearloid pickguard for a classic aesthetic.
How does it compare to a Fender Player II Jazz Bass?: The Hartwood is an entry-level medium-scale bass with a single split-coil pickup, whereas the Fender Player II Jazz Bass is a professional long-scale instrument with two single-coil pickups and a higher price point.