Fender California Deluxe Kingman Bass CE Mahogany
Series: California Deluxe
Body Shape: Kingman Bass
Orientation: Right-Handed
Finish: Natural Mahogany Gloss Poly
Overview
The Fender California Deluxe Kingman Bass CE Mahogany brings Fender's distinctive electric bass heritage into an acoustic bass format. Its Kingman Bass body combines a compact orchestra/auditorium-style design with a sculpted cutaway, providing a deep, resonant low end while keeping the upper register accessible for melodic playing. A solid Mahogany top paired with laminated Mahogany back and sides gives the instrument a warm, woody character with a focused midrange and punchy response.
Scalloped X-bracing helps the solid Mahogany soundboard respond naturally, while the short 30" scale length and Slim "C"-shaped Mahogany neck provide a comfortable playing experience for bassists. The 9.5" fingerboard radius and 1.5" nut width give the neck a familiar, accessible feel, particularly for players accustomed to Fender electric basses.
For amplified performance, the Kingman Bass CE is equipped with a Fishman CD-1 preamp featuring volume, bass, treble, tuner and phase controls. Open-gear tuning machines, a Modern Viking bridge, Micarta nut and saddle, and phosphor bronze .045-.100 strings complete the specification. The Natural Mahogany finish is complemented by tortoiseshell binding and a matching 1-ply tortoiseshell pickguard.
Key Features
Playability and Comfort
The short 30" scale length provides a comfortable feel while retaining the fundamental response expected from an acoustic bass. The Slim "C"-shaped Mahogany neck has a satin urethane finish, 9.5" radius and 1.5" nut width, while the cutaway provides easy access to the higher frets.
Tonewoods and Construction
A solid Mahogany top delivers a warm, mid-focused tone with strong punch and natural resonance. Laminated Mahogany back and sides add further warmth and woody character, while scalloped X-bracing allows the soundboard to respond freely and produce a full acoustic voice.
Electronics
The onboard Fishman CD-1 preamp provides volume, bass and treble controls alongside an integrated tuner and phase control. The system is designed to preserve the natural acoustic character of the Kingman Bass when amplified for live performance or recording.
Hardware and Setup
A Modern Viking bridge is paired with a Micarta nut and saddle for reliable string-to-string tonal transfer. Standard open-gear tuning machines provide a vintage-inspired appearance with a modern gear ratio, while phosphor bronze .045-.100 bass strings are fitted as standard.
Design Details
The Natural Mahogany finish showcases the instrument's all-Mahogany body construction, complemented by tortoiseshell body binding and a 1-ply tortoiseshell pickguard. A Jazz Bass-style headstock reinforces the connection to Fender's electric bass designs, while white dot inlays and chrome hardware complete the understated aesthetic.
Specifications
| Category |
Detail |
| Series |
California Deluxe |
| Body Shape |
Kingman Bass |
| Body Style |
Orchestra/Auditorium |
| Cutaway |
Yes |
| Top Wood |
Solid Mahogany |
| Back & Sides |
Laminated Mahogany |
| Bracing |
Scalloped X |
| Body Finish |
Gloss Poly |
| Colour |
Natural Mahogany |
| Neck Material |
Mahogany |
| Neck Shape |
Slim "C" |
| Neck Finish |
Satin Urethane |
| Fingerboard |
Walnut |
| Fingerboard Radius |
9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of Frets |
20 |
| Fret Size |
2 mm |
| Scale Length |
30" (762 mm) |
| Nut Material |
Micarta |
| Nut Width |
1.5" (38.1 mm) |
| Electronics |
Fishman CD-1 Preamp |
| Controls |
Volume, Bass, Treble, Tuner, Phase |
| Bridge |
Modern Viking |
| Tuning Machines |
Standard Open-Gear |
| Hardware Finish |
Chrome |
| Pickguard |
1-Ply Tortoiseshell |
| Bridge Pins |
Ivory with Black Dot |
| Strings |
Phosphor Bronze .045-.100 |
| Headstock |
Jazz Bass |
| Orientation |
Right-Handed |
Why Choose This Bass?
The Fender California Deluxe Kingman Bass CE Mahogany is ideal for players who want:
- A warm and punchy acoustic bass voice with strong midrange character
- A solid Mahogany top with laminated Mahogany back and sides
- A comfortable 30" short-scale design with a Slim "C" Mahogany neck
- Fishman CD-1 electronics with integrated tuner and phase control
- Distinctive Fender styling with a Jazz Bass-inspired headstock and Kingman acoustic bass body