Zon Guitars
Originally established as a repair and custom guitar shop in a retail music store called the Buffalo Guitar Outlet, Zon Guitars was founded by Joe Zon in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, in 1981. As a repair technician, Zon had earned a reputation for years of high-quality repairs and building customized instruments. In order to address all the problematic issues encountered with instruments while a repairman, Zon designed his first production-model instruments in 1982, the Standard and Signature model basses. After years of continued growth, Zon relocated his shop to Redwood City, California, in 1987, which continues to facilitate as Zon's base of operations today.
2006 marks the 25th anniversary of Zon Guitars, and since the inception of the first prototype, Zon's bass line has expanded greatly with the introduction of a variety of models including the Legacy, Sonus, and Mosaic series basses, amongst others. It was Zon's collaboration with bass virtuoso Michael Manring that led to the development of the Hyperbass, a ground-breaking instrument that was specifically designed for the utilization of altered tunings. Zon's partnership with Manring also led to the release of a distinctive headless bass line called the VB series. Teaming up with Metallica's Robert Trujillo in 2004, Zon unveiled the Sonus RT5 signature model bass followed by the Mosaic BB5 for Vital Information bassist Baron Browne in 2005.
Zon Guitars has remained at the forefront of bass design for more than two decades, and today, Zon basses are recognized as instruments of superior quality, innovation, and performance. By blending meticulous handcraftsmanship with high-tech components such as composite necks, phenowood fingerboards, quadraphonic electronics, infrared optical pickups, and piezo bridges, Zon Guitars has combined state-of-the-art technology with traditional concepts and set the standard for taking bass further into the future.
2006 marks the 25th anniversary of Zon Guitars, and since the inception of the first prototype, Zon's bass line has expanded greatly with the introduction of a variety of models including the Legacy, Sonus, and Mosaic series basses, amongst others. It was Zon's collaboration with bass virtuoso Michael Manring that led to the development of the Hyperbass, a ground-breaking instrument that was specifically designed for the utilization of altered tunings. Zon's partnership with Manring also led to the release of a distinctive headless bass line called the VB series. Teaming up with Metallica's Robert Trujillo in 2004, Zon unveiled the Sonus RT5 signature model bass followed by the Mosaic BB5 for Vital Information bassist Baron Browne in 2005.
Zon Guitars has remained at the forefront of bass design for more than two decades, and today, Zon basses are recognized as instruments of superior quality, innovation, and performance. By blending meticulous handcraftsmanship with high-tech components such as composite necks, phenowood fingerboards, quadraphonic electronics, infrared optical pickups, and piezo bridges, Zon Guitars has combined state-of-the-art technology with traditional concepts and set the standard for taking bass further into the future.
Pro Series Gig Bag
The Zon Pro Series Gig Bag is a premium quality gig bag that is constructed from heavy-duty, waterproof codura fabric and fits all bass guitars. It features thick padding, plush lining, zipper, adjustable dual-padded shoulder straps, and three storage pockets.
For more information on the Zon Guitars Pro Series Gig Bag, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
For more information on the Zon Guitars Pro Series Gig Bag, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
Sonus RT5 Deluxe
First introduced as the Jazz bass for the 1990's, the Sonus bass has evolved into one of Zon's most popular models. Designed with traditional styling, the Sonus achieves a perfect balance of classic characteristics.
When Robert Trujillo wanted a new 5-string bass with a distinctive look and sound, he collaborated with Zon Guitars. The result is the Sonus RT5 Deluxe with a tone designed to integrate with guitar-heavy metal and rock while cutting through with a distinctive, powerful voice.
The Sonus RT5 Deluxe features a two-piece, solid figured maple body mated to a custom-tapered, bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, making it the perfect vehicle for Trujillo's trademark style. Electronics consist of two custom EMG single-coil pickups and a custom Bartolini preamp that work in harmony to produce gut-shaking bottom end, meaty midrange, and a top end that cuts through the thickest wall of guitars. Active tone controls offer bass, midrange, and treble boost/cut of +/-15dB. The midrange is centered at 400 Hz, providing variable tonal weight and depth. Volume and pickup-blend controls allow further sonic shaping.
An alternate version of the Sonus RT5 Deluxe is the Sonus RT5. This bass shares most of the Deluxe's features, incorporating a 2-band EQ system (treble and bass boost/cut) with a two-piece maple body and bookmatched figured maple top.
The Sonus RT5 and Sonus RT5 Deluxe basses are available from all Zon Guitars dealers worldwide. Both models are handcrafted in Zon Guitars' California shop.
Sonus RT5 Deluxe Specifications
Body
Material: Two-piece solid Quilt maple
Finish: Polyester gloss
Color: Natural, transparent black, red or blue
Neck
Type: Maple, bolt-on design
Scale length: 34"
Finish: Flat urethane
Fingerboard: Rosewood with side dot markers
Radius: 12"
Nut: Graphite
Frets/size: 24/medium
Width at nut: 1.813"
Width at fingerboard: 2.813"
Electronics
Type: ZB3 active system by Bartolini
Functions: Master volume, pickup blend, mid, bass, and treble controls. Boost/cut +/-15dB. Mid center frequency 400hz.
Power requirements: Single 9-volt battery
Life expectancy: 2500 hours of continuous use
Pickups
Make: EMG
Type: Active single coil
Hardware
Bridge: Zon Machined brass
String spacing: .687"/17mm (string-to-string center)
Tuners: Gotoh GB-7
Finish: Chrome
Options
Fretless lined or blank (no dots on board face), sunburst colors, solid colors, left-handed, black hardware, Hipshot Xtender key
Other
Gig bag included
For more information on the Zon Sonus RT5 Deluxe, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
When Robert Trujillo wanted a new 5-string bass with a distinctive look and sound, he collaborated with Zon Guitars. The result is the Sonus RT5 Deluxe with a tone designed to integrate with guitar-heavy metal and rock while cutting through with a distinctive, powerful voice.
The Sonus RT5 Deluxe features a two-piece, solid figured maple body mated to a custom-tapered, bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, making it the perfect vehicle for Trujillo's trademark style. Electronics consist of two custom EMG single-coil pickups and a custom Bartolini preamp that work in harmony to produce gut-shaking bottom end, meaty midrange, and a top end that cuts through the thickest wall of guitars. Active tone controls offer bass, midrange, and treble boost/cut of +/-15dB. The midrange is centered at 400 Hz, providing variable tonal weight and depth. Volume and pickup-blend controls allow further sonic shaping.
An alternate version of the Sonus RT5 Deluxe is the Sonus RT5. This bass shares most of the Deluxe's features, incorporating a 2-band EQ system (treble and bass boost/cut) with a two-piece maple body and bookmatched figured maple top.
The Sonus RT5 and Sonus RT5 Deluxe basses are available from all Zon Guitars dealers worldwide. Both models are handcrafted in Zon Guitars' California shop.
Sonus RT5 Deluxe Specifications
Body
Material: Two-piece solid Quilt maple
Finish: Polyester gloss
Color: Natural, transparent black, red or blue
Neck
Type: Maple, bolt-on design
Scale length: 34"
Finish: Flat urethane
Fingerboard: Rosewood with side dot markers
Radius: 12"
Nut: Graphite
Frets/size: 24/medium
Width at nut: 1.813"
Width at fingerboard: 2.813"
Electronics
Type: ZB3 active system by Bartolini
Functions: Master volume, pickup blend, mid, bass, and treble controls. Boost/cut +/-15dB. Mid center frequency 400hz.
Power requirements: Single 9-volt battery
Life expectancy: 2500 hours of continuous use
Pickups
Make: EMG
Type: Active single coil
Hardware
Bridge: Zon Machined brass
String spacing: .687"/17mm (string-to-string center)
Tuners: Gotoh GB-7
Finish: Chrome
Options
Fretless lined or blank (no dots on board face), sunburst colors, solid colors, left-handed, black hardware, Hipshot Xtender key
Other
Gig bag included
For more information on the Zon Sonus RT5 Deluxe, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
Mosaic BB5
Sporting very traditional body lines, the Mosaic BB5 was designed in collaboration with Vital Information bassist extraordinaire Baron Browne. The Mosaic BB5 is a 35" scale bass that features an ash body, a three-piece, bolt-on maple neck with maple fingerboard, and Zon's new flat finish. Equipped with Seymour Duncan Jazz bass-style pickups and passive electronics, the Mosaic is voiced for a classic Jazz bass tone. Enclosed mini tuners and Zon's 19mm brass bridge complete the appointments.
According to endorsee Baron Browne, "...this instrument is the closest to my beloved Fender Jazz that I've played. It is my Fender and more. With both volume controls up to full, the bass is very punchy, allowing one to get a Motown-y tone plucking near the neck or a Tower of Power-bottom-yet-percussive sound closer to the bridge. Those who are fond of a more Pastorius-bridge-pickup tone while turning back the front pickup will be pleased to find a nice low-mid slicing warmth without sounding too 1k nasal. This bass has an active presence to it without having active electronics in it."
Mosaic BB5 Specifications
Body
Material: Swamp ash
Finish: Urethane flat
Color: Natural
Neck
Type: Three-piece quartersawn maple, bolt-on
Scale length: 35" scale
Finish: Flat oil
Fingerboard: Rosewood w/side and face dot markers
Nut: Graphite
Frets/size: 22/narrow
Width at nut: 1.875"
Electronics
Type: Passive
Functions: Neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, and master tone controls
Pickups
Make: Two single-coils exclusively designed for Zon by Duncan custom shop
Hardware
Bridge: Zon machined brass
String spacing: .750"/19mm (string-to-string center)
Tuners: Gotoh GB-7
Finish: Black
For more information on the Zon Mosaic BB5, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
According to endorsee Baron Browne, "...this instrument is the closest to my beloved Fender Jazz that I've played. It is my Fender and more. With both volume controls up to full, the bass is very punchy, allowing one to get a Motown-y tone plucking near the neck or a Tower of Power-bottom-yet-percussive sound closer to the bridge. Those who are fond of a more Pastorius-bridge-pickup tone while turning back the front pickup will be pleased to find a nice low-mid slicing warmth without sounding too 1k nasal. This bass has an active presence to it without having active electronics in it."
Mosaic BB5 Specifications
Body
Material: Swamp ash
Finish: Urethane flat
Color: Natural
Neck
Type: Three-piece quartersawn maple, bolt-on
Scale length: 35" scale
Finish: Flat oil
Fingerboard: Rosewood w/side and face dot markers
Nut: Graphite
Frets/size: 22/narrow
Width at nut: 1.875"
Electronics
Type: Passive
Functions: Neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, and master tone controls
Pickups
Make: Two single-coils exclusively designed for Zon by Duncan custom shop
Hardware
Bridge: Zon machined brass
String spacing: .750"/19mm (string-to-string center)
Tuners: Gotoh GB-7
Finish: Black
For more information on the Zon Mosaic BB5, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
VB4
The VB4 evolved from the original "Vinny" headless bass made for Michael Manring. Designed for portablility and ease of travel, this bass will fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane or behind the seat of a tour bus, making it ready to take anywhere you go.
Despite its appearance, the VB is not a "watered-down travel bass." Instead, it is a full-scale, professional-quality instrument that performs equally well in the tune-up room or onstage.
The ash body and set-in composite neck in combination with the special electronics culminate in a bass that delivers a commanding voice: full, punchy and clear.
VB4 Specifications
Body
Material: Two-piece swamp ash
Finish: Urethane flat
Color: Natural
Neck
Type: Composite, set-in design
Scale length: 34" scale
Finish: Flat urethane
Fingerboard: Phenowood w/side dot markers
Radius: 12"
Nut: Graphite
Frets/size: 24/medium
Width at nut: 1.532"
Width at 24th fret: 2.437
Electronics
Type: ZB5 active system made for Zon by Bartolini
Functions: Master volume, pickup blend, bass, midrange and treble controls Boost/cut ±15dB
Power requirements: One 9-volt battery
Life expectancy: 2500 hours of continuous use
Pickups
Make: Exclusively designed for Zon by Bartolini
Type: Neck: narrow-aperture, passive, linear single-coil design JB-style shell
Bridge: narrow-aperture, passive, linear single-coil design JB-style shell
Hardware
Bridge: ABM machined brass with fine-tuners
String spacing: .750"/19mm (string-to-string center)
Tuners: Barrel type at bridge
Finish: Chrome
Options
Fretless lined or blank (no dots on board face), transparent colors, solid colors, bookmatched exotic wood tops, left-handed, black hardware
Other
Gig bag included
For more information on the Zon VB4, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
Despite its appearance, the VB is not a "watered-down travel bass." Instead, it is a full-scale, professional-quality instrument that performs equally well in the tune-up room or onstage.
The ash body and set-in composite neck in combination with the special electronics culminate in a bass that delivers a commanding voice: full, punchy and clear.
VB4 Specifications
Body
Material: Two-piece swamp ash
Finish: Urethane flat
Color: Natural
Neck
Type: Composite, set-in design
Scale length: 34" scale
Finish: Flat urethane
Fingerboard: Phenowood w/side dot markers
Radius: 12"
Nut: Graphite
Frets/size: 24/medium
Width at nut: 1.532"
Width at 24th fret: 2.437
Electronics
Type: ZB5 active system made for Zon by Bartolini
Functions: Master volume, pickup blend, bass, midrange and treble controls Boost/cut ±15dB
Power requirements: One 9-volt battery
Life expectancy: 2500 hours of continuous use
Pickups
Make: Exclusively designed for Zon by Bartolini
Type: Neck: narrow-aperture, passive, linear single-coil design JB-style shell
Bridge: narrow-aperture, passive, linear single-coil design JB-style shell
Hardware
Bridge: ABM machined brass with fine-tuners
String spacing: .750"/19mm (string-to-string center)
Tuners: Barrel type at bridge
Finish: Chrome
Options
Fretless lined or blank (no dots on board face), transparent colors, solid colors, bookmatched exotic wood tops, left-handed, black hardware
Other
Gig bag included
For more information on the Zon VB4, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
UltraSonic Bass Strings
UltraSonic Stainless Steel Bass Strings
Long life, brillant tone. Contemporary in sound, UltraSonic stainless steel strings deliver a bright tone and open sound with superior presence and detail. The rich harmonic structure of these strings articulates every nuance of the bass' voice. UltraSonic stainless strings fit 34" and 35" scale lengths and are available in 4, 5, 6 and 8-string sets in a variety of gauges. Single strings also available.
UltraSonic Nickel Bass Strings
The fretless string. UltraSonic nickel strings deliver a warm, traditional sound with good harmonic structure for a smooth, round top and exceptional low-end growl. Especially well-suited for fretless bass, UltraSonic nickel strings fit 34" and 35" scale lengths and are available in 4, 5, and 6-string sets. Single strings also available.
For more information on Zon UltraSonic Bass Strings, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
Long life, brillant tone. Contemporary in sound, UltraSonic stainless steel strings deliver a bright tone and open sound with superior presence and detail. The rich harmonic structure of these strings articulates every nuance of the bass' voice. UltraSonic stainless strings fit 34" and 35" scale lengths and are available in 4, 5, 6 and 8-string sets in a variety of gauges. Single strings also available.
UltraSonic Nickel Bass Strings
The fretless string. UltraSonic nickel strings deliver a warm, traditional sound with good harmonic structure for a smooth, round top and exceptional low-end growl. Especially well-suited for fretless bass, UltraSonic nickel strings fit 34" and 35" scale lengths and are available in 4, 5, and 6-string sets. Single strings also available.
For more information on Zon UltraSonic Bass Strings, visit: ZonGuitars.com.
Contact Information
Zon Guitars
780 Second Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650.366.3516
Fax: 650.366.9996
Web Site: ZonGuitars.com
E-Mail: customerservice@zonguitars.com
780 Second Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650.366.3516
Fax: 650.366.9996
Web Site: ZonGuitars.com
E-Mail: customerservice@zonguitars.com
