Our flagship brand, "BLACK SMOKER," has released its long-awaited new model, the modern-spec "Urbanite Series," the first batch of which is the Sound Messe 2026 model! BLACK SMOKER is a handmade brand from Nagano Prefecture, a mecca for musical instrument manufacturing where many brands are located. This brand, which is already generating buzz among many professional musicians for its high sense of style and high quality in terms of sound, playability, and looks, is a noteworthy brand created by three people: Mr. Kuroiwa, the representative who has been involved in the design and manufacture of numerous manufacturers and models; Mr. Yanagisawa, a young builder who creates with him; and Mr. Itasaka, a builder who has honed his skills at a long-established Japanese brand. Finally, the third series has arrived: the "Urbanite Series," a modern-spec model with 22 frets and a built-in active circuit. The model that was considered and prototyped in the very early stages of the brand's inception was an active specification, and this long-awaited new product is being released in 2026, the 10th anniversary, with the meaning of "returning to the origins." Although it is an active modern specification, it is not simply an "existing model + circuit," but has been developed as a completely different model. In line with the wide range of tones and pitches in today's music scene, it adopts 22 frets, and a new body shape with a deep cutaway has been developed to allow smooth access to the high frets. The sense of design that has created a unique shape that does not feel out of place at all at first glance and provides excellent playability is truly impressive. The pickups and preamp have also been newly developed, and the preamp in particular is equipped with an original EQ jointly designed with Ovaltone. Equipped with a 2-band treble/bass control plus a master tone, it offers a natural yet bold equalization of easily manageable frequency ranges, the opposite of the so-called "active sound = mechanical/dry sound," resulting in a clear yet full-bodied sound. Rather than an tacked-on active sound, it embodies the style that the brand has likely valued from the beginning: a sound that "stands out firmly within an ensemble." Perhaps to match the sound, the setup is set to a slightly low action, and while it faithfully follows the familiar specifications of the Standard series, such as the poly finish that prioritizes stability during live performances, the clear attack and sustain from the weighted bridge, and the 5-in-line tuners and 34.5-inch neck with moderate tension and good intonation, above all, its overwhelming playability makes it feel like a culmination of the essence of previous models. Furthermore, as this is the first edition and a show model, it features special specifications including a hard and beautiful pau ferro fingerboard and a carefully selected flame walnut top for the body. In addition to the two classic series—the lacquer-finished/vintage-style TradMaster and the poly-finished/modern passive Standard—the arrival of the Urbanite, a third axis that further enhances the range of sound, usability, and individuality in appearance, is sure to increase its presence in the music scene even further. Experience the quality and sound of this bass, which embodies "Black Smoker's interpretation of active bass = ease of use in modern music genres," for yourself.Body Wood: Ash Top Wood: Flame Walnut Neck Wood: Maple F. Board Wood: Pau Ferro Neck Shape: C Shape Scale: 876mm / 22F Nut / Width: Bone / 48mm Fret: Medium Jumbo NS Radius: 305R HW Color: Black Machinehead: GOTOH GB528 Bridge: GOTOH 404BO-5 18mm Pickups: BLACK SMOKER Electronics: Master Vol, Pickup Balancer, Tone(w/Pull Switch for Preamp Bypass), Treble/Bass Boost Neck Finish: Urethane Body Finish: Urethane Gig bag included
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