Epiphone launches the Jack Casady fretless bass: a tribute to a rock legend’s legacy

Epiphone, a company renowned for over 150 years of innovation in musical instrument design, has just unveiled the Jack Casady Fretless Bass. Designed in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and legendary bassist Jack Casady, this new release marks a significant milestone in Epiphone’s long-standing partnership with the musician. The Jack Casady Fretless Bass is now available worldwide through authorized Epiphone dealers and on the company’s website.

As a founding member of the iconic bands Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Jack Casady revolutionized the role of the bass guitar in rock music. His innovative approach, which brought the bass to the forefront of the sound rather than relegating it to the rhythm section, has influenced generations of musicians. The new fretless bass is the result of years of Casady’s experimentation, blending the superior electric tone with the acoustic response that he has sought throughout his career. The instrument features a Casady-designed JCB-1 Low-Impedance Humbucker and a three-position rotary impedance control, offering a wide range of tonal versatility. The bass also comes with a premium gig bag, adding a touch of practicality to its exceptional design.

Jack Casady’s musical journey is as storied as his innovative contributions to rock music. His work with Jefferson Airplane, particularly on their groundbreaking 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow, helped to define the San Francisco rock scene of the 1960s. The album, which featured hits like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit,” remains a touchstone in the genre. Casady’s pioneering bass work also left an indelible mark on a string of subsequent Jefferson Airplane albums, all of which contributed to the band’s enduring legacy and their 1995 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Beyond Jefferson Airplane, Casady continued to push musical boundaries with Hot Tuna, a band he formed with fellow Jefferson Airplane member Jorma Kaukonen. Their latest album, Steady As She Goes, produced by GRAMMY® winner Larry Campbell, captures the energy of the band’s live performances and showcases Casady’s signature sound. His influence extends beyond these bands, with collaborations spanning a wide range of artists, including Jimi Hendrix, David Crosby, and Warren Zevon.

The release of the Jack Casady Fretless Bass not only honors Casady’s enduring legacy but also opens up new possibilities for bass players looking to capture his iconic sound. For more information about Jack Casady and to explore the new fretless bass, visit Epiphone’s official website.

Photo credit: Epiphone.