Avenger

Relaunched in their current form in 2013, our Enfield Avenger (formerly known as the Fusion) basses were created for the player that prefers vintage and traditional style aesthetics, feel and tone, whilst benefiting from the versatility of Sims Super-Quad Pickups.

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Overview

Originally developed as a concept in 2010, using our then Super 8 pickups, the Avenger range of basses was designed to appeal to the musician who prefers traditional style electric basses such as the P or J, but would like to benefit from multi-tonal functionality. In conjunction with the development of our Super-Quad pickups, the range was refined to further emulate classic and traditional design features in 2013. Initially under the model name 'Fusion' until recently, the Avenger range allows the player to experience all the well respected classic aesthetics but with a distinctly personal feel and tons of additional tones at their disposal.

The body shape and contours of our Avenger P and Avenger J models are replicated from real vintage instruments, however they have seen small cosmetic alterations to facilitate our Super-Quad pickups and Tri-Logic switching system. This includes the shielded cavities for the pickups themselves, front mounted Tri-Logic switches and back plate with cavity for a single 9-volt battery to power the pickup LEDs (only). Bodies are made from East Asian Mahogany as standard due to it's lightweight and resonant properties. We do however also offer custom timber options of Alder or Swamp Ash.

As with the bodies, our Avenger necks are also vintage correct. We have three neck profiles available which are interchangeable with either the Avenger P or J bodies and are secured by traditional bolt on 4-screw neck plate. Our necks are made of North American Hard-Rock Maple as standard but alternative timbers are available as a custom options (more information below).

We have a choice of 6 different colours with a gloss finish included in our standard range. However, custom colours and finishes such as sunbursts or clear coats over Alder or Swamp Ash timbers are also available from our Spray Shop.Choose between our traditional style 3-ply vinyl, pearloid or vintage style genuine 4-ply celluloid tortoiseshell pickguards.

Our standard models currently weigh around 3.8kg (8.4lb). However, for custom orders, weight can vary depending on the timbers and hardware chosen. All Enfield basses come equipped with standard gauge Elites Strings (45/65/85/105), unless requested otherwise.

Electronics

All Avengers are fitted with the amazingly versatile Sims Super-Quad pickup system, an adaptation of our Super-8 pickup. Connected to our renowned Tri-Logic switching system, get ready for a whole world of tonal capabilities as the Super-Quads are your new all-inclusive tone generators.

Avengers are traditionally served purely passive and fitted with top draw passive CTS pots and Switchcraft output jacks for the ultimate in pure old-school passive tones with no need of a pre amp. They will be fitted with traditional tone and volume knobs to match your chosen Avenger model. These are flat top knurled nickel plated chrome knobs on the Avenger P and black plastic knobs with white position markers, 2 large and 1 small, on the Avenger J models.

If you are wanting to achieve more modern tones however you can then opt for an active Glockenklang 2 or 3 band onboard preamp as a custom option. These are the same preamps used in all our Lionheart basses and they come with round top knurled chrome knobs as standard.

Learn More about our Super-Quad Pickups

Hardware

Our Avenger basses are fitted with true vintage style (late 50s) knurled barrel saddle bridges with a 20mm (0.787") adjustable string spacing, as standard. This is an important feature for keeping true to a traditional instruments sonic character. The knurls on each string saddle also allow the player to adjust the string spacing according to personal preference. 'Badass' style Omega bridges are also available as a custom option for players interested in a more modern sound and sustain.

Fitted as standard with traditional style cloverleaf Gotoh forward-wound machine heads in nickel plated steel. These can be swapped for vintage style long-stalk riveted Aluminium RES-O-LITE machine heads in forward or traditional reverse-wound as a custom option.

You may also add a Hipshot BT-2 bass X-tender (drop tuner) as a custom option, if so desired.

Neck Specifications

Our Avenger necks are made from North American Hard-Rock Maple as standard and have a dual action truss rod which is adjustable at the heel. We have 3 different neck profiles which have been accurately replicated from highly sought-after true vintage instruments. These neck profiles are referred to as 'A', 'B' and 'C'. 'Profile' refers to the nut width & depth. They are all C shaped and have a 10" fretboard radius. Each neck has the same heel width so is interchangeable with any Avenger bass.

The 'A' neck profile is a vintage correct J neck, taken from a 1964 all-original bass. It has the narrowest nut width of all three profiles which measures at 38mm (1.496") width, 21mm (0.827") depth.
The 'B' neck profile is a vintage correct neck, taken from a 1972 all-original bass. It has a nut width of 42mm (1.654") and a depth of 21mm (0.827"), making it the the middle ground between the other two profiles.
The 'C' neck profile is a vintage correct P neck, taken from a 1962 all-original bass. It has the widest nut width of all three which measures at 45mm (1.772") width, 21mm (0.827") depth.

Fretboards

Our fretboards come in Rosewood as standard but a choice of Maple or Ebony are available at an additional cost , other custom timbers are available on request. All Avenger fretboards are fitted with 20 2.4mm (0.094") medium-jumbo frets as standard but can also be made fretless, with or without fret lines. Aside from the 2.4mm medium-jumbo frets the only other real modernisation we have made to this design is a 10" fretboard radius. This makes the instrument more comfortable to play and easier to set up/adjust the action. It also holds its intonation much better.

Traditional style dot fret markers come as standard in White Pearl or Abalone. Clay dots, block inlays and customised inlay designs are also available from our custom shop. Alternatively, you can choose to have Sims LEDs fitted in the front and/or side of the fretboard.

We also offer fretboard binding as a custom option. Standard colours are black, cream, white, white pearl and tortoiseshell.

Headstock

Based upon a traditional headstock design, this shape is the pinnacle of classic whilst some modifications and refinements keep it infringement free. Front face of the headstocks are branded with our Enfield typeface & Avenger decal in classic font, and completed with a traditional D & G string tree. We can also offer colour coded headstocks as a custom option.

Authentic Ageing

STUDIO

A vintage instrument that was acquired by a budding LA recording studio in its early days, during the 60s. The studio has since become world-renowned and this bass has remained a trusty steed ever since. It has featured on some, thousands of records but has never left the premises long enough to see a gig.

There is wear around the contour of the upper bout from where arms and sleeves have polished through the finish over years of playing. There are a few dings around the lower bout where the instrument has knocked against some of the studios wooden furniture and some wear on the edges of the headstock where it has also knocked against furnishings, stands and cymbals.

Having spent its long life as a studio instrument, it has almost always been played whilst sat down, so with little need for a strap. It has very minor buckle rash but it is visible where the standard playing position is. Light plectrum scratches and thumb rest marks are most visible in line with the neck pickup and are lightly visible in line with the bridge pickup. There are screw holes and slight indentation where the original thumb rest and pickup covers once were.

There are also signs of light oxidation on the hardware from years of different players sweat after passionate takes and hot summer days. After thousands of string changes and adjustments there are signs of wear where the string ball ends lie beneath the bridge.

The neck shows light signs of wear after years of playing, as to be expected, but there are no significant dents or disfigurations and no fret wear.

These pictures are solely for reference to the stage of ageing annotated beside. Please bear in mind that our current Avenger models will all have neck & bridge Super-Quad pickups, Tri-Logic switches, Enfield Avenger branding and may differ in colour and timbers based on your specifications. Each aged bass is completely unique so no two will ever look exactly the same.

FESTIVAL

A vintage 60s instrument that has played many shows from sweaty underground venues to large festival stages. This is a true work-horse instrument that shows significant cosmetic wear and tear but has still been cherished over the years by its loyal owner. Everything has been kept original and old-school over the years aside from the pickups.

Heavy evidence of wear and enthusiastic playing on the body and headstock. The front side of the body has been worn down to the bare wood around the pickguard area as it has been predominantly played with a pick. It is also evident where the strap has rubbed against the areas around the strap buttons, after years of energetic stage performances. It has been left on a stand a lot which has caused the bottom of the body's nitro finish to react with the stand - a common problem back in the day.

The back of the body shows heavy wear and buckle rash from belts and stage costumes (that have changed in fashion) over the years. There are burn marks on the corner of the headstock where cigarettes used to be placed when playing.

It has recently been refretted with replacement 2.4mm frets and done properly so that it does not show the fret tang ends. Upon doing this it was also expertly levelled, crowned and polished so it now plays like butter.

Hardware is in good condition for its age but shows signs of wear and rust from sweat and humidity over the years. However, it has been perfectly maintained and cleaned down after each gig so that everything works as it should.

To keep it 60s correct you can have a brass earthing strip between the bridge and back pickup. Please express this in the 'Ageing Alterations' text box of form.

These picture's are solely for reference to the stage of ageing annotated beside. Please bear in mind that our current Avenger models will all have neck & bridge Super-Quad pickups, Tri-Logic switches, Enfield Avenger branding and may differ in colour and timbers based on your specifications. Each aged bass is completely unique so no two will ever look exactly the same.

WORLD TOUR

A vintage, early 60s instruments that passed hands a few times in its early days before finding a young, aspiring musician that soon started their long and highly successful career. This instrument has since seen almost every arena and large stage, worldwide. Extensive touring for long durations has led to heavy wear & tear and various on-the-fly modifications.

This instrument has literally been thrown on and off stage for years so countless scratches and dents are present. Around 50% of the nitro lacquer has worn through to the wood and there is evidence of UV light damage which is mainly noticeable where the pickguard has been removed. The finish is also worn around the strap locks where the shoulder strap has rubbed against the body after years of lively shows and rehearsals, not to mention the serious buckle rash on the back side. The lacquer has cracked from dramatic temperature changes caused in the hold of international flights.

During the bands first major tour this bass was left on stage under direct sunlight for one too many times, to the point that the pickguard began to warp and shrink, pulling all the screws inwards as it went. Discovering this only moments before showtime, there was no other choice than simply sawing the rest of the pickguard off above the control panel. This now shows the difference in UV damage where the pickguard once was.

This bass was knocked off of its stand by the bands clumsy vocalist during a rehearsal in 1972 which broke the headstock clean off. The neck was then swiftly replaced by the only just available, B neck (optional). This neck has remained ever since but has seen its fair share of wear. There are cymbal and stand dings all over and the finish has worn through on the back. It has however recently been refretted with replacement 2.4mm frets and done properly so that it does not show the fret tang ends. Upon doing this it was also expertly levelled, crowned and polished so it now plays like butter.

During the 80s the owner decided to try a badass style bridge, according to other contemporary bass players, and it has remained fitted ever since (optional).