Specifications
Safran electric basses are categorised into three types: Solid body, Hollow body, Semi-acoustic. Each type is thoroughly designed to deliver an individual character. As a builder of musical instruments, I rather focus on perfecting each type than remodelling and naming an existing design. Sometimes I name individual instruments, other than that they are all Safran. My philosophy allows me to perceive electric bass in its pure and organic form as a real musical instrument should be.
Over the years I have selected certain species of wood for my instruments. The selection was purely based on the tone, stability and aesthetical values of the timber, and I try to source responsibly harvested wood as much as I can. I do not believe in adding more options just for the sake of it or for commercial purposes. Also, I do not believe tone-charts and similar marketing gimmicks to predict the tone of a finished instrument.
The tone of timber is best understood through personal experience and knowledge of one's own stock of wood. Of course, the tone of your unamplified electric instrument is only a part of your actual sound. The pickups and amplification are equally important. That is the reason why I make my own pickups in order alter the tone to one's liking before amplification.
Body options: Alder, Ash and Spanish cedar are the main options for bodies with Mahogany, Cherry and Walnut centres. Please enquire for other options.
Neck options: Maple is the main options with Purpleheart or Wenge centres. Ash and Padouk available on request.
Top wood options: There are many options available for top wood and it's constantly changing with new regulations. Please contact to discuss the current stock.
Fingerboard options: I use Ebony, Bloodwood, Wenge and various other species.
Body options: Alder, Ash and Spanish cedar are the main options for bodies with Mahogany, Cherry and Walnut centres. Please inquire about other options.
Neck options: Maple is the main options with Purpleheart or Wenge centres. Ash and Padouk available on request.
Top wood options: There are many options available for top wood and it's constantly changing with new regulations. Please contact to discuss the current stock.
Fingerboard options: I use Ebony, Bloodwood, Wenge and various other species.
The price is heavily influenced by the wood that is used to craft the instrument. Rarity, weight, figure all have an effect. Each instrument is unique and priced individually. Plus the number of strings, pickup configuration etc.
Furthermore, building a musical instrument is not randomly putting wood together. In order to strike a balance both in terms of tone and aesthetics, one has to consider many things. I see it as a composition of colours patterns and timbre not a combination of options. Through communication, I will guide you and craft the Safran bass you desire!
HAND SELECTED TONEWOOD
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of instrument building is, building up the knowledge and the experience of selecting the right wood for your instruments. I take great joy making trips to wood suppliers, going trough a mountain of wood and selecting a handful. From their very beginning as select wood to their completion as a musical instrument, I have a personal connection with every bass that I build. It is my passion!
EXQUISITE WOODEN BRIDGE
In order to achieve the most organic tone, I build my bridges using wood, brass and bone. Besides being an exquisite handmade bridge, it has all the necessary features to obtain ideal comfort and intonation.
- The saddles can slide in their slots for correct intonation.
- The height of each saddle can be adjusted for the best possible string action.
SAFRAN PICKUPS, SAFRAN SOUND
After trying various brands of pickups to find the sound, the character I desired, it became evident to me that I had to make my own pickups to give my instruments their unique character. Tone, balance, elegance were the key points that I focused on developing Safran Pickups.
- Dynamic range. From very deep lows to the highest harmonics, it reproduces every sound without any unwanted coloration.
- Each note is heard. Radiused top gives a balanced output. Some models also have adjustable pole pieces to further tune string to string balance.
- Using natural materials gives them an elegant look. Perfect match for Safran basses.
BUILT BY HAND, FINISHED BY HAND
Shellac has been used for centuries to protect wooden surfaces including musical instruments. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about shellac being too delicate as a protective finish. Shellac is sufficiently protective for a musical instrument if build up thick enough. The look, the feel, the warmth of natural shellac is simply unmatched, and this is simply why I use shellac to finish my basses.