The small, lightweight P-Bass body is the second most noticeable thing about the Luna Paz Lenchantin Signature Bass, the first being the handsome paisley-ish pickguard design. DeVilliers explains that U.K. henna artist Alex Morgan handcrafted the pattern, which was then digitally rendered. The design is laser-burned into the cedar pickguards, which are then sanded and clear-coated. The final product is pretty darn stylish, with a look that’s eye-catching and distinctive without being over-thetop. The moon-phase mother-of-pearl position inlays further enhance the Paz’s panache, as do the toasty tint on the maple headstock and burned-in Luna logo. The body shape felt natural and comfortable—not too small for my ratherly unwomanly physique—and though the neck dove a bit on my lap, the instrument remained well balanced strapped across my shoulders. The neck had a comfortable, rounded feel that wasn’t quite as chunky as my ’70s Fender Precision, but it still felt familiar, especially with its worn-feeling light satin finish. The angled neck heel allowed full access past the waning quarter moon to the 20th fret. From there down to the nut, the fretboard played even and true, and I easily corrected some lowerposition buzzes with two quarter-turns of the trussrod.
The split pickup conveyed simple P-like goodness: girthy but cutting with a hint of hollowness when the tone knob was full up, darker and more subdued with the tone turned down. By varying my attack and playing positions, I could get a fairly full palette of tone colors, from a heavy-picked growl to sing-song sweetness with soft, upper-range finger plucks. Though it could hang in a reggae or soul setting, the Paz never sounded super fat or thuddy; rather, its strengths lean toward the rock and pop side of the classic P-Bass range.
While the Luna Paz Lenchantin’s smaller body and groovy pickguard design may have been aimed toward feminine sensibilities, it wouldn’t take excessive self-assuredness for a dude to rock out on the Paz. Yes, women looking for a P-Bass vibe at a nice price should absolutely consider the Luna Paz Bass, but so should men. Its looks are seriously fly, it comes with a modest price tag, and it can rock out with the big boys. Don’t let it be a secret: This bass may be made for a woman, but it’s strong enough for a man.
LUNA PAZ LENCHANT IN SIGNATURE BASS
List $747
Street $520
Pros Light weight, great playability, and a stylish pickguard
Cons None
Bottom Line A svelte P-style bass with a distinctive look.
Scale length 34"
Body Mahogany
Neck Maple with rosewood fingerboard and mother-of-pearl position markers
Hardware Wilkinson chrome vintage-style tuners; chrome bridge, knobs, and string tree
Pickup Single P-style
Nut Graphite
Gig bag Included
Options Colors: white, black, or mahogany; hard case ($69)
Other model 5-string: $899 list, $600 street
Weight 7.9 lbs
Made in Korea
Warranty Lifetime limited
Contact www.lunaguitars.com 866-854-5045