The Charvel Custom Shop USA Masterbuilt So-Cal Frank Bello Bass IV – Black is a bold, no-compromise instrument handcrafted with performance, tone, and precision in mind. Masterbuilt in the USA, this bass merges classic San Dimas styling with modern muscle, fine-tuned to meet the rigorous demands of one of metal’s most iconic bassists: Frank Bello of Anthrax.
At the heart of this aggressive yet refined beast is a San Dimas-style alder body, delivering a balanced and punchy tonal foundation. The mirror pickguard adds a striking visual edge, while complementing the sleek black finish with unapologetic attitude. Designed with performance and comfort in mind, this bass features a bolt-on construction with a one-piece quartersawn maple neck, offering remarkable stability and snap.
The neck is shaped to perfection, with a fast, comfortable profile measuring .797" at the 3rd fret and .920" at the 12th, making it equally suited for aggressive riffing or technical finesse. The plain maple fingerboard sports black block inlays and a compound radius of 12" to 16", providing a smooth playing surface ideal for everything from groove-heavy lines to upper-register soloing. 20 jumbo frets ensure effortless playability, while blue-ring luminary side dots offer superior visibility in dark stage environments. Finished in oil, the neck feels organic and broken-in right out of the case, with a 1.630" nut width offering a classic, familiar feel.
The electronics are all about power and clarity. A Frank Bello signature EMG P/J pickup set—featuring an EMG P-style in the neck and J-style in the bridge—delivers punch, growl, and cutting articulation across the tonal spectrum. Whether you’re laying down thick low-end or slicing through the mix with midrange bite, these pickups give you the firepower to do it all.
Hardware is top-tier, featuring a Hipshot Kickass IV bridge in chrome for rock-solid intonation and sustain, matched with Hipshot Ultralite clover tuners that reduce headstock weight and improve balance. The classic licensed Fender headstock design adds to the instrument’s heritage-inspired appeal.
Every detail of the Charvel Custom Shop USA Masterbuilt So-Cal Frank Bello Bass IV has been considered and refined to create a true player’s instrument—one that stands up to the intensity of the stage and delivers uncompromising tone, reliability, and style. This is not just a tribute—it’s a weapon built for serious musicians who demand the best.