The intention behind the Hermit design was to create a lightweight short scale bass with a clean aesthetic, capable of producing a versatile range of tones and suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

While the core features remain the same, I like to approach each build as an opportunity to explore different options. Whether it’s the wood selection, the amount of weight relief, the pickup design or placement, choice of hardware or other changes.. no two Hermits are exactly the same.

Each one is built by hand in my workshop, from the initial selection and preparation of the wood, shaping the bodies and carving the necks, to winding the pickups and finishing.

Click here to see basses currently available to buy, or to see photos of previous builds, visit the Gallery.

For the bodies, I typically use Swamp Ash, Limba, African Mahogany or other light/medium weight woods. The bodies are also chambered to reduce the weight further.

Necks are made from Maple and/or Walnut, with multi-laminate construction to ensure stability. Ebony fretboards and two-way truss rods are used on all basses.

I use a variety of different woods for the tops, from native species such as English Walnut, Elm and Ash, to more exotic woods from around the world.

I design and handwind the pickups myself. The exact configuration varies from bass to bass, but I generally use a split-coil arrangement for noise-free operation. The pickups are fitted inside either wooden or 3D printed covers.

My preferred preamps are from either Nordstrand Audio or Richter, with individual controls for bass, mid and treble and push/pull volume pots to switch the bass into passive mode.

The bridges and tuners are from Hipshot, Schaller or Gotoh. Dunlop Flush Mount strap locks and Luminlay glow in the dark side dot inlays are fitted as standard.

All my instruments are finished in satin hardwax oil. It does a great job of enhancing the colour and figure of the wood, while providing a smooth, natural-looking finish that feels great to the touch.

Although it doesn't provide the protection of a lacquered finish, hardwax oil, unlike lacquer, can't chip or flake off and develops a natural patina over time. Maintenance is minimal and any damage can be easily repaired and re-finished.

Hermit's are fitted with tapewound strings. The low tension and super smooth feel complement the character of the instrument perfectly.