The G4M 972 Fanned Fret Bass Guitar in Red Burl Burst is a modern four-string multiscale bass combining striking figured-wood styling with extended-scale performance and versatile active/passive electronics.

Its USA basswood body with poplar eye burl top is paired with a roasted maple neck and roasted maple fingerboard, while the 34.5"–35.5" fanned-fret scale provides progressively greater tension towards the lower strings.

Two angled soapbar pickups feed an onboard active/passive system with pickup blend and 3-band EQ, making the 972 suitable for everything from clean contemporary bass tones through to heavier rock and metal sounds.

This example is presented in Very Good Condition, weighs 10.44 lbs, and is sold without a case or gigbag.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	G4M
Model	972 Fanned Fret Bass
Finish	Red Burl Burst
Strings	4
Body	USA Basswood
Top	Poplar Eye Burl
Neck	Roasted Maple
Fingerboard	Roasted Maple
Scale Length	34.5"–35.5" Multiscale
Radius	16"
Frets	24 Stainless Steel
Pickups	2 x Angled Soapbars
Electronics	Active / Passive
EQ	3-Band Bass / Middle / Treble
Bridge	Individual Angled Saddles
Weight	10.44 lbs
Condition	Very Good
Included	Bass Only – No Case

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This G4M 972 Fanned Fret Bass is presented in Very Good Condition.

It shows some cosmetic evidence of previous use consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

The gloss Red Burl Burst top, black back and sides, hardware, electronics and multiscale setup have been checked as part of our pre-owned assessment.

What's Included?

✔ G4M 972 Fanned Fret Bass Guitar Red Burl Burst

✘ No Case Included
✘ No Gigbag Included

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned bass has been checked for general operation and playability, including:

• Neck/middle soapbar pickup
• Bridge soapbar pickup
• Pickup blend
• Volume control
• Active/passive switching
• Bass EQ
• Middle EQ
• Treble EQ
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Roasted maple fingerboard
• Stainless-steel frets
• Nut
• Tuners
• Individual bridge saddles
• General hardware
• Overall setup
• General playability

What Makes The G4M 972 Special?

The 972 combines several contemporary features rarely found together at this price point: a multiscale layout, roasted maple neck and fingerboard, stainless-steel frets, burl top and active/passive electronics.

The fanned-fret design is particularly useful on bass because the lower strings benefit from additional scale length and tension, while the upper strings retain a more familiar feel.

34.5"–35.5" Multiscale

Rather than giving all four strings the same scale length, the 972 uses a progressive:

34.5"–35.5" scale

This helps provide:

• Tighter lower-string response
• Improved note definition
• More balanced tension
• Stronger low-end articulation
• Familiar feel on the upper strings

USA Basswood Body

The body is made from USA basswood.

Basswood provides:

• Balanced midrange
• Controlled low frequencies
• Smooth upper response
• Good compatibility with active electronics

Poplar Eye Burl Top

A poplar eye burl top gives the bass its distinctive visual character.

The natural figuring is highlighted by the transparent Red Burl Burst gloss finish, while the back and sides are finished in black.

Roasted Maple Neck

The neck is made from roasted maple with a satin finish.

Roasting gives the wood its darker appearance while providing a smooth, modern feel.

The neck uses a D profile.

Roasted Maple Fingerboard

The fingerboard is also made from roasted maple and features:

• 16" radius
• 24 stainless-steel frets
• Black dot inlays
• Green Luminlay side markers

24 Stainless-Steel Frets

The bass uses 24 stainless-steel frets.

Stainless steel provides excellent wear resistance and a smooth playing surface, while the 24-fret layout gives a full two-octave range on each string.

Luminlay Side Markers

Green Luminlay side dots improve visibility in lower-light stage environments.

This is particularly useful on a multiscale instrument where the angled fret layout may initially feel less familiar.

42mm Bone Nut

The nut width is approximately:

42mm

The nut is made from black bone, complementing the black hardware and binding.

Dual Angled Soapbar Pickups

The 972 uses two angled soapbar pickups.

Their angle follows the multiscale layout and provides a modern, high-output bass voice suitable for:

• Rock
• Metal
• Progressive music
• Alternative
• Fusion
• Modern clean playing

Active / Passive Electronics

The bass can operate in both:

Active and Passive modes

A push/pull function on the volume control selects between the two.

This provides useful flexibility if you want either:

• A more direct passive sound
• Greater active EQ control

3-Band EQ

In active mode, separate controls adjust:

• Bass
• Middle
• Treble

This allows substantial tonal shaping directly from the instrument.

Pickup Blend

The blend control allows continuous adjustment between the two pickups rather than relying on a fixed selector switch.

This makes it easy to move from fuller neck-position sounds to tighter, more articulate bridge tones.

Individual Saddle Bridge

The 972 uses an angled individual-saddle bridge system.

Each string has its own bridge unit, following the multiscale geometry.

String spacing is approximately:

18mm

Black Hardware

The bass uses black hardware throughout, including:

• Bridge saddles
• Tuners
• Strap buttons
• Pickup covers

This complements the Red Burl Burst and black body finish.

Weight

10.44 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual bass.

The substantial construction gives it a solid feel, and a supportive strap may be preferable for longer standing performances.

Who Is It For?

Modern bassists – Multiscale construction and active electronics provide plenty of flexibility.

Rock and metal players – Longer bass-side scale and soapbar pickups suit tight, defined rhythm work.

Progressive players – Multiscale geometry and 24 frets provide a modern technical platform.

Studio musicians – Active/passive switching and 3-band EQ offer useful tonal variety.

Players interested in multiscale instruments – A practical way to experience fanned frets without moving into boutique pricing.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Rock
• Metal
• Progressive metal
• Progressive rock
• Alternative
• Fusion
• Funk
• Modern pop
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Technical bass playing

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	4-String Multiscale Electric Bass
Brand	G4M
Model	972 Fanned Fret Bass
Finish	Red Burl Burst Gloss
Back / Sides Finish	Black Gloss
Body Material	USA Basswood
Top	Poplar Eye Burl
Neck Material	Roasted Maple
Neck Construction	7-Screw Bolt-On
Neck Profile	D
Neck Finish	Natural Satin
Fingerboard	Roasted Maple
Fingerboard Radius	16"
Scale Length	34.5"–35.5" Multiscale
Frets	24
Fret Material	Stainless Steel
Nut	Black Bone
Nut Width	42mm
Side Markers	Green Luminlay
Pickup Configuration	HH
Pickups	2 x Angled Soapbars
Electronics	Active / Passive
Controls	Push/Pull Volume, Blend, Bass, Middle, Treble
Bridge	Angled Individual Saddles
String Spacing	18mm
Tuners	Sealed Die-Cast
Hardware Finish	Black
Standard String Gauge	.045–.105
Weight	10.44 lbs
Included	No Case or Gigbag
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

Multiscale Setup Note

Multiscale basses require the same basic setup principles as conventional instruments, but the angled bridge and fret geometry should be taken into account when adjusting:

• Intonation
• Action
• Neck relief
• Pickup height

Substantial changes in string gauge or tuning may require a corresponding setup.

Power Requirements

The onboard active electronics require battery power when used in active mode.

Passive operation is available via the push/pull volume control.

No external power supply is required.

Case Note

No case or gigbag is included.

A suitable bass case or gigbag should be checked for compatibility with the instrument's dimensions before purchase.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The G4M 972 Fanned Fret Bass in Red Burl Burst offers an impressive range of modern features in a distinctive instrument.

Its 34.5"–35.5" multiscale, roasted maple neck and fingerboard, stainless-steel frets and active/passive electronics create a capable platform for contemporary bass playing, while the poplar eye burl top gives it considerably more visual impact than a conventional solid-colour instrument.

The extended bass-side scale is particularly useful for maintaining low-string definition, and the active 3-band EQ provides plenty of flexibility when moving between amplifiers, recording setups and different musical styles.

This example weighs 10.44 lbs, is presented in Very Good Condition, and is sold without a case or gigbag.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned bass at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition, measured weight and included accessories are clearly represented.

This G4M is offered with:

• Very Good condition
• Red Burl Burst finish
• Multiscale construction
• Active/passive electronics
• 10.44 lbs actual measured weight
• No case or gigbag included

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing bass or other equipment could help towards your next purchase.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this G4M 972 in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic evidence of careful previous use while remaining fully functional.

Is this a multiscale bass?

Yes. It uses a 34.5"–35.5" multiscale layout.

What are fanned frets?

Fanned frets allow each string to use a different effective scale length, providing increased tension on the lower strings while retaining a more familiar upper-string feel.

How many strings does it have?

It is a four-string bass.

What is the body made from?

It has a USA basswood body.

What is the top made from?

It has a poplar eye burl top.

What is the neck made from?

It uses a roasted maple neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a roasted maple fingerboard.

How many frets does it have?

It has 24 stainless-steel frets.

What is the fingerboard radius?

It uses a 16" radius.

What pickups does it have?

It uses two angled soapbar pickups.

Is it active?

It offers both active and passive operation.

What controls does it have?

It has push/pull volume for active/passive switching, pickup blend and a 3-band bass, middle and treble EQ.

Does active mode require a battery?

Yes.

Can it still be played passively?

Yes. Passive mode is selected using the push/pull volume control.

What are the glowing side markers?

The neck uses Green Luminlay side dots to improve visibility in darker environments.

How much does it weigh?

This individual bass weighs 10.44 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case or gigbag is included.

Is it suitable for metal?

Yes. The multiscale design, soapbar pickups and active EQ make it particularly suitable for modern rock and metal tones.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the Red Burl Burst finish or hear the active, passive and pickup-blend settings before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of instruments and equipment.