Vintage V4BKL ReIssued Bass Guitar – Rocker Black with Mirror Scratchplate

Vintage V4BKL ReIssued Series Bass – Rocker Black / Mirror Scratchplate

Black with a mirror scratchplate is one of those combinations that never goes out of style — it looks sharp, it looks confident, and it suits a wide range of playing contexts from classic rock to modern stages. The V4BKL pairs that visual appeal with the same thoughtful, component-focused design approach that defines the whole Vintage ReIssued Series.

Designed and created in the UK by the Vintage design team, the V4BKL is built on the principle that the right choice of timber, hardware and pickup — rather than a high price tag — is what makes a genuinely playable, great-sounding bass. The result is an instrument that works just as well as a first bass for a new player as it does as a reliable, credible gigging instrument for someone more experienced.

The Low End

At the core of the V4BKL is a Wilkinson BP (M) WBP split coil pickup with Alnico V magnets. Alnico V is chosen specifically for its ability to preserve sub frequencies — giving the bass a full, warm, rock-solid low-end foundation rather than the thinner, more compressed tone that cheaper pickup designs can produce. The result is a bass that sits properly in a mix, supports other instruments convincingly, and responds well across different playing styles.

Controls are kept simple — independent master volume and tone — keeping the signal path clean and the playing experience focused on playing rather than menu-diving.

Neck, Fingerboard and Feel

The neck is hard maple with a bolt-on joint and Vintage's classic soft C profile — a shape designed for instant comfort and fast, accurate playing, suited to a wide range of hand sizes. The rosewood fingerboard runs at a traditional 12" radius with 20 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays, giving you a familiar, comfortable playing surface with strong tonal transfer and long-term durability.

The nut is a 42mm Graphtech NuBone — a significant detail at this price point. NuBone reduces friction at the nut, which improves tuning stability during bending and general playing, and it contributes to the overall tonal clarity of the instrument.

Body, Bridge and Hardware

The body is alder — a classic tonewood known for its resonance, balanced frequency response and comfortable weight. The Wilkinson compensated four brass saddle bridge is designed for improved intonation across the full fretboard, and the Wilkinson WJBL175 machine heads provide stable, reliable tuning that stays in place without constant adjustment.

The mirror finish scratchplate is the detail that makes the V4BKL stand apart visually — a bold, clean contrast against the Rocker Black finish that gives the whole instrument a classic, confident look.

Who Is It For?

Vintage describe their philosophy as making guitars equally at home in a bedroom, a garage band, with a local player or on any of the world's most famous stages — and the V4BKL embodies that approach. It's a strong first bass, a genuinely capable gigging instrument, and an excellent backup or practice bass for more established players who want reliable performance without worrying about expensive gear.

Key Features

• Alder body — resonant, balanced tone, comfortable weight
• Hard maple bolt-on neck with classic soft C profile
• Rosewood fingerboard — 12" radius, 20 medium jumbo frets
• Pearloid dot neck inlays
• 42mm Graphtech NuBone nut for smooth tuning and tonal clarity
• Wilkinson BP (M) WBP split coil pickup with Alnico V magnets
• Wilkinson compensated four brass saddle bridge
• Independent master volume and tone controls
• Wilkinson WJBL175 machine heads for reliable tuning stability
• Mirror finish scratchplate
• Classic Vintage headstock design
• 34" / 864mm scale length
• Rocker Black finish
• Designed and created in the UK by the Vintage design team
• SKU: V4BKL

Specifications

What's Included

• Vintage V4BKL ReIssued Bass Guitar

Also Available

The V4 ReIssued Bass is available in additional finishes including Sunset Sunburst. If you'd like to compare finishes or talk through which suits you, get in touch and we'll help.