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The Official Bass of Anthrax Debuts a New Black Sapphire Finish
The Black Sapphire NC-4 introduces a darker, more aggressive visual identity while keeping the design, feel, and performance that defines Bello’s signature model. Featuring a matching headstock and inlays, the Black Sapphire finish further reinforces the thrash metal aesthetic associated with Anthrax and Bello’s unmistakable presence on stage and in the studio.
The NC-4 Frank Bello is rooted in Spector’s heritage and the classic American bolt-on bass design with modern contours for enhanced playability. The instrument features a refined body shape with a radiused top and a uniquely contoured neck heel, offering a more comfortable and agile playing experience. An alder body provides a balanced tonal foundation, while the one-piece maple neck and maple fingerboard contribute clarity, articulation, and snap. The neck profile is slim yet comfortable, modeled after several of Bello’s most valued vintage instruments for a familiar, broken-in feel. The bass features a 34-inch scale length and is visually unified by its matching headstock and inlays, all finished in the striking Black Sapphire color.
Electronics on the NC-4 Frank Bello reflect a straightforward, performance-focused approach. The bass is equipped with Frank Bello’s signature EMG P/J pickup set, paired with a simple control layout consisting of two volume controls and a master tone control. This configuration allows players to quickly blend pickups and shape their sound with ease, whether performing live or working in the studio.
Hardware appointments are equally purposeful, combining vintage-inspired chrome tuners with a modern, fully adjustable bridge for reliable tuning stability and precise setup. Designed to withstand the demands of professional touring and recording, the NC-4 Frank Bello Black Sapphire is built to deliver consistency and confidence on the world’s biggest stages. Frank Bello’s career spans nearly 40 years, from his early days as a guitar tech to becoming a defining force in thrash metal as the bassist for Anthrax, one of the genre’s iconic “Big Four.” His aggressive playing style and commanding stage presence continue to influence generations of bassists.
“I’ve had my Spector bass out on tour and in the studio for the past year, and it’s gone above and beyond my expectations—whether on the biggest stages or in the studio,” says Frank Bello. “I’m thrilled to introduce the new Sapphire Black version for all the players who’ve been asking for it. Cheers to Spector for making it happen!”
Where to buy:
For more information on the NC-4 Frank Bello Black Sapphire Signature Bass and the complete Spector Bass lineup, visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.spectorbass.com
Street Price: $1499.99 USD
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