Washburn Released the Scavenger Bass Reissue
The iconic bass guitar from the brand's Wing series has returned to the market.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Rock
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Washburn has officially released a reissue of its classic Scavenger bass guitar. This instrument marks a revival of designs rooted in the company's 1978 Wing series.
Why it matters
The reissue provides modern players with a new iteration of a vintage-style instrument. It preserves the classic aesthetics and construction methods that defined the original series while introducing current manufacturing standards.
The new Scavenger bass retails for $699 and is manufactured in Indonesia. It features a 34-inch scale length, a 41 mm nut width, and a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard on a mahogany neck.
The players
Washburn
Washburn is a longstanding musical instrument manufacturer known for producing a wide range of guitars and basses.
The details
The instrument is constructed with a mahogany body and features a bolt-on neck design. It is equipped with a split-coil pickup configuration and a bridge that supports through-body stringing, providing a classic tonal profile and sustain.
Timeline
Washburn originally launched its Wing series in 1978.
The Scavenger bass reissue was released in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The return of the Scavenger bass highlights a growing trend among legacy music brands to tap into nostalgia by reissuing sought-after vintage designs. This shift allows manufacturers to leverage established brand heritage to compete in an increasingly crowded entry-to-mid-level instrument market.
Musicians can now purchase the new Scavenger model for $699 through retail channels. The lightweight 7.5lb body and 19mm string spacing at the bridge offer specific ergonomic adjustments for players looking for a compact, versatile bass setup.
The takeaway
The Scavenger reissue offers a blend of vintage-inspired mahogany construction and modern manufacturing precision. Players seeking a balance of classic tone and contemporary playability will find the bolt-on, split-coil design suitable for a variety of musical genres.
Further reading
For more information on the current landscape of vintage-inspired instruments, visit the Rock section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guitarworld.
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