Description

The 1993 Status Graphite Eclipse 5 Fretless Bass in Blue Burst is a distinctive British-made 5-string bass from one of the most interesting periods in Status Graphite production.

The Eclipse series combined more traditional wooden construction with Status engineering, including a maple neck reinforced with graphite rods, a rosewood fingerboard, active electronics and Status pickups. The result is a bass that retains a familiar playing feel while benefiting from the stability, clarity and precision closely associated with Status instruments.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 10.28 lbs and is supplied without a case.

AT A GLANCE

Detail Specification
Brand Status Graphite
Model Eclipse 5
Year 1993
Type 5-String Fretless Bass
Finish Blue Burst
Country United Kingdom
Weight 10.28 lbs
Condition Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case Not Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned 1993 Status Graphite Eclipse 5 Fretless Bass in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects a bass that has been well looked after overall while showing the light cosmetic signs expected from an instrument of this age.

The bass weighs an actual 10.28 lbs.

No case is included.

KEY FEATURES

  • 1993 Status Graphite Eclipse 5

  • 5-string fretless bass

  • Blue Burst finish

  • Made in the UK

  • Maple neck

  • Graphite neck reinforcement

  • Rosewood fingerboard

  • 34" scale length

  • Status pickups

  • Active Status electronics

  • 5-string low-B format

  • Actual measured weight of 10.28 lbs

  • Very Good Pre-Owned condition

  • No case included

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The Status Graphite Eclipse 5 offers a particularly interesting combination of traditional bass construction and Status technology. Its graphite-reinforced maple neck provides additional stability while retaining the feel and appearance of a conventional wooden neck.

As a fretless 5-string, it also offers a broad tonal and playing range. The extended low B adds depth and flexibility, while the fretless fingerboard allows smooth slides, expressive vibrato and the singing sustain associated with fretless bass playing.

The Blue Burst finish gives this example a distinctive period look, while the active Status electronics make it a serious performance instrument rather than simply an unusual vintage piece.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Graphite-Reinforced Maple Neck

The Eclipse series used a maple neck reinforced internally with graphite rods. This helps increase stiffness and stability while retaining the familiar feel of a traditional wooden neck, giving the bass a strong foundation for consistent fretless playing.

Fretless Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard gives the Eclipse 5 a smooth playing surface suited to expressive fretless techniques. Slides, vibrato and fluid position changes become an important part of the instrument's character, making it particularly appealing for players who want a more vocal and expressive bass sound.

Five-String Range

The 5-string format extends the bass into the lower register with a low B string, providing additional depth for modern rock, fusion, funk, progressive music and studio work without requiring constant position changes higher up the neck.

Active Status Electronics

The bass uses active Status electronics, giving it a stronger output and greater tonal shaping capability than a simple passive bass. This makes it easier to tailor the sound for different amplifiers, recording setups and playing styles.

Status Pickups

Status pickups are designed for clarity and definition, qualities that are especially important on a fretless 5-string where note separation and articulation can easily become blurred.

34" Scale Length

The 34" scale keeps the Eclipse 5 within a familiar long-scale bass format while supporting the extended low-B string. This gives players accustomed to conventional basses a relatively natural transition into a 5-string fretless setup.

Blue Burst Finish

The Blue Burst finish gives this bass a distinctive early-'90s appearance and makes it stand out from more conventional natural, black or sunburst basses.

10.28 lbs Actual Weight

This individual bass weighs 10.28 lbs, giving buyers a precise indication of how this specific instrument will feel rather than relying on a generic catalogue figure.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Status Graphite Eclipse 5 Fretless is particularly well suited to experienced bassists, fretless players and musicians looking for a distinctive British-made 5-string bass.

It is an especially strong choice for players who value articulation, extended range and expressive fretless techniques, as well as those interested in early-'90s Status instruments.

It will also appeal to bassists moving from a traditional 4-string fretless who want the additional range of a low B without moving to an unusually long scale.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The Eclipse 5 Fretless works especially well for fusion, progressive rock, funk, jazz, ambient music, pop, studio work and expressive modern bass playing.

Its fretless fingerboard allows smooth slides and vocal-style phrasing, while the active electronics and Status pickups provide enough clarity to keep extended-range notes defined.

The low B string also makes it useful for modern arrangements where deeper notes are required without detuning the instrument.

HOW IT COMPARES

Status Eclipse 5 vs Traditional Fretless Bass

A conventional fretless bass often uses an all-wood neck and passive electronics. The Eclipse 5 adds graphite neck reinforcement, active electronics and a 5-string layout, giving it greater stability, tonal control and extended range.

Status Eclipse 5 vs Full Graphite-Neck Status

Many Status instruments are known for full graphite neck construction. The Eclipse series instead uses a wooden maple neck with graphite reinforcement, making it a useful middle ground for players who want some of the stability associated with graphite while retaining a more traditional neck feel.

5-String Fretless vs 4-String Fretless

The additional low B extends the usable range and can reduce the need for large position shifts. The trade-off is a wider neck and slightly greater overall weight, but for players needing extended low-end range the added flexibility can be significant.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification Details
Product Type 5-String Fretless Electric Bass
Brand Status Graphite
Model Eclipse 5
Year 1993
Finish Blue Burst
Country of Manufacture United Kingdom
Neck Material Maple
Neck Reinforcement Graphite Rods
Fingerboard Rosewood
Fretted / Fretless Fretless
Scale Length 34"
Number of Strings 5
Pickups Status
Electronics Active Status Electronics
Weight 10.28 lbs
Case Not Included
Condition Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The Status Graphite Eclipse 5 uses active electronics and therefore requires a battery for powered operation.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Experienced bassists, fretless players and musicians wanting a distinctive British-made 5-string with active electronics and extended low-end range.

Customers usually upgrade from: Traditional 4-string fretless basses, passive 5-string basses and more conventional production instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Clean bass amplification, studio preamps, compression, chorus and other effects that preserve note definition and dynamics.

Our tip: Fretless 5-string basses reward a light, controlled touch. The graphite-reinforced neck and active electronics give the Eclipse 5 a particularly precise platform for expressive playing.

Showroom feedback: The combination of a fretless 5-string layout, Blue Burst finish and early-'90s Status construction makes this a genuinely distinctive bass with far more character than a standard modern production instrument.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned 1993 Status Graphite Eclipse 5 Fretless Bass gives you access to an unusual British-made instrument from a distinctive period of Status production.

This example is in Very Good condition, weighs 10.28 lbs and is supplied without a case, making the important item-specific details clear from the outset.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging basses, guitars, amplifiers, effects and other musical equipment.

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.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice, helping customers choose equipment that genuinely suits their playing style and requirements.

Customers benefit from:

  • Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

  • Birmingham's largest independent music store

  • 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

  • Knowledgeable musician-led advice

  • Extensive experience with Pre-Owned and unusual bass guitars

  • Large Birmingham showroom

  • Secure online ordering

  • Fast UK delivery

  • Friendly customer support

  • Part-exchange and trade-in service

  • Request a Video Demo option

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your current bass, guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Status Graphite Eclipse 5.

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

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a bass or other equipment that you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange against this Status Graphite.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next purchase.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Contact Fair Deal Music for a no-obligation valuation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Status Graphite Eclipse 5 used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned 1993 Status Graphite Eclipse 5 in Very Good condition.

Is this bass fretless?

Yes. This is a fretless 5-string bass.

What finish does it have?

It has a Blue Burst finish.

Where was it made?

It was made in the United Kingdom.

What is the neck made from?

It has a maple neck with graphite reinforcement rods.

Is the neck fully graphite?

No. The Eclipse series uses a wooden maple neck reinforced with graphite rather than the full graphite neck construction found on some other Status models.

What fingerboard does it have?

It uses a rosewood fingerboard.

What is the scale length?

The bass uses a 34" scale length.

How many strings does it have?

It has five strings, including an extended low B.

What pickups are fitted?

It uses Status pickups.

Does it have active electronics?

Yes. It uses active Status electronics.

Does it require a battery?

Yes. The active electronics require battery power.

How much does this bass weigh?

This individual bass weighs 10.28 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case is included.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Is it suitable for studio use?

Yes. The combination of active electronics, clear pickups and fretless articulation makes it particularly useful for recording.

Is it suitable for beginners?

A beginner could certainly use it, but the fretless 5-string layout is generally better suited to players who already have some experience with bass technique and intonation.

What styles suit this bass?

It works especially well for fusion, jazz, funk, progressive rock, pop, ambient music and expressive studio playing.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo can be especially useful with a fretless instrument to hear its response and see its condition in greater detail.

Can I part-exchange another bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers basses and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.

Good to Know

How long is the warranty period?

For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.

What is the estimated delivery time?

We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.

For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you

Do you offer international shipping?

We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote

What is the maintinance on your USED products?
  • Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
  • Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?

We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

Need more help?

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