Washburn Reintroduces the Scavenger ’78 Bass
Reviving a Wing Series Original Washburn has officially brought the Wing Series back into the spotlight with the return of the Scavenger ’78 Bass — a bold design that first emerged in the late 1970s and quickly established itself as one of the brand’s most distinctive instruments. When it first appeared, the Scavenger stood apart from the sea of traditional bass shapes dominating the market. Its offset body design and assertive tonal character offered players something visually striking and sonically different. Decades later, original models have become highly desirable among collectors, and now Washburn is channeling that same spirit into a modern reissue built for today’s stage and studio demands. The new Scavenger ’78 stays true to its roots with a mahogany body and mahogany set neck construction, delivering warmth, sustain, and a focused low-end response. The 34-inch scale length provides familiar feel and tension, while the rosewood fingerboard features 22 frets and pearloid dot inlays for a classic look and smooth playability. A comfortable neck profile and balanced body design make it equally suited for long rehearsals and live performance sets. Electronics are built around a powerful P-style pickup configuration, designed to produce punchy mids, solid fundamental lows, and enough articulation to cut through dense mixes. A straightforward Volume and Tone control layout keeps dialing in your sound intuitive and performance-ready. Vintage-inspired hardware complements the aesthetic while ensuring dependable tuning stability and sustain. Visually, the Scavenger ’78 retains the rebellious identity that defined the original Wing Series era. Its distinctive silhouette remains unmistakable, offering players an alternative to more conventional bass designs without sacrificing comfort or versatility. With the Scavenger ’78, Washburn bridges past and present — honoring a cult classic while delivering the reliability and tone modern bassists expect. For players seeking vintage attitude, unmistakable styling, and foundational low-end power, the Wing Series has officially taken flight once again.