Nik Huber has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most respected boutique luthiers, blending precision craftsmanship with a soulful, player-focused design ethos. The Rietbergen Bass is Huber’s lean, no-frills answer to the classic P-style instrument — a design that pares the electric bass down to the essentials so that ground-shaking tone and ergonomic feel take center stage. As expected, the Rietbergen spec sheet is ambitious and uncompromising, a tall order that comes together into a seriously impressive instrument.
This 2023 Rietbergen Bass features a semi-hollow Swamp Ash body with a carved Maple top. The top is finished in Worn Onyx Black, and the Swamp Ash has a thin Open Pore finish that shows off the intense Ash grain. The neck made from beautiful Flame Maple, and the spec sheet lists the fingerboard as Rosewood, but man! It is dark and smooth like Ebony. Mother-Of-Pearl block inlays pop against the darker colors, and we love how the brushed Nickel metal parts match the vibe of the Worn Onyx Black. In your hands, this Rietbergen feels like a high-end bass built from the finest materials available. Boutique, fancy, and made to be "the best instrument possible."
In your hands or on a strap, this 2023 Rietbergen Bass feels comfortable and managable. Because of the semi-hollow construction, it only weighs in at 7 lbs 15.4 oz, and the 32" scale feels fast and super playable—just easy to stretch out and find the groove. The semi-hollow body produces natural acoustic resonance that translates into powerful low end with the single "Thunder Style" P-Bass pickup (made by Haussel). The tone remains focused and the response is immediate, and the fundamental low-end of this Rietbergen will rattle windows and doors, but also fit perfectly into any band mix.
On this 2023 Rietbergen Bass, the nut measures 1-5/8", and it is currently set up with half-wound strings and low, inviting action. This particular bass was built as a presentation model for the 2023 NAMM Show. Because of that, it shows some minor play wear to the treble side of the top (see photos), but it is fairly clean all around for a pre-owned instrument. It includes its original case and Huber paperwork.