Atelier Z
Since 1989
Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1989 by master builder Masashi Sugimoto (Days Corporation), Atelier Z is globally renowned as the definitive benchmark for modern slap bass tone. Developed in close collaboration with legendary fusion bassist Tomohito Aoki, Atelier Z's flagship M#245 (4-string) and M#265 (5-string) basses feature heavyweight selected white ash bodies, precision low-action fretwork, proprietary JBZ pickups, and Bartolini XTCT preamps (custom voiced with the famed Spectrum Boost circuit). Celebrated for their thunderous attack, crystal-clear high-frequency scoop, and unmatched low-B string definition, Atelier Z instruments are the premier choice of virtuoso session players, J-Rock innovators, and funk masters worldwide.
37
Years in Business
85K+
Guitars Sold
$18M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Atelier Z Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Atelier Z guitars.
Atelier Z Price Overview
Atelier Z covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,680
+4.6% vs last year
eBay Listings
160
Active listings
Sold This Month
38
+3.2% vs last month
Price Range
$780-$3,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Atelier Z Timeline
Masashi Sugimoto Founds Atelier Z
Established Days Corporation and launched Atelier Z in Tokyo, focusing exclusively on crafting extreme-definition professional electric basses.
Tomohito Aoki Signature M#245
Collaborated with Japan's premier fusion bassist Tomohito Aoki to create the legendary M#245, codifying the heavy ash body and Bartolini XTCT slap tone.
M#265 Five-String Revolution
Engineered the M#265 5-string model, solving low-B floppiness with high-tension string anchoring and ultra-rigid quarter-sawn maple construction.
Beta 24-Fret & Jino Models
Expanded the lineup with the Beta series for modern solo bassists needing 24-fret upper access, followed by Kenji 'Jino' Hino signatures.
Baby Z & Atelier Z Guitars
Launched the critically acclaimed Baby Z 30-inch short scale and broadened custom shop production for electric guitars (L.E.S. and Lower East Side).
Global Slap Bass Benchmark
Atelier Z stands unchallenged as the holy grail instrument for high-velocity slap, modern R&B grooves, and immaculate Japanese craftsmanship.
Complete Atelier Z Product Lineup
If you want your slap bass to pierce through an arena mix with crystal clarity and earth-shaking low-end, there is simply no substitute for an Atelier Z M#245.
Flagship M Series (M#245 & M#265)
The quintessential Japanese slap bass standard, featuring 2-piece heavyweight selected white ash, clear acrylic pickguards, and Bartolini XTCT.
The Aoki Tomohito standard: Badass/Atelier Z bridge, JBZ-4 pickups, massive mid-scooped funk slap attack.
Industry-standard low-B clarity and definition, 18mm or 19mm string spacing with unwavering dynamic punch.
Upgraded with an added middle mini-humbucker pickup for expanded modern fusion versatility.
Beta & Modern 24-Fret Series
Ergonomic deep-cutaway designs engineered for progressive fusion soloing, extended-range chord work, and contemporary pop sessions.
24-fret fingerboard, deep lower-horn access, versatile active 3-band EQ, and lighter body balancing.
32-inch medium scale or deluxe exotic wood tops (Bubinga, Flame Maple) with high-output humbuckers.
PJ pickup configuration delivering earth-shattering low-end grind alongside classic Atelier Z punch.
Artist Signatures & Short-Scale (Baby Z)
Purpose-built session tools designed alongside top international recording artists and road musicians.
30-inch short scale marvel packing full-scale Bartolini active punch into a travel-ready lightweight package.
Kenji Jino Hino custom specs with matching painted headstock, custom coil-tapping, and high-gain electronics.
Atelier Z's custom-shop Stratocaster-style guitars featuring lacquer finishes and hand-selected tonewoods.
"If you want your slap bass to pierce through an arena mix with crystal clarity and earth-shaking low-end, there is simply no substitute for an Atelier Z M#245."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Slap Bass Benchmark ($1,550 – $2,100 Used)
Body Weight & Resonant Density
Authentic M#245s feature dense 2-piece White Ash weighing 4.3kg to 4.8kg (9.5–10.5 lbs); this deliberate heft is the acoustic secret behind the lightning-fast transient response.
Bartolini XTCT + Spectrum Boost
Equipped with the Bartolini XTCT preamp wired with Atelier Z's proprietary Spectrum Boost wiring, yielding an aggressive treble sparkle and seismic bass scoop.
Fret Leveling & Low-Action Setup
Tokyo factory setup delivers legendary ultra-low action without choking; check for fret wear on frets 1–7 from aggressive slap-and-pop technique.
Modern 24-Fret Fusion Power ($1,250 – $1,800 Used)
Effortless Upper-Register Access
Deeper cutaway allows smooth thumb positioning all the way to the 24th fret for progressive melodic lines.
Active/Passive Versatility
Push-pull volume control switches from hi-fi active bite to warm, organic passive vintage J-bass tones.
Ergonomic Weight Relief
Features slightly slimmer ash or alder bodies (around 3.9kg–4.2kg), ideal for 3-hour live performances.