When Robert Trujillo wanted a new 5-string bass with a distinctive look and sound, he collaborated with Zon Guitars to come up with the Sonus RT5 Deluxe. The RT5's tone is said to perfectly integrate into guitar-heavy metal and rock while cutting through with a distinctive, powerful voice.

The Sonus RT5 Deluxe features a two-piece, maple figured body mated to a custom-tapered, bolt on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The neck is finished with flat urethane. Electronics start with two custom EMG single-coil pickups into a custom ZB3 Bartolini preamp with active tone controls for the bass, midrange, and treble bands. There is boost and cut of +/-15dB for each band. The midrange is centered at 400 Hz, providing variable tonal weight and depth. Volume and pickup-blend controls allow further sonic shaping.

An alternate version of the Sonus RT5 Deluxe is the Sonus RT5. The RT5 shares most of the Deluxe's features but with a ZB2 two-band EQ system, a two-piece maple body and a bookmatched figured maple top. Standard finishes are: natural, transparent black, red, blue. Optional finishes include: Sunburst or Tobaccoburst.

Other notables: Zon makes the bridge out of machined brass, Gotoh GB-7 tuning machines are standard, all hardware is chromed or (black optional), and as an option you can order a Hipshot X-tender.

Prices are $2,595 for the Sonus RT5 and $2,895 for the Sonus RT5 Deluxe with gig bags included. Both models are handcrafted in Zon Guitars' California shop and available from all Zon Guitars dealers worldwide. Telephone: 650-366-3516 or visit www.zonguitars.com