PALM BAY MODEL ARCHIVE
ATLANTIC
LOW DOWN
The Palm Bay Atlantic brought Andrew Mackenzie’s distinctive approach to guitar building into the world of bass. Hand-built in Britain with the same emphasis on quality materials, bold design and effortless playability as its six-string stablemates, the Atlantic is unmistakably Palm Bay. Produced in small numbers and rarely seen today, it represents another fascinating chapter in the story of one of Britain’s most distinctive independent guitar makers.
2003 • ATLANTIC • NATURAL
MODEL NOTES
ABOUT THIS MODEL
The Atlantic was Palm Bay’s take on the modern performance bass, carrying many of the ideas that defined Andrew McKenzie’s guitars into a purpose-built bass design. Hand-built in Britain, it combined distinctive body styling, quality components and the fast, player-focused feel that became synonymous with Palm Bay instruments.Like many Palm Bays from the period, surviving examples of the Atlantic appear to be relatively uncommon, and detailed production information is difficult to find. Different specifications and finishes may have existed throughout its production, making the instruments that survive today particularly valuable in piecing together the history of the model.
KNOWN DETAILS
SPECS
BODY
Mahogany
TOP
Quilted maple
NECK
Maple neck with mahogany and Maple scarfed headstock
FINGERBOARD
Ebony with abalone dots
18 inch radius
PICKUPS
Dimarzio PAF Neck Pickup
Dimarzio Blue Velvet Middle Pickup
Dimarzio Tone Zone Bridge Pickup
BRIDGE
Gotoh 1996T Locking Tremolo
TUNERS
Gotoh
CONTROLS
Master volume and tone
3 way selector switch
VARIATIONS
PHOTO EVIDENCE
GALLERY
THE COMMUNITY ARCHIVE
THE OWNERS
Behind every Palm Bay is a story. First gigs, years of searching, unexpected discoveries and instruments that became lifelong companions. These memories are just as important as the specifications and serial numbers. Together, they help tell the story of Palm Bay through the people who played them.
OWNER STORY #001
"I'd wanted a Palm Bay since seeing the adverts in guitar magazines as a teenager. After nearly two years of checking Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Reverb every single day, a black Tidalwave finally appeared. It's now my number one guitar and the one I reach for more than any other."
— Simon, UK
1993 • Tidalwave • Black • Acquired 2024
OWNER'S GUITAR
BUILD THE ARCHIVE
REGISTER YOUR GUITAR
The Palm Bay Archive relies on contributions from owners around the world. By registering your guitar, you can help document serial numbers, finishes, specifications and the stories behind these remarkable instruments.
4
KNOWN TIDALWAVES
3
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
1991–1997
YEARS DOCUMENTED
KEEP THE STORY ALIVE
JOIN THE ARCHIVE
Own a Palm Bay? Help preserve the history of one of Britain’s most distinctive guitar brands by sharing photographs, serial numbers and stories.
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