Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in January 2019

January is always a huge month for gear stories, thanks to the annual Winter NAMM Show. The No Treble crew attended the show to get all the latest scoop. We still have a ton to cover, but so far so good.

Here are your top 10 favorite gear stories for the month of January.

1. Fodera Announces the Select Series Basses

New for 2019, Fodera has introduced the Select Series. The lineup blends characteristics of their custom instruments as well as their standard instruments to create a middle ground. They’re opening the new range starting with the Monarch 4 Select and Emperor 5 Select.

2. Fender Unveils Limited Edition Made In Japan Basses

Fender announced a new line of limited edition Made in Japan instruments including a handful of new basses at the 2019 NAMM Show. The new lineup includes models with traditional specs as well two with “hybrid” models.

3. Ibanez Unveils the SR Mezzo Bass

Ibanez has expanded their flagship SR series of basses with the SRMD200 “Mezzo”. The entry-level model comes in a variety of finishes but sets itself apart with a medium 32-inch scale.

4. Tech 21 Unveils the Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp YYZ Pedal

Back in 2017, one of the biggest stories from the NAMM Show was the release of the Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp GED-2112 preamp. Tech 21 is turning heads again this year with the introduction of the Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp YYZ Pedal.

5. Ampeg Turns It Up to 11 for SVT’s 50th Anniversary

Ampeg is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the SVT bass amp, and they’re doing it by turning it up to 11. The company will be displaying a custom-built, one-of-a-kind 11-foot tall SVT bass amp at the 2019 Winter NAMM Show.

6. BDP Instruments Announces the TravelBass EUB

BDP Instruments has unveiled the TravelBass, a portable electric upright bass that can be disassembled to easily take on the road or in the air.

7. Ibanez Announces the Gary Willis 20th Anniversary Signature Bass

It’s been 20 years since Ibanez introduced a signature model from bass guru Gary Willis, and they’re celebrating with an anniversary edition.

8. Ashdown Engineering Introduces the Phone Box Pedal

Ashdown Engineering introduced a new practice device at the 2019 Winter NAMM Show. The Phone Box allows you to plug into any solid state amplifier and listen to its output through headphones.

9. Taurus Announces the Vandall-500 Bass Amp

Taurus has expanded their lineup of bass amps with the Vandall-500, a 500-watt RMS head with dual inputs and both solid state and tube preamps.

10. AC Guitars Introduces the Krell Kompakt Bass

Luthier Alan Cringean has introduced a new bass to his AC Guitars line that’s based on a model from his other brand, Reiver Guitars. The Krell Kompakt is a 32-inch scale bass with a new body shape.