Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in May 2020
While May had a historically low volume of bass news, there were enough companies sharing new gear. Here are the top 10 reader favorite bass gear stories in May.
1. Schecter Reintroduces the Ultra Bass
Schecter Guitar Research is reintroducing its Ultra Bass series this year that will include a four-string and a five-string model. The 2020 version will feature the company’s original Ultra body shape fitted with EMG TBHZ pickups.
2. Sire Announces the P10 Bass
Sire is launching several new models for June including the new P10, which they describe as the higher version of their P7 model. “Just like the V10, the P10 has a roasted flame maple neck, giving you a high-end feel and sound,” the company says.
3. Fender Introduces the Player Series Mustang Bass PJ
Fender has expanded their Player Series of instruments with a handful of guitars and one new bass: the Player Mustang Bass PJ. The short-scale bass fits a new pickup set into the vintage body style.
4. Mayones Now Shipping the Jabba Rev 5 Bass
Mayones has expanded its Jabba line of basses with a new reverse headstock model. The Jabba Rev 5 is a five-string bass, built with a profiled swamp ash body, wenge core, and an eye poplar top that comes in three transparent finishes.
5. RPS Introduces the Arcade Machine Synth/Harmonizer Pedal
RPS Effects has unveiled the Arcade Machine, a PLL-based analog synthesizer and harmonizer pedal. As you can guess by the title, it gets your instrument to sound like an old school video game soundtrack.
6. ESP Updates LTD D-Series Basses for 2020
ESP has updated its LTD D series of basses for 2020 with a new wood configuration. Most notable is their new burled poplar top that comes in a Black Natural Burst Satin finish.
7. MEC Pickups With Brushed Metal Housings Now Available
Among their many new products shown at NAMM, Warwick announced that MEC bass pickups would now be available with brushed metal housings. Now the pickups are available for purchase. The sets come in gold, black, and silver finishes.
8. ESP Adds to LTD F Series Basses
ESP has launched a new set of basses in its F Series from the LTD line. The LTD F-1004 and F-1005 are part of the LTD Deluxe range and feature a flamed maple top in a see-thru black finish over their sculpted bodies.
9. Sonic Nuance Updates Tuner + DI Pedal for 2020
Sonic Nuance has once again updated its flagship direct box. The third version of the TDI (tuner DI) is 30 percent smaller, lighter, more durable, and quieter, the company says.
10. Red Witch Pedals Unveils Seraphina Fuzz/Octave Up Pedal
Red Witch Pedals has teamed up with Reverb to release the Seraphina, a limited-edition handmade fuzz/octave up pedal. Described as unlike anything the company has done before, the unit is built using four germanium diodes, WIma capacitors, and more.