Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in September 2020
Another month is in the books, which means it is time to look back in the form of our monthly gear roundup.
Here are the top 10 reader favorite bass gear stories for the month of September 2020.
1. Boss Unveils the OC-5 Octave Pedal
Boss’s octave pedals have been the standard in the bass world, and now they’re updating their OC series with the OC-5. The new iteration of the pedal introduces a new Vintage mode, polyphonic enhancements, and an octave-up feature for extended range.
2. Manson Guitar Works Updates John Paul Jones Signature Bass
Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones has had a signature line of basses from Manson Guitar Works for several years, but the range is getting an upgrade in the coming year. Here’s the 2021 edition of JPJ’s artist series.
3. Fodera Unveils “Joey Standard Special” Bass
Fodera has unveiled a new bass in its Standard series. Although it’s built-in batches like the rest of the line, the “Joey Standard Special” has a personal touch from their team.
4. Harley Benton Unveils SolidBass Amp Series
Harley Benton has launched a new line of affordable bass amps called the SolidBass series, which includes two combo amps, two head units, and four cabinets.
5. Lakland Introduces Skyline 44-OS and 55-OS Basses
Lakland has expanded its Skyline series of basses with the Skyline 55-OS and 44-OS. The new instruments are versions of their 44 and 55 models with offset body shapes and a few different specs.
6. Sadowsky Announces Vintage Tone Control Retrofit and Onboard Bass Preamp Kits
Sadowsky and Warwick have announced the availability of two onboard components: the Sadowsky Vintage Tone Control (VTC) Retrofit Kit and the Onboard Bass Preamp (4-Knob System).
7. Eastwood to Bring Back the Rocket Bass
Eastwood Guitars is launching a new tribute bass to bring back a design from the ’60s. The Eko Rocket IV Tribute was first reintroduced by Eastwood in 2006 and will be coming back next year.
8. DiMarzio Collaborates with Billy Sheehan for Relentless Pickups
DiMarzio has unveiled a new P-style pickup that was designed with bass legend Billy Sheehan. The Relentless bass pickups feature sculpted metal covers for added form and function, the company says.
9. Neunaber Audio Introduces Elements Series Bass Pedals
Neunaber Audio has announced the Elements Series, which includes three new effects pedals: the Wet Reverb v5, the Seraphim Shimmer v2, and the Echelon Echo v2.
10. Hilbish Design Introduces Sunn-Inspired Red Fang Night Destroyer Preamp Pedal
Hilbish Design has teamed up with Red Fang to release a new limited-edition pedal called the Night Destroyer. The unit, limited to 150 units worldwide, is based on the Sunn Beta Series amps the band has used throughout their career.