Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in July 2022
News from the rescheduled NAMM Show continued to roll in to July, which made for plenty of stories.
Here are the top 10 reader favorite bass gear stories for the month.
1. LeCompte Basses Introduces BX Series Basses
Luthier Bud LeCompte has announced the “BX Series”, which includes a special set of specs to his ACID-J and REV models. He came up with the concept after pondering the “Fender-Bird” idea.
2. Ernie Ball Music Man Announces 35th Anniversary StingRay 5 Bass
Three and a half decades ago, the Music Man Stingray 5 made its debut. Now, Ernie Ball Music Man is celebrating with the 35th Anniversary StingRay 5.
3. Fodera Unveils the Ryan Martinie Blondie Standard Bass
Late last year, Fodera revealed a new signature bass for Ryan Martinie of Mudvayne and Soften the Glare. Now they’ve extended the model to their standard line with the Ryan Martinie Blondie Standard.
4. La Bella Introduces the Olinto J5 Bass
La Bella’s Olinto line of basses has grown with the introduction of the J5, a five-string Jazz-style bass. Handmade in Brooklyn, the bass is described as maintaining the spirit of a pre-CBS instrument.
5. Darkglass Electronics Unveils the Microtubes B1K Overdrive Pedal
Darkglass Electronics has been working on streamlining their designs, and now they’re launching an all-new lineup with the Microtubes B1K.
6. Gibson Unveils the Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Bass
Gibson has unveiled a new signature bass with former Pantera and Down bassist Rex Brown. The custom Thunderbird comes with a mahogany neck and body featuring a slimmer neck profile and a Drop D Xtender.
7. Ibanez Revamps Mike D’Antonio Signature Bass for 2022
Ibanez has revamped Killswitch Engage bassist Mike D’Antonio’s signature bass for 2022 with the MDB5-OXB. The fifth version of his four-string now comes in an Ox Blood finish.
8. Sandberg Guitars Introduces BassTheWorld.com Signature Series Basses
Sandberg Guitars and BassTheWorld.com’s Gregor Fris have teamed up to release a special series based on his original Sandberg TT4 Passive Masterpiece Aged bass.
9. Trickfish Amplification Launches the Internal Pre Amp (IPA)
Trickfish Amplification has added a new product to their lineup with the Internal Pre Amp, aka the IPA. The company says they designed the system on two ideas: tonal flexibility and effortless installation.
10. Jackson Guitars Expands X-Series with Spectra Bass SBX IV
New for 2022, Jackson Guitars has added the Spectra Bass SBX IV to their X-series Basses. The company says the model has a body shape made for gigging musicians.
