Bass Gear Roundup: The Top 10 Gear Stories in October 2024
October was a huge month for bass gear, as evidenced by the traffic in the articles here.
Here are the top 10 reader-favorite gear stories for the month.
1. Fender Launches the American Ultra II Series Basses
Fender has announced the American Ultra II lineup, which they call the most advanced series in the company’s history. Built in their California factory, the instruments are crafted with a blend of CNC technology and hand-craftsmanship.
2. Positive Grid Introduces the Spark EDGE Portable Amp
Positive Grid has expanded its Spark lineup of portable amps with the Spark EDGE. The multi-channel smart amp and PA was engineered for everyone from singer-songwriters and buskers to full bands.
3. Epiphone Reissues The Grabber Bass
Originally introduced in 1973, the Gibson Grabber was a staple of the decade thanks to its use by KISS bassist Gene Simmons. It would find a new life in the ’90s as players like Krist Novoselic and Mike Dirnt put it to use. Now it’s reborn in a new version from Epiphone.
4. Anaconda Bass Guitars Unveils the Medusa MD5E-Elite Bass
Anaconda Bass Guitars has introduced a new model called the Medusa MD5E-Elite bass. The headless design aims to be highly versatile and ergonomic.
5. Warm Audio Introduces the Pedal76 Compressor Pedal
Warm Audio has launched the Pedal76, which they describe as a faithful recreation of a legendary compressor in pedal form. The new unit is an all-analog, transformer-balanced FET compressor designed for guitar, bass, and more.
6. Fender Unveils Limited Edition Mark Hoppus Jaguar Bass
Fender’s artist series has another signature in it with the new Limited Edition Mark Hoppus Jaguar Bass. The company says the new bass allows players to replicate the Blink-182 member’s tone “precisely.”
7. Boss Introduces the GX-10 Effects Processor
Boss has introduced the GX-10 Effects Processor, which combines the sound engine and color touch display from the GX-100 into a smaller unit. Designed for bass and guitar, the GX-10 has amp modelers and 170 effects to choose from.
8. Dunlop Announces Behemoth Custom Bass Strings
Dunlop has teamed up with Polish extreme metal band Behemoth to create a signature line of guitar and bass strings. The band, anchored by Tomasz “Orion” Wróblewski, now has artist series four and five-string bass sets.
9. Vola Guitars Unveils the ZVA 5 Bass
Japan’s Vola Guitars has announced the ZVA 5 Bass. The handmade five-string bass is crafted with an alder body, maple neck, and either a rosewood or maple fingerboard for a classic vibe.
10. Darkglass Electronics Unveils the Luminal Booster Ultra Pedal
Darkglass Electronics is best known for its gritty, overdriven tones. However, it’s “come clean” with the new Luminal Booster Ultra, a bass-specific pedal that combines the tone of its Harmonic Booster with parallel compressions, a 6-band EQ, a gain reduction meter, and IR capabilities.
