Bass Gear - Page 128

Arkham Sound has expanded its line of preamps with the Oracle, a tube-driven preamp centered around their full EQ. That includes a James Tonestack with gain, treble, and bass controls as well as a range knob that sweep’s the tonestacks midpoint.

G&L is continuing its 40th-anniversary celebrations by introducing a limited edition version of their SB-1 bass. Originally launched in 1982, the company describes the SB-1 as “the magic of Leo [Fender’s] own reinterpretation of a classic design.”

Sonata Marketing has launched a new line of instruments called the Modern Vintage Series, which includes two basses: the MVJ4 and the MVP4.

Wintergatan is a Swedish band that focuses on engineering and innovation to create their music. One of their main creations is the Marble Machine X. The machine previously had a violin-style bass guitar, but they’ve just upgraded it to what they call the “Cyber Bass.”

After releasing the Stella last year, BecosFX has expanded their lineup of compressor pedals with the CompIQ Twain. The unit is a dual-band/stacked compressor and limiter that the company says forges a new path in the realm of compressors.

Balaguer Guitars has unveiled the Monoceros bass, which they describe as their take on “a modern bass but with vintage vibes.” Central to the bass’s sound is its set of Marracobucker pickups (a new set from Balaguer) and a Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp.

Ibanez has expanded its Premium line of SR basses with three new models this year: the SR5BPBLTD, the SR1600B, and the SR1340B. The first is a limited edition five-string, while the 1600 comes in four or five-string versions and the 1340 comes in four, five, and six.

Epifani has revamped its flagship products with the next generation. The UL901 is the more modern version of the already sleek UL501, while the new DIST 2 series updates their line of cabs. Kevin put them both to work.

Ashdown Engineering has pumped up its OriginAL series of amps with the new OriginAL-500H, a 500-watt head that is the same size as its 300-watt predecessor.

This week we’re checking out the Amani 5 by Elwray Basses, a single cut instrument with a cool body shape and a few tricks up its sleeve. Luthier Marco Bourse sent us the details including the main aspects of the instrument.

Mayones made their Patriot line of basses a little bigger this year – literally. The new Patriot VF 37 features a multi-scale neck that stretches from a 34-inch G-string to a monstrous 37-inch B-string.

Jackson is expanding its Spectra line of basses this year with three new X Series models: the X Series Spectra Bass SBX IV, the X Series Spectra Bass SBXM IV, and the X Series Spectra Bass SBX V.