Bass Gear - Page 133

Xlson Audio has teamed up with jazz bass legend Chuck Israels to release the Chuck Israels Signature Microphone. Developed by Peter Axelsson, the condenser microphone is designed specifically for the upright bass on the stage or in the studio. “Peter Axelsson has developed a mic that rejects enough extraneous sound that it is practical to use in live situations and...

Nordstrand Audio has expanded their bass offerings with the NordyMute, a bass mute featuring a foam body and wood cover. Available in four or five string versions, the device imparts a darker tone for an old school vibe. “The essence of the NordyMute’s effect is akin to upright-like inhibition of resonance, a kind of execution of sustain—its body subject to...

Back in 2015, Ibanez introduced a five-string bass to their Bass Workshop Series they called the Volo. The bass featured a shorter 33-inch scale and was tuned E to C for a higher range. Now Ibanez has brought the model back as the BTB845V. The spirit of Volo lives on through the new bass has a few differences in materials....

ESP updated their LTD line this year with upgraded versions of their most popular basses. The LTD B-204FM and LTD B-205FM take the flagship models and add a flamed maple top in translucent See Thru Red and See Thru Blue finishes. Other new features include an improved control layout and a new fingerboard wood: roasted jatoba. Each model is built...

This week we’re checking out builder Joe Veillette’s Acoustic bass guitar model. Available in a variety of woods, the Acoustic was designed to bring the same depth of tone from their acoustic guitars to the bass. “With a 17″ wide and 5.5″ deep body, the Acoustic Bass has the airspace to deliver a true fundamental with depth and authority. A...

Last year, Markbass announced they would be teaming up with jazz legend Marcus Miller for a series of amps. This year they unveiled the lineup at the Winter NAMM Show, which will include four head units, three combos, and two cabinets. “Marcus has closely partnered with [Markbass founder Marco De Virgillis] to develop his amazing signature amps that not only...

March was a big month for gear news, as evidenced by a ton of views on No Treble. Here are the top 10 reader favorite gear stories of the month. Thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing! 1. Roks Instruments Nardis Bass Luthier Axel Roks of Roks Instruments is known for his unique, minimalist designs. (Check out his Microtonal Futura model.)...

Luthier Axel Roks of Roks Instruments is known for his unique, minimalist designs. (Check out his Microtonal Futura model.) But now he’s added his flair to a more traditional design to create the Nardis, a hand-built bass that mixes vintage and modern. “Nardis is a bass inspired by tradition, but is infused with the Roks flair and engineering,” the bass...

Nektar Technology has introduced the Pacer, a MIDI footswitch controller that comes preconfigured for the most popular DAWs and MIDI guitar products. It also offers standard amp switching. “The sturdy metal case features 10 programmable footswitch controls with RGB LEDs and an additional Preset footswitch for recalling presets and navigation,” Nektar writes. “Additionally, Pacer allows the connection of 2 expression...

Warwick has expanded their Alien Bass series of acoustic bass guitars with a new thinner model aimed at the touring musician. The Warwick RockBass Alien Deluxe Thinline Hybrid will be available as a 4-string or 5-string in both fretted and fretless versions. “[The bass was] designed to be thinner for more ergonomic comfort,” Warwick’s Marcus Spangler writes. “When listening to...

Dwarfcraft Devices has expanded their line of modulation pedals with the Ghost Fax Phase Computer. They call it “a digital powerhouse that adds exciting new abilities along with the tried and true phaser effects.” The Ghost Fax has four modes – Standard, Manual, Envelope Up and Envelope Down – with three knobs to control the phase sounds: Action, Feedback, and...

This week we’re checking out the Singulus by Ash Instruments. Russian luthier Andrey Shevchenko made the bass with a 30-year old pine body capped with a beautiful slab of poplar burl in a “Flying Blue” frosted transparent finish. The five-string bass’s three-piece padauk neck is also topped with padauk for its fingerboard, which holds 24 frets. For electronics, Shevchenko opted...