Bass Gear - Page 195

Yamaha’s BB Bass series is growing this summer with nine new models that debuted at the Summer NAMM Show. The reworked basses, which range from entry-level to professional, will feature a smaller body among other upgrades. The new line starts with the four-string BB234 and five-string BB235. Each is built a solid alder body fitted with a custom V3 ceramic...

Each year, Warwick releases a special master-built, limited-edition model. This year they’re celebrating their 35th anniversary with a version of the Thumb NT, but they’ve also just announced a companion model in their Teambuilt series. The Warwick Teambuilt Pro Series Thumb BO LTD 2017 will come in four and five-string models limited to 100 units of each. The bass’s body...

Modulus Graphite has expanded on their Funk Unlimited model with the RevOLite version. Designed by master builder Joe Perman, the Funk Unlimited RevOLite carries the same shape with advanced carbon fiber reinforced construction that increases rigidity and reducing weight. The bass weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. The RevOLite’s body is built with carbon fiber-reinforced alder, ash, or basswood while...

Kirk Hammett’s KHDK Electronics has introduced the Abyss Bass Overdrive, a pedal they describe as versatile for ultimate control over your tone. “It provides a warm, tube-like boost and a subtle crunchy overdrive which is perfect for rhythm playing,” they write. “For a more powerful rhythm or soloing, the “hi” setting adds saturation, sustain, low end and compression.” The secret...

Warwick’s W-Music Distribution has updated the RockBoard Power LT XL power supply for 2017. The mobile unit is fitted with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to supply effects pedals for up to 50 hours with hum-free 9V DC current. It has two 9V DC outputs as well as a USB output for charging smartphones. It can be turned on and off with...

This week we’re checking out a unique instrument made by Rikkers Guitars. Made in the Netherlands, the Treeline is a lightweight single-cut design derived from their Powerline model. “The Treeline is a tribute to wood as a natural product. No trees no life – let alone custom basses,” Rikkers writes. “The single-cut construction allows for optimal energetic transmission of the...

Q-Tuner has expanded their bass offerings with new transparent, red-coiled pickups. Available now in 4, 5, and 6-string versions, the pickups are described as producing a “tight, clean and life-like bass sound loaded with harmonics.” They are created with neodymium magnets in a unique alignment for dynamic range. “There are many steps in making these pickups and we are actually...

After revamping their standard BTB line earlier this year, Ibanez has now announced an updated version of their BTB Premium basses for 2017. The new 1805E and 1806E BTB Premium basses feature the combination of a rosewood and ash body with a nine-piece wenge/bubinga/maple neck-through design. The neck is also reinforced with graphite rods. They’ve also changed the pickups to...

Electro-Harmonix has released The Platform, a stereo compressor/limiter that includes an overdrive section as well as a volume swell function. Suited for guitar or bass, the stereo pedal has a full compressor control set including Volume, Attack, Release, Sustain, and Hard or Soft Knee buttons. A set of colored LEDs show your compression settings as well as a pair of...

Emma Electronic has updated their flagship envelope filter for 2017. The DB-2 DiscumBOBulator builds on its predecessor, which was released nearly 20 years ago, with new features for increased versatility. Specifically, it has an increased frequency range, improved tracking, increased headroom, and a new dedicated clean boost that can run with or independent of the filter. The pedal ranges from...

Our new Facebook group has been great for connecting with bassists. One of the early posts was by Hernan Gordon from Argentina, who shared a pair of basses he built for himself. They are called Astor and Lautaro in dedication to his children. This week we’re checking out the Astor bass, which Gordon created based on a Fodera design. The...

We all love the new gear stories. For the ones we published in June, 2017, here are the top 10 reader favorites. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. 1. Fender CB-60SCE Acoustic Bass Guitar Fender has introduced the Classic Design series that they say is aimed at the company’s acoustic tone and aesthetic at an affordable price. The lineup includes...