Bass Gear - Page 331

This week we look at the Spalt Instruments vViper, a custom built bass with a unique pickup design that pivots. The idea for the “wiper” arm pickup is the brainchild of proprietor Michael Spalt, a luthier who started building after studying film, photography and painting in San Francisco. After consulting on it with Bill Bartolini, the end result allows infinite...

Fender has introduced a new instrument stand designed to end the bulkiness of traditional instrument stands. The compact stand was created to be as unobtrusive as possible by folding up in two steps and weighing just a little more than the average instrument cable. The stand’s slim design fits most basses and guitars, while rubber contact points provide a strong...

AC Guitars has introduced the ACG Tefano SS, a new short scale bass with a single-cut design. The new model has a 31.5” scale with features modified to suit to the smaller size. As with other models in the ACG line, the bass is handcrafted by Scottish luthier Alan Cringean with a variety of options including woods and electronics. The...

Barefaced Ltd has released the Big Twin, a 1500-watt bass cabinet containing two 12″ woofers, a high-output midrange driver, and huge ports for maximum low end while keeping an “unusually” flat frequency response. The cab also boasts a full 2-way crossover with steep slopes, similar to that found in studio monitors, resulting in higher efficiency. Weighing in at 55 pounds,...

Based out of Deidesheim, Germany, Jens Ritter is an electric bass luthier known for his artistic flair and luxurious basses. In addition to his exceptional line of basses is the Ritter Royal collection, which are set apart due to a “unique feature or an exceptional design history aspect of Jens Ritter’s career as a luthier.” In 2006 he outdid himself...

Fuzzrocious Pedals have introduced a new stompbox: the K-A-E-D-E-N Drive, a versatile pedal with three stages to the circuit. Described as “not just a booster” and “not just an overdrive,” the K-A-E-D-E-N has pre-gain, gain, and tone knobs to dial in the right amount of drive. The pedal is built with your choice of tone stack, either a mid-hump, mid-scoop,...

Line 6 has expanded their line of amp modeling devices to include a new iOS adaptor and corresponding software. Mobile In is a digital input adaptor allowing bassists and guitarists to plug their instruments into their iPhone or iPad. Adding the company’s new Mobile POD software to the mix transforms the pair into a multi-effects device offering tweakable tones effects...

Fodera has introduced a new bass to their Standard series: the Emperor 5 Standard (E5S). As with their Yin Yang Standard, the E5S is a version of their existing model offered at a more competitive price point by offering one configuration with no options. The basses are still made in their Brooklyn, New York workshop alongside their custom instruments. The...

Fender is once again shipping the Jaguar Bass, which was discontinued last year. Originally introduced in 2006, the Fender Deluxe Jaguar Bass now comes in three finishes: 3-Color Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, and Cobalt Blue. The Jaguar bass features an alder body, a C-shaped maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets. Aged white pearloid block inlays...

Epiphone has reintroduced the Tobias Toby, now in a Standard IV and Deluxe IV models. The entry level instruments are built around master luthier Michael Tobias’ original designs from 20 years ago. Both basses feature bolt-on construction with a basswood body and hard maple neck. The neck is shaped using Tobias’ Asymmetrical Neck Profile, which makes it thinner on the...

Alusonic takes metal bass to a new level – the Italian bass builders make their instruments out of aluminum, citing characteristic and environmental reasons. The special Anticorodal and Ergal alloys that they use are naturally light, rigid and produce a balanced, fat sound while Aluminum is completely recyclable, making it more eco-friendly. On top of that, the body provides full...

BandStorage.com has unveiled the Band Room Double-Bass Rack, built to hold up to three 3/4 sized double basses and three bows. The rack is constructed of hardwood rails with brushed aluminum melamine sides that are shaped like a bass’s body. All contact points are covered in felt to prevent scratching and scuffing. The rack measures 66.5”x53”x27” and has lockable casters...