Bass Gear - Page 46

Elrick Bass Guitars previewed their headless bass at NAMM 2024 with the Gold Series SLC MkII for Steve Lawson. Now it’s available for everyone.

Bassist Markus Setzer shared a video recently and the bass he was using caught my eye and my ear. This Ruokangas Steam Classic is a beautiful fretless that’s fitted with their Valvebucker MkII system. The setup matches a magnetic pickup capsule with a tube-powered preamp circuit that’s powered by a floor unit.

Pigtronix has launched the Philosopher’s Tone 2, which expands on the original optical compressor’s design with a footswitchable Grit.

2024 marks the 15th anniversary of the Kala U-Bass and the company is celebrating with a special model. The Solid Hawaiian Koa Top 15th Anniversary Edition U-Bass is crafted with a hand-selected piece of Koa from Kala’s private stock.

ESP introduced the MLB-4 bass at NAMM this year in collaboration with Soulfly and Cavalera Conspiracy bassist Mike Leon. His signature bass is based on the LTD B Series basses that he’s used for years.

Eastwood teamed up with Joy Division/New Order bassist Peter Hook to launch the Hooky Bass 6 PRO back in early 2020, and now they’re introducing a four-string model.

This week, we’re checking out the Z Bass Guitar EV2 Custom Exotic Woodpecker. The bass is built with a Marupá body marked with Ambrosia Beetle holes, giving an organic and unique look.

Sire has introduced the GB Series, which they designed as an electric bass that produces an acoustic sound. The lineup includes four and five-string models available in fretted or fretless versions.

Fender has unveiled the 2024 Custom Collection from the Fender Custom Shop, and it has a good handful of basses. Four-strings appear in the Limited Edition, Time Machine, and Artisan collections for a total of seven new models.

There have been several mysteries of missing basses of historical importance. Jaco’s Bass of Doom was thankfully found, though James Jamerson’s Funk Machine has not surfaced. In September, there was a big push to find Paul McCartney’s original 1961 Hofner bass, and after 51 years the search is finally over.

Mudvayne bassist Ryan Martinie’s signature line of Fodera instruments has gotten a new member as the company has announced the “Black Beauty” Standard bass.

I love it when readers share their basses with us. Jonathan Chase sent us the details of his new axe from luthier Chris Stambaugh, and it’s a real beauty.