Gear
Gear Review by Damian Erskine: Gruv Gear’s “V-Cart Solo”
Meet Reviewer Damian Erskine ~
Gruv Gear
“V-Cart Solo”
Although I’ve never done a physical product review, when I brought the V-Cart Solo to the attention of BMM staffers they all agreed… “VERY cool. Hey, you should write about it!”. Although I normally would’ve declined and passed the buck, I just LOVE this cart and figured, who better to tell you about it!
“One of our main goals as a company is to innovate with any product we decide to pursue,” says Jay Baldemor, Founder and CEO of GRUV GEAR. “We aim to bring products and accessories to the market that address certain “gaps” and not just be a “me too” type of company.”
Jay has definitely hit the mark here. This is not just another cool and light-weight way of toting gear, this is bar-none the coolest, best designed, well thought-out and most functional cart on the market (and I’ve tried most every one). It really does make the shlepping part of the gig a breeze. Even with stairs, when used as a standard hand-truck (or Dolly) the cart excels at both stability and ease of use.
Basically, the cart begins folded in a compact and easy to carry form and unfolds into any one of three positions.
4-Wheel Tilted “V” Mode
This most maneuverable mode allows you to weave through crowds and tight spots while pulling your heavy gear, even with just one finger! Two tilt angle options were carefully considered for optimal balance and handle position, so the V-Cart can do most of the work. For many speaker cabinets, it’s a simple scoop-and-go operation and you’re out the door quicker than the rest of the band!
4-Wheel Flat Platform Mode
Designed to accommodate players who prefer to keep their gear in an upright position (e.g. sensitive tube amps, drum cases, etc.), the platform mode offers a versatile alternative to hauling your equipment, while maintaining the same short wheelbase for tight turns and pivots. The entire frame of the V-Cart is built using 1“ steel tubing for
uncompromised strength, and unlike other rickety carts out there with telescoping platforms, it minimizes weak points and cumbersome operation found on carts having excessive moving parts.
2-Wheel Classic Dolly Mode
A must-have for lighter loads, climbing steps, or needing to push the V-Cart forward, this indispensable mode allows for quick trips from your car to the stage without skipping a beat!
I’m personally a fan of the Tilted “V-Mode”. You really can navigate streets, sidewalks, curbs, in between tables, you name it.. with complete ease and control. Even on patchy grass and uneven surfaces. This baby is SOLID and I honestly never go to a gig without it. Even with my small amp for restaurant style gigs, it’s just easier than carrying anything and saves my fingers (and back).
Check out the website for more information.
I also sat down with Jay while in LA and he showed me some of the other products coming down the pike and what’s in the works and I can tell you, these guys are thorough and well thought out! You can bet that any product they release will be more than ready and thoroughly tested. I was very impressed.
Visit online at www.gruvgear.com
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model…
After playing a limited edition Dingwall live with Duran Duran, John Taylor has launched his
Dingwall Guitars production model, loaded with a Rupert Neve Designs preamp and
Rio-inspired graphics.
Dingwall’s major launch for 2023 was the limited edition Rio Dream Bass, featuring an
innovative Rupert Neve Designs onboard preamp. A year later, the range has been bolstered
with the Canadian company now offering unlimited access to its continued collaboration with
John Taylor of Duran Duran.
Dingwall CEO Sheldon Dingwall says the basses are a response to Taylor’s upfront bass style.
“John’s bass playing with Duran Duran really imprinted on me how a bass should fit into a band mix. The combination of tastefully busy syncopation, his punchy tone, and tight performance immediately drew my ear. His basslines have always had a special combination of energy and elegance.”
The John Taylor Signature model follows the formula of the limited edition Rio Dream Bass,
combining a lightweight Nyatoh body with three neodymium pickups to produce what Dingwall deems “wonderful playability and tones that display a rare clarity and refinement.” The JT Signature model also updates the Rio Dream Bass with a range of new colors; Metallic Black, Primrose, Cranberry and Seafoam Green, as well as a new 5-string variant.
Other specs include a bolt-on Maple neck, a Pau Ferro multi-scale fingerboard with the ‘Rio Eye’ inlaid at the 12th fret, and Dingwall’s new ‘Minimalist’ bridge. The headstock sports lightweight tuners and a Rio-inspired graphic that complements the body stripes, designed by longtime Duran Duran collaborator, Patty Palazzo.
Finally, an onboard preamp designed and configured in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs, whose studio consoles have long represented the pinnacle of high-end audio engineering, promises a clear voice that balances punch and sustain. “Duran’s breakthrough single, the title track from 1982’s Rio, was originally recorded on a Neve console, so the history was already there,” says Sheldon. “But the team at Rupert Neve Designs absolutely nailed the tone.”
Like the Rio Dream Bass, the JT Signature has also been configured to Taylor’s own personal
specifications. “It all started when I was in Toronto about six years ago,” says Taylor. “A friend
showed me a Dingwall bass on his phone. I loved how it looked and immediately said to my
tech, ‘You’ve got to reach out to these guys!’”
For further information on the range options, head to dingwallguitars.com
Gear News
New Gear: Nembrini Launches Bass Hammer Plugin
Bass Hammer Plugin…
Nembrini Audio launches the Bass Hammer plugin which is engineered for advanced bass tone sculpting. Modelled on the Aguilar Tone Hammer* which is renowned for its tone shaping flexibility, the Nembrini Bass Hammer features Adaptive Gain Sculpting, comprehensive EQ adjustments and versatile cabinet simulations.
The Nembrini Audio Bass Hammer plugin has been designed to infuse discerning musicians’ digital workspace with the legendary tonal characteristics and dynamic versatility of its hardware counterpart. The new plugin delivers all the distinct organic warmth, detailed midrange control and adaptive tonal shaping the Tone Hammer* is famous for in a flexible digital format.
Bass Hammer features Adaptive Gain Sculpting to transform a signal’s EQ curve and gain structure and alter the behaviour of the MID parameter. The Graphic EQ has six bands enabling nuanced shaping across the bass frequency range. Plus, the four selected bass guitar cabinets, four carefully selected microphone emulations and a parallel D.I. signal with console compressor offer users plenty of scope to explore ambient reverb blending.
Introductory prices of $29.99 for the Desktop version (regular price $137) and $9.99 for the IOS form (regular price $19.99) are available until 30th April 2024. Bass Hammer is PC and Mac (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX) compatible and requires a FREE iLOK account.
To find out more and download the Bass Hammer plugin please go to nembriniaudio.com/products/bass-hammer-bass-amplifier or
apple.com/us/app/bass-hammer/id6480058361Video
Gear News
Gear News: Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience
Ernie Ball Music Man is proud to launch the Custom Design Experience.
Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience is an online custom instrument configurator that allows customers to design and build their dream StingRay Special Bass guitar. Customers can choose from 4-string and 5-string models, right and left-handed orientations, single and double humbucking pickups, a multitude of finish options, many neck, pickguard, hardware, string gauges, tuning, case options, and more.
All Custom Design Experience instruments are built in the Ernie Ball Music Man San Luis Obispo, CA, facility and are shipped directly to the customer.
Options include:
Right or Left hand
4-string or 5-string
Single H or double HH pickups
30 unique finishes
3 hardware finishes
5 pickguard options
12 fretted neck options
2 fretless neck options
Regular or SLO Special neck profiles
4 tuning setups
3 string gauges
2 cases
For more information, visit online at music-man.com/custom-design-experience
Gear News
New Gear: Dunlop Robert Trujillo Bass Strings
Dunlop & Robert Trujillo Thrown Down Thick, Cutting Bass Tones with New String Sets…
Robert Trujillo’s powerful attack and monstrous tone have earned him the most coveted bass gigs in rock. Dunlop worked closely with him to develop a set of strings to complement that signature sound and playing style with the extra power and flexibility he needs to meet his rigorous touring schedule head on. The resulting Robert Trujillo Bass Strings serve up a clear and articulate top end, a solid midrange punch to cut through a wall of guitars, and more than enough focused bottom to knock you on your backside.
Robert likes his tapered, but not everyone has their bass configured for that style—so these strings are designed specifically for non-tapered setups using the exact same formulas. They’re available in Nickel Wound and Stainless Steel in four-and five-string sets.
“Always trust your ears, attitude, and fingers,” Robert says. “These strings are the perfect balance of power, tone, and resonance on wood.”
Dunlop Robert Trujillo Bass Strings highlights:
- Designed using the same formulas as Robert Trujillo’s own custom tapered strings
- Made specifically for non-tapered setups
- Clear & articulate top end
- Solid midrange punch
- Focused bottom to knock you on your backside
Availability
Dunlop Robert Trujillo Bass Strings are available now at $30 (four-string sets) and $35 (five-string sets) from your favorite retailer.