Gear
Stompblox Modular Pedalboards – Rethink Your Pedalboard
It’s time to rethink your pedalboard with Stompblox Modular Pedalboards
Get a 10% when you use the code BMMAG at the online checkout! Thanks to Stompblox Modular Pedalboard for this gracious offer!
Years ago when I started on this slippery slope of effects use (and for those that use effects, you’re already nodding your head), I spent hours thinking about how to lay out my pedals for optimum tonal use, laying the patch cables just so, running the wiring from the power supply and then using zipties to lock everything in place. I would then take it to a gig, and in five minutes find a major oversight that would render my pedalboard in its current incarnation completely worthless. But what could I do? I was at the mercy of my pedalboard; it was either far too big for my current application (making me throw a couple loose effects into my gigbag) or it was too small (making me throw an additional effect into my gigbag along with my pedalboard). I had thought about building my own board that I could make bigger or smaller, but didn’t have the time to fully realize that. And sadly, there weren’t any manufactured options like that available.
That is, until now. My friends, the Stompblox Modular Pedalboard is here, and it’s fantastic. I had talked with Andy (the developer of Stompblox and a fellow bass player) since seeing this on the website last year, so was elated when a box with two of them arrived at my office. I immediately opened it up, took them out and laughed the laugh of a mad scientist.
Two Stompblox Modular Pedalboards, offer two different configurations
First thing to note is that one of the Stompblox by itself is not very big; it measures a micro 12″ x 9″ at a slope that reaches 2″ at the back (but with the kickout feet, you can raise it to 3″ if you like). Like many pedalboards on the market, it is extremely tough and well made (and even a bit heavy for its size), but the magic in the Stompblox is the underside. There are a TON of anchor points which will allow you to fasten power cables, patch cables, etc.. underneath quickly and easily. And, remember those kickout feet I mentioned previously? If you utilize them, you can put one of the bigger power supplies under the board no problem. I don’t know if I’d ever use a Rocktron PowerTap underneath just one of the boards, but the fact that I have the OPTION to do so and not just rely on my Rocktron DC OnTap Universal Power Supply and daisy chain cable is a definite plus.
For me, just the one is a perfect size to carry my “must haves” that I use regularly at church. But for some others, one may not be enough. Thankfully, you can buy two and attach them together. That’s right, attach them; none of this “I’ll just put two boards next to each other and hope that they stay put.” You have two configurations available; a vertical (measuring 12″ x 18″) or horizontal (measuring 24″ x 9″) format. There are clips on each of the Stompblox that will let them lock together, and the attached thumb screws on the underside will allow you to screw them together for a more permanent solution.
Three Stompblox boards start to open up many different configurations, to fit your needs
It’s at this point I need to mention that every Stompblox comes with its own modular carrying bag (which measures 12″ x 12″ square, with a front pouch that is roughly the same size). What does “modular carrying bag” mean exactly? The zipper (that is around the perimeter of the bag) can come apart. This allows you to take two bags and zip them together, much like you would zip two sleeping bags together. For those musicians that will keep two Stompblox boards together, you can rest easy knowing that your larger pedalboard has a gigbag. And for those, like me, that will use two boards when necessary but usually take one, you can still just use the bags separately.
Stompblox Modular Pedalboards are currently available direct with a street price of $59.99 each. The guys have also very graciously given us a 10% discount code – BMMAG – to use at checkout.
There are plans for the RISE (which I’m assuming is a riser) and the CAGE (a 4-5″ add on to allow you to use any sized power supply) in the near future, building upon the modular aspect of these boards. All in all, this is an ingenious, well thought out idea whose time has come. If you’re a musician that has different effect pedal needs based on the gig, someone that wants a board that can grow with them, or even a musician looking for the smallest board that can fit just the “must haves” for the gig, I highly recommend you check these out.
Gear News
New Gear: Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass
Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass…
Esopus Guitars is proud to announce the new “Tailwater” bass guitar, from legendary bass luthier Stuart Spector. This 32” scale bass is handcrafted by Stuart using the only finest woods and components at the Esopus Guitar workshop located near Woodstock NY in the Catskill Mountains.
From its fully carved spruce top (the top is carved on both its exterior and interior surfaces) with a thumb rest that is elegantly carved into the top, to its custom-made Fishman piezo pickup and super hard Carnauba wax finish, every detail of the Tailwater is part of creating the ultimate playing experience.
The Tailwater bass features a fully chambered spruce over alder body (15.5″ lower body bout width, 2.25″ body thickness measuring from the peak of the carved top) that delivers a super comfortable tonal tool for all your low-end needs.
Each Tailwater bass is hand-signed and numbered on the back of the peghead by Stuart Spector. A very limited number of Tailwater basses are handcrafted each year at the Esopus workshop.
“I am proud to present the Tailwater bass, a bass that I have spent the last three years perfecting. The Tailwater is a culmination of all of my 45 years of experience, knowledge, and passion for bass guitar crafting. I am so eager to hear what fellow musicians create with this exciting new instrument.” -Stuart Spector
Direct Pricing : $4995.00 plus options.
For more information about Esopus Guitars and Stuart Spector’s handcrafted instruments, visit www.EsopusGuitars.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
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore
Have Fret Sprout? Sharp Fret Management… a How-To Video
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Interview With Audic Empire Bassist James Tobias
New Album: Avery Sharpe, I Am My Neighbors Keeper
