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Gear Reviews

In This Issue | MSI, Joe Barden, DR, AccuGroove, Fodera, Ashdown : Product Impressions

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This month…

Exciting basses from Dan Maloney at MSI, brand-new strings from DR, and the long-awaited Jazz Bass pickups from Joe Barden.  Also reviewed are the Mark King Signature Bass Head from Ashdown, the Tri 15-L Cabinet from AccuGroove, and the Fodera NYC 5.

Maloney Stringed Instruments (MSI) Tribal Bass 

It’s no surprise that Dan Maloney makes a fine bass: he was head luthier/designer at Zeta for sixteen years. Over the years, some of his more noteworthy instruments/clients included an electric upright and banjo bass for Les Claypool; a violin for Jean Luc Ponty; and guitars for Kirk Hammett. Now, he has returned to his roots as a builder of custom guitars and basses. The Top Shelf got to try out Maloney Stringed Instrument’s Tribal Bass. The bass has a characteristic look and feel, and the quality of craftsmanship is readily evident in the details.

The long upper horn makes for great balance on a strap, and its more-massive-than-usual size contributes to a strong bottom end. Coupled with a stock 35-inch-scale, the bass produces a commanding voice. Dan has also devised a highly helpful, “guitarchitecturally” satisfying solution to jack placement. Instead of a front- or edge-mounted jack—which often puts the cable in an awkward position and strains the output jack and cable end—MSI basses have a back-mounted output jack inside a graceful scoop.

The cable stays out of the way when players are sitting and reduces the tension on the jack and cable end. The Tribal series has an East Coast-meets-West Coast vibe, combining a striking modern shape with distinctive woody warmth. The bass we reviewed, which had an EMG load and maple-over-alder construction, got more than one player thinking, Victor Wooten. MSI is a flexible custom shop. Wood and finish options abound; frets can number twenty-four (stock) or thirty-six; and pickup/preamp combinations are available from EMG and Bartolini (stock) or from any company the customer chooses. The fit and finish of the MSI Tribal Bass are world-class and the design details are very well executed and harmonious.

For more information, visit online at www.maloneystringedinstruments.com

 

 

 

 

Joe Barden’s New J-Style Bass Pickup

One of the best things about owning a bass with a truly archetypal design like a Fender Jazz-style instrument is the wide range of available pickup options that allow you to dial in your personal tone. The recently released J-Style pickups from Joe Barden offer wonderfully distinctive new voice. Like their famous Barden guitar pickup cousins, the bass pickups are humcancelling and feature twin blades rather than polepieces. I installed the Bardens in the house J bass (maple/alder with an ebony board) for testing, playing them first passively and then through a variety of onboard preamps. These pickups are very even and natural-sounding throughout their entire range, and they transition well from string to string. They manage to be tight and focused at the bottom without sounding lean. The mid-range is clear and punchy, and the top end is less jagged than a standard single coil. The overall impression is one of quickness and solidity. Their output is not significantly hotter than a stock or vintage load, so players who are used to a passive circuit should feel comfortable with these quiet, precise pickups. They are also a great platform for preamping, because they are very quiet and can be sculpted heavily while retaining their core tone. The J-Style set sits very well in a mix, without being harsh or hyped. Players who have been yearning for Joe Barden bass pickup for a long time will not be disappointed with this great addition to the Barden line.

For more information, visit online at www.joebarden.com

DR’s Two New Strings for Bass: Hi-Beam Flats; and Jonas Helborg Signature Series

Jonas Hellborg and DR wanted to create a string with a very strong fundamental while retaining a pure top end. They developed a new construction method using a single pure nickel outer wrap over a round core. The result is so on target that the strings are likely to become their own series, instead of remaining a “signature” model. The larger outer wrap looks stranger than it feels, and most players appreciated the additional grip. The notes seem to leap off the fingerboard, and the bottom end is so extraordinarily tight and solid that chords can be played in a much lower range than normal. The slap tone also benefits from the additional fundamental, adding more low-end support in a mix. We have a new king of the “piano-bass” string. Also new from DR are the Hi-Beam Flat Wounds. Flat-wound strings are coming back into favor, attracting two distinct groups of players. One camp comes with an upright bass background and likes very high-tension strings, such as the La Bella Jamerson set. The second group, players who started on or who play primarily electric bass, like a flexible string like the Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats, which offer the traditional tone but are low-enough tension to be played with existing techniques. The new DR Hi-Beam Flats split the difference very well. They are stiffer than the TI but nowhere near as demanding as the La Bellas. They are made with a flat stainless wire wound on a round core with hand-applied gold silk ends. These strings combine old-school tone with a feel that srikes a good balance between the old favorites. Their physicality and clarity make them a flat for all seasons.

For more information, visit online at www.drstrings.com

AccuGroove Tri 15-L Bass Cabinet

It is a great time to be a bass player! The Tri 15-L is a wonder. This cabinet is a three-way enclosure capable of stand-alone function—plus it weighs less than fifty pounds. The speaker complement is a fifteen inch low-frequency driver, a six-inch mid driver, and a pair of high frequency drivers. Each is in its own optimized box within the cabinet structure. This allows each to function at its best, and allows for natural tones throughout a very wide frequency range. The Tri 15-L is an 8 Ohm cabinet, which would function quite well by itself in many situations. Or, it could be combined with a second Tri 15-L or Tri 12-L to create a 4 Ohm stack capable of almost anything. This recent offering from AccuGroove is a top-quality all-around box. Hi-fi enough to please modern ears, the Tri 15-L’s fifteen-inch low driver and six inch speaker, not horn, handling the mids can happily go more old school than many boutique cabs.

For more information, visit online at www.accugroove.com

 

Fodera NYC 5 Bass

We all lust after a bass made by hand from the finest woods, electronics, and custom options. Most of us can’t afford the $4,000+ price tag or the typical one-to two-year wait for such an instrument. Fodera has a solution to this problem: the NYC line. Unlike a number of other makers of high-end basses who have off-shore versions of their popular models or who license their designs to be built under other brand names, Fodera builds the NYC series in the same New York shop as the rest of their line. These basses are made with the same grade of wood and hardware, and a Mike Pope preamp. By reducing the design complexity (currently, only 5-strings are available) and making the NYC basses in batches, Fodera has been able to reduce both cost and wait time. The main changes from the higher end Foderas are a bolt-on neck; and a simpler body construction with a single-figured wood top over a non-laminated back. The bass we tested at the Top Shelf had a lovely maple top with a clear pickguard and J-style pickups. The fit, finish, and playability were top-notch. This is a classic, well-rounded bass. It sounds warm and traditional in the passive mode and has modern zing and extra-deep lows with the preamp engaged. This could easily be a first-call bass for a pro player and represents an amazing value for a US-made bass from such a prestigious shop.

For more information, visit online at www.fodera.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashdown Mark King Signature Bass Amplifier

Given Mark King’s trademark rapid-fire slapping and extremely articulate finger-style lines, it comes as no surprise that this amp excels at quickness, cut, and clarity. This great-looking amp is very simple to work with; it occupies two rack spaces and doesn’t add much weight to your rig. Its tight, uncolored power section makes it easy to get the sound of your bass to come through. The amp is equipped with a graphic equalizer optimized for bass and a harmonic emphasis feature that, when engaged, increases presence and impact. The Mark King Signature Bass Amp is a top choice for extreme slappers and tappers, or rock players doing battle with distorted guitars. Because of its simplicity and sturdy construction, it is also a strong candidate for anyone needing a powerful bass head for club gigs.

For more information, visit www.ashdownmusic.com

Fodera Victor Wooten Monarch Classic Bass

As a bonus, I thought it would be fun, given the Victor Wooten lead story, to give readers a snapshot of this famous bass. The Wooten recipe is actually quite simple: a 4-string Monarch bass with a set neck, rather than neck-through or bolt-on; a mahogany back with a maple top; EMG P/J pickup load; and the Mike Pope preamp. The set neck combines the stability and sleek heel of a neck-through with the explosive punch of a bolt-on. Over the years, I have sold and worked on many of these consistently excellent basses. They tend to be midweight, balanced instruments with very pleasing acoustic properties. The combination of the woody yet hi-fi EMG pickups with the lush and versatile Mike Pope preamp makes these basses suitable for almost any application. Sorry, everyone; the magic is not hidden in the bass (as nice as they are) but in Wooten’s hands and commitment to his music.

For more information, visit online at www.fodera.com


Coming next issue: Glockenklang on-board preamps, basses by Alleva-Coppola and more great gear.


Bass Videos

Review: BITE Custom Bass – The Black Knight PP Bass

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Review - BITE Custom Bass - The Black Knight PP Bass

BITE Custom Bass – The Black Knight PP Bass Review…

I am sure many of you saw my review of the Snobby Steampunk Bass from BITE Guitars back in February of 2021 and will remember what a remarkable bass it was. BITE has been building custom basses since 2019 and has a unique custom approach where you can configure your bass to your specs.

I am very excited to have another Bass From BITE Guitars in my hands, The Black Knight PP Bass! 

The need for a P-Bass in one’s armamentarium is pretty standard for bass players and I recall chatting about this with Marty O’Brien about a year ago. It turns out that Marty and BITE Guitars got together and came up with this excellent configuration that gives you a P-Bass with a whole lot more.  Marty even played his own Black Knight PP bass at the 2024 NAMM show. You can see his review here.

Join me as I take an in-depth look at this very cool instrument and share all the details.

Here is The Black Knight Bass from BITE Guitars!

For more information, visit online at bite.guitars/product/black-knight-pp

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Gear Reviews

Gear Review: Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

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Gear Review: Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass Review…

Throughout the evolution of music, bass players have sought tools to sculpt and enhance their sonic landscapes, and one indispensable ally in this pursuit has been compression. Origin Effects, a name synonymous with premium audio craftsmanship, introduces the Cali76 Compact Bass Compressor, a pedal that pays homage to the legacy of compression and brings forth a new chapter in bass sonic mastery.

As we delve into the world of the Cali76 Compact Bass Compressor, we’ll explore how Origin Effects seamlessly weaves together the heritage of compression and contemporary bass demands, promising a pedal that not only honors the past but propels your bass playing into the future. Join us on this sonic expedition as we dissect the nuances of the Cali76 Compact and uncover the secrets it holds for bass players seeking the perfect blend of vintage warmth and modern versatility.

For Starters, the Cali76 is a studio-grade FET compressor pedal, based on the classic Urei 1176, but with some features optimized for bass guitar. For those of you who are not familiar with it, a FET (Field Effect Transistor) compressor is essentially a solid-state tube compressor emulation that allows for fast and precise control over the attack and the release parameters; allows for extreme compression ratios; and finally adds the typical 1176 color and character to the sound.

Together with the common controls we see in most compressor pedals – Ratio, Attack/Release, input (just like the original 1176, the threshold in this pedal is fixed), and output (makeup gain). The Cali76 offers two more controls dedicated to us bass players.

A Dry control – This allows us to mix in our dry, uncompressed signal to the pedal output. This is great for when we want to add back some of our playing dynamics to the compressed sound or for when you want some volume back in situations where the compression starts taking away the volume.

A High Pass Filter control – Low frequencies on a bass guitar signal normally overwhelm compressors. This high pass filter allows the compressor to only react to higher frequencies, which helps preserve the natural dynamics of our playing while keeping the low end intact.

Metering on this pedal can be a bit hard to get used to at first. There’s a single LED light on the pedal, that not only serves as an On/Off light, but it’s also our meter. It glows red when no compression is applied and orange for active compression. The brighter the light, the greater the amount of gain reduction. Yellow signifies that the gain reduction reached 27dB and maximum reduction occurs around 38 dB.

In practical terms, it’s all about working with the input and the LED to find the sweet spot (turn the input to zero, start playing and slowly increase the input level until you start seeing the LED glowing orange, which means there’s reduction going on).

With 6 highly interactive knob controls, this pedal implies some degree of compressor knowledge and also some amount of tweaking and experimentation to find the perfect settings. The good news is that it is very hard to make this pedal sound bad…

It can go from very subtle compression settings to very extreme, and it can do everything in between. Also, the team at Origin has been kind enough to add a couple of sample settings in the manual to get players started and to help us understand better how the pedal works.

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Dynamic Control is a setting that provides natural compression, balancing dynamics between various playing techniques. It is a subtle compression that will work almost out of the box almost all the time. Having a medium setting for the High Pass Filter ensures an honest translation of the lower string dynamics.

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Parallel compression is a popular studio technique, where both compressed and natural signals are blended. We get the sound and feel of hard compression while retaining the natural playing dynamics.

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Percussive, lively & Fat is a setting that uses a slower attack time to accentuate the start of any note. Then using a fast release allows the compressor to recover between notes so that the phrases sound more percussive. Ideal for slapping and other percussive techniques.

Finally, I would like to mention the classic 1176 tonal coloration. It’s not a secret that engineers all around would sometimes use the 1176 compressor, without applying any compression, just to get the tonal coloration into the instrument sound.

And the Cali76 compressor is no different, it has such a rich, warm, and full coloration that’s super pleasing to the ear and makes you want to have it ON all the time. So be aware, that if you want a transparent compressor, this pedal is not for you!

All in all, it is easy to understand why this pedal became a favorite of so many bass players around the world. The Cali76 Compact stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering that Origin Effects is renowned for. It seamlessly navigates through the rich history of compression, offering bass players a gateway to the soulful resonance of the past while empowering them to sculpt a contemporary sonic future.

Whether you’re a seasoned bass maestro or a budding virtuoso, the Cali76 Compact invites you to embark on a sonic journey where every note is held in a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. As we bid farewell to our exploration, we do so with the realization that the Cali76 Compact is more than just a pedal; it’s a sonic companion that elevates the artistry of bass playing

For more information, visit online at origineffects.com

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Gear Reviews

Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass Review

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Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass Review

Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass Review…

Not long ago, I did a review of the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass and I have just been given the honor and privilege of reviewing the Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass. I have to say, another great bass from Spector that is hard to put down! While there are some similarities between both basses, there are also some noticeable differences which is why I believe having both is essential to any bass arsenal.

Spector, widely used by many rock and metal bassists like Ian Hill, Alex Webster, Colin Edwin, Doug Wimbish, and many more, just to name a few, has a long-standing in these genres. Well, that’s about to change! The bass I used for the review, didn’t see any of those genres, matter of fact, I used it on a few classic country gigs and at church too! However, when at home in the studio, I let the funk out. The NS Ethos HP 4 Bass is an all-around great bass for any genre and will not disappoint.

Let’s get into the specs about the bass, and here we will find the differences between the HP 5 Bass and the HP 4.

Forget that one is a 5 string, while the other is a 4, while that is a difference, that’s not one that I feel needs to be noted as both models are available as 4 and 5 strings. The Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass has a 34” scale, 24 fret, 3 piece maple neck through construction with solid alder wings, ebony fingerboard along with centered and side dots and the 12th fret Spector logo inlay with a brass nut.

While the pickups are different as the NS Dimension HP 5 Bass uses the EMG 45DC and the NS Ethos HP 4 Bass sports the EMG 35DC pickups, they are the same pickup configurations, the difference being, one for 4 string, the other for 5 string. The electronics are the same, consisting of a Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp which consists of +-12dB @70Hz for Bass, +-12dB @500Hz for Mids, and +-12dB @2.8kHz for Hi Mids. Controls for Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass consist of Master Volume, Blend, Bass, Mid, and Hi Mid controls. The electronics are powered by a 9-volt battery.

The bridge is a Hi-Mass locking bridge with intonation screws and the tuners are sealed die-cast. All hardware is black. Same as the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass, the HP 4 Bass is available in 4 different finishes, White Sparkle Gloss, Gunmetal Gloss, Plum Crazy Gloss & Black Gloss. The bass also comes with a very nice and well-padded gig bag.

Check out the Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass at a Spector Music Retailer today near you or visit online at spectorbass.com/product/ns-ethos-hp-4/

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Gear Reviews

Review: Italia Leather Straps

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Review: Italia Leather Straps

Italia Leather Straps…

Whenever I get a new bass, I like to get a new strap to christen it and I also like to find one that is “color coordinated” to my new instrument. I recently had a 6-string fretless bass created by a local luthier named Frank Brocklehurst, which started my search for a new strap.

There are a few points that I always look for when searching for a new strap. 

1-Comfort 
2-Width
3-Great color
4-Price

My most recent quest put me in touch with “Italia Leather Straps.” Italia has been in business in California for about 20 years and has been selling factory direct for the past 18 years.

When you order your strap it begins its “made to order” build process and after shipping more than 50,000 straps they certainly have it well in hand!

To answer my 4 questions regarding comfort, Italia uses some of the most comfortable and luxurious leather in a wide variety of colors. I was able to match almost perfectly the color of my bass and the color of the leather.

You can order it in either a 2.5” or 4” width as well as a standard and long model for tall players. I prefer the 4” for all of my basses. 

I received my strap and I must tell you, the leather was soft, supple, and truly comfortable when I attached it to my bass.

I must commend Italia Leather Straps for their attention to detail and beautiful selection of leather. I would say that when you go looking for a new strap, these guys should be on your shortlist.

Call or visit Italia Leather Straps online:
831-324-4277
www.italiastraps.com

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Bass Videos

Review: The Fuchs FBT-700 Bass Amps

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Review: The Fuchs FBT-300 and FBT-700 Bass Amps

Fuchs FBT-700 Bass Amps…

Much like our original ODS amps were initially inspired by the legendary Dumble amps, the new Fuchs FBS-1 bass amps have found their inspiration from the iconic Walter Woods © bass amps, but with Andy’s own enhancements.

Andy tapped his years of experience as a working musician, as well as servicing and tweaking guitar and bass amps for many famous clients as diverse as Carlos Santana through jammers like Jimmy Herring, including jazz legends like Dave Stryker for over 40 years as inspiration for our new bass amps. Fuchs’ 20-year list of reviews and endorsers is truly impressive to say the least.

Not unlike the iconic Walter Woods © amps the FBS-300 and FBS-700 amps are designed for maximum power at minimal size and weight. For years, the rare and coveted Woods amps have built a following amongst industry professionals. They were literally the first switch mode class-D style lightweight bass amps ever. Due to Walter being reclusive and now retired, these amps found their way to Andy’s shop to be repaired. While servicing them Andy was able to reverse engineer the preamp and power supply. Mated to a modern lightweight ICE power digital power module we have produced an amp that Woods owners agree, is equal (if not better) than their predecessors.

The FBS-1 bass amps (and our FBT tube bass amps) share identical panels and chassis and are available in 300 and 700-watt models, they feature a solid-state preamp inspired by the infamous Walter Woods © amps, but with improvements like a steep-slope subsonic filter and a DI output using high-speed audiophile op amps and a regulated power supply. The DI output is electrically balanced pre/post switch, ground lift, DI Phase, and a global mute switch.

Small and light, (downright diminutive) at less than 5-lbs and 12 x 3 x 9, they are loud and clean. Want some dirt? Raise the input gain and lower the master volume. Want total clean, lower the input gain and raise the master. They are super easy to operate, and the FBS-1  amps will easily fit in a gig bag, run ice-cold, and feature a well-thought-out, simple configuration for the working musician. A Fuchs gig bag designed for all models is coming soon.

These amps feature an input gain control allowing both passive and active bass use, Baxandall (shelving eq) high and low controls, a parametric rotary midrange control with level and frequency control and an output master volume. With the midrange pot in the ‘0’ position the circuit is flat. In this mode the bass and treble pots emulate the classic Woods and B-15 style amps we know and love. Use the mid circuit for boost and cut of up to 20 db at a fully adjustable frequency.

All models use the industry-standard Ice power modules, which are known for their rock-solid reliability and excellent cool-running, audio performance. These amps feature a buffered patch loop between the preamp and power amp. All amps offer worldwide automatic line voltage selection. Wherever you are, they automatically set their own line voltage. All amps are CE and RoHs compliant.

FBT-300 6 lbs 12 x 3 x 9 chassis. FBT-700 6 lbs 12 x 3 x 9 chassis.

FBT-300: 300W at 1% THD+N, 4Ohm • 260W at 0.1% THD+N, 4Ohm • 380W at 10% THD+N, 4Ohm • 450W at 1% THD+N, 2.7Ohm (Approximately ½ half this value at 8-ohms).

For more information, visit online at fuchsaudiotechnology.com

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