Gear
MusicSafe Pro Hearing Protection
As a theatre musician, you often feel like a sardine in a tin can when you’re in the pit. It’s small, dark, and you normally share real estate with the drummer. While that may not seem like a big deal, your ringing ears and possible hearing loss become more important than finding a small rig to cram into that pit. So for the past seven years, earplugs have been in my gigbag.
New for 2013 are the MusicSafe Pro earplugs, from Alpine Hearing Protection. Curious to hear (or, not hear?) the difference, I was very graciously given a set of them to try out. Initial impressions were good. They looked good, felt good when in your ears, and had some great features. The Alpine earplugs have three sets of filters, capable of pulling out varying levels of sound. Most earplugs in this price range don’t have this option at all; you only get that once you pay for custom molds. They also have a much more compact profile, staying “hidden” when in your ears.
With the earplugs in hand, I started a four week, 33 gig schedule. This allowed me a little over one week to use each set of filters to compare which one works the best for the application. With a five person pit in a 10′ x 10′ area, these earplugs could be a lifesaver. The biggest thing I noticed throughout this entire run was that the smaller profile wasn’t as convenient as they claimed. You’re provided with a tube that allows for you to easily insert the earplugs in your ears. Without it, it’s actually kind of difficult to get them seated correctly; I rarely had them fit as well as I did with that tube. The bigger profile of comparable earplugs (like the Hearos brand) wins out in this department.
Attenuation values MusicSafe Pro in decibels
Hz 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
white dB 10.2 11.2 14.3 17.9 24.0 23.4 18.0
silver dB 14.8 15.0 15.7 18.7 26.6 24.4 18.9
gold dB 18.8 15.6 16.0 18.5 27.7 23.9 22.0
White Filters: I could hear little to no difference between having them in and the few times I took them out. Especially with the location of the drummer to my spot (as in, I was basically in his lap), I still heard a little ringing at the end of the night. Nothing really major, but definitely something that wouldn’t work in this close proximity.
Silver Filters: You can definitely hear a difference with these ones in, although it’s very slight. These definitely kept the offending drumming frequencies out of my head and saved my ears. For regular gigging, these would be my go-to filters to use.
Gold Filters: For me, these ones pulled out too much. Things started sounding muffled, and it was hard to hear the vocal monitor (which was quiet to begin with) over the band at times. If I was playing in a band that didn’t understand the concept of stage volume, these filters would be ideal. For my purposes, these ones really were too much.
With the varying needs of musicians and workers alike, Alpine makes a great set of earplugs with the MusicSafe Pro. While the small, compact profile also makes it hard to install without their included tube, the extra filters allow a lot of options in a price range that doesn’t usually offer that.
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass Videos
String Instrument Humidifiers
String Instrument Humidifiers
After living in some very humid parts of the country for decades, we moved to a dryer, much sunnier location. As a result, I started noticing some fret sprout on my string instruments and recently did a video on fret sprout correction.
It occurred to me that I should take a more preventative approach to string instrument humidification. Of course, I turned to my instrument maintenance experts, Music Nomad Equipment Care, for a solution and they suggested their Humitar series. (Note: They sent two press samples and I purchased the remainder online.)
Join me as I look at these useful tools for keeping my string instruments in tip-top condition.
The Humitar series is available online at Music Nomad Equipment Care, as well as Amazon.com
Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
Gear
New Joe Dart Bass From Sterling By Music Man
Sterling by Music Man introduces the Joe Dart Artist Series Bass (“Joe Dart”), named after and designed in collaboration with the celebrated Vulfpeck bassist.
Above photo credit: JORDAN THIBEAUX
This highly-anticipated model marks the debut of the Dart bass in the Sterling by Music Man lineup, paying homage to the Ernie Ball Music Man original that all funk players know and love. The bass embodies many of the original model’s distinctive features, from its iconic minimalist design to the passive electronics.
The design process prioritized reliability, playability, and accessibility at the forefront. Constructed from the timeless Sterling body, the Dart features a slightly smaller neck profile, offering a clean tone within a comfortable package. The body is crafted from soft maple wood for clarity and warmth while the natural finish emphasizes the simple yet unique look.
Engineered for straightforward performance, this passive bass features a ceramic humbucking bridge pickup and a single ‘toaster’ knob for volume control. Reliable with a classic tone, it’s perfect for playing in the pocket. The Dart is strung with the all-new Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flatwound Electric Bass Strings for the smoothest feel and a mellow sound.
The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Bass is a special “Timed Edition” release, exclusively available for order on the Sterling by Music Man website for just one month. Each bass is made to order, with the window closing on May 31st and shipping starting in November. A dedicated countdown timer will indicate the remaining time for purchase on the product page. Additionally, the back of the headstock will be marked with a “2024 Crop” stamp to commemorate the harvest year for this special, one-of-a-kind release.
The Joe Dart Bass is priced at $399.99 (MAP) and can be ordered globally at https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/joe-dart.
To learn more about Joe Dart, visit the official Vulfpeck artist site here https://www.vulfpeck.com/.
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
