Gear
Phil Jones Bass H850 Headphones: Review
H850 Headphones from Phil Jones Bass
As musicians, we’re always looking for the best quality sound, whether that’s in our rig or in something as simple as a pair of headphones. And as bass players, we’ve amassed quite a collection of headphones that may work in some environments (like casual listening), but fail at others (private practicing). Thankfully, Phil Jones Bass has released the World’s First Pair of Headphones Dedicated to Bass Players with the H850 Headphones. Combining style with the trademark PJB high standard of quality, these headphones are an ideal addition to your equipment, at an enticing price point.
You can head over to the PJB Website and read about the specs of the H850 headphones, as well as some of the background of them. Upon receiving them, I took a good look at the aesthetics. They are well made and look very sleek; if you didn’t know it, you’d think they cost a lot more than the $99.95 pricetag that these command. They feature a removable cord (which I find incredibly helpful) and excellent acoustic isolation, which I noticed right away as I put these on. I also noticed how comfortable this pair of headphones was to wear. Oftentimes, the ones that look good don’t always feel good, especially when you’re using them for an extended period of time.
Okay, so they feel good. But how do they sound? According to the PJB Website, the H850 are the “first pair designed specifically to bridge the gap between high-quality music and deep and clear bass,” and I found that to be incredibly accurate. Upon using them for casual listening, I found the response to be excellent across the board, especially in keeping the bass frequencies focused and tight. You could hear everything, and in true PJB fashion, it sounded amazing. First test was a success.
The second test I ran the H850 headphones through was to use them with the PJB BigHead Mobile Headphone Amp for some late night practicing. Again, the headphones excelled in the application that they were designed for. My bass was clear, present and punchy with a focused low end. Adding in an auxiliary sound (either the metronome or something from the playlist on my iPhone) didn’t muddy up the sound at all, or cause any distortion. They made practicing in this type of environment enjoyable.
If you’re just looking for a great sounding set of headphones that you can also use as a practice tool, the PJB H850 Headphones will do it. But, after taking the call to sub on a couple of theatre gigs where you’re relying on headphones for personal monitors, I felt this was the ideal final test to not only hear how they’d handle this gig, but also find out how comfortable the headphones would be after a two and a half hour show.
In the theatre pit, these headphones once again excelled and exceeded my expectations. The clarity that I already knew was there was still dependable; voices from a couple doors down were clear and audible, and all the other instruments sounded great. Usually the problem with using a regular pair of headphones in this application is that everything starts to sound muddy and compressed; not so with the H850. I have used a number of different headphones and in-ear monitors in this exact setting, and the H850 are the one set that have sounded the best. The comfort level with the H850 was also well above expectations; even with really nice monitors, after a while they start to become uncomfortable.
The PJB H850 Headphones are an indispensable piece of equipment for ANY bass player. They are ideal for those practice sessions where using headphones is required, provide excellent reproduction for studio and theatre work, and are great for just casual listening. They also retail for around $99.95, which make these one of the cheaper gear purchases you’ll have to make.
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
