Gear Reviews
MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings Review
MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings Review…
MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings may be the newest bass strings on the market, but that only comes after years and years of research by founder Michael J Connolly during his many years at Dean Markley. There are no tricks here, just years of knowledge and testing to find the right combination to give bass players what they need in a set of strings. Michael has worked with many artists over the years, listening to their feedback and building off of that to develop what is a top-notch product in the world of bass strings. Before we get much deeper into the review, let’s touch on the coolest packaging, with good reason, that I have ever seen. I could say it’s in the tin, and it is, literally. MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings come packaged in a real cool tin, that is reusable for whatever needs you have at the current moment. I’ll get into that a little later. I’ve never been much of a stickler for strings, thinking, strings were just strings, some costing more, and the different windings, and everything else that goes along with them. Then there are artist endorsements. That seems to have a pull on what strings we may want or not want to go for. As we get older, we realize it’s not the name; it’s how we like the texture, tone, and most importantly the feel of the strings. I have to admit, I have never been a fan of the stainless strings, and they always seemed to have a gritty feel, until now. The MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings in the stainless flavor don’t have that gritty, feel, in fact, I thought maybe something got packaged wrong and I was playing nickel strings. I have to hand it to Michael, stainless strings were never possible in my future until now. I encourage everyone to give the MJC Ironworks Premium Strings a try, you will not be disappointed!
I actually had the opportunity to sit down a talk with Michael about the strings in detail!
Why the tin?
Well for one, it’s cool and I think if you are going to have a premium product, you need premium packaging. When you are dealing with some of the issues that come up with corrosion, one good way to get around it is to put it in what I call a “potato chip” bag, which seems to be what everyone is doing. They serve their purpose and it’s a lot cheaper to put the strings in the bags. Then there is the RNPROTECTS, which is a big part of what my strings are about, which is a foam strip inside the tin. The tin is cool, because it’s also a place to put stuff, things musicians need, whatever they may be. It stands out, is definitely different, and we aren’t charging any more for the tin. Our strings are competitively priced with strings that are in the bag.
What does the foam strip in the tin do for the strings, and I’m also aware that you have a separate foam strip for the strings?
That’s exactly right. Both of them are called RNPROTECTS. The RN is the initials for a friend of mine that had passed away. What the RNPROTECTS does is that it emits a natural occurring anti-corrosion inhibitor. It sticks to everything metal and permeates the core wire. When the RNPROTECTS is in the tin, the strings are so well protected and there is not going to be any corrosion that occurs at all while it is in the tin. As soon as any metal gets exposed to oxygen, which is the enemy of metals, that’s when everything starts corroding. When you take the foam strip, (which I have a bigger one that you can buy, and place it in your case). Every time you open and close your case, there is a static charge that happens and it sticks to everything metal, even permeating the pots. The RNPROTECTS won’t stop corrosion, but it will inhibit corrosion and it will protect for up to two years. RNPROTECTS is a revolutionary product that really offers something. They use these products in computers for the space shuttle, AWAC planes, and even use it to treat rebar in concrete so that the rebar in concrete won’t rust. Everything I have, the tin, the quality of the product, it all ties in to a perception. The perception is that, in a tin, this is a great product. It adds value to it and it is a premium string having a lot of aspects to it that other strings don’t like the anti-corrosion inhibitor that you can use and reuse for up to two years.
Your stainless steel strings seem a lot different than the rest. For one thing, they don’t have that “gritty” effect on your fingers, can you tell us what contributes to that?
There are a couple of manufacturers that make most of the wire, and there are a couple companies that make their own wire. You are basically buying wire from the same companies. You buy that wire, bring it in, and put it on your machines, wind them, and you get your finished product. When they make the wire, they run it through dyes, and when the dye starts to wear out, it can cause some grittiness. On stainless steel in general, when you are pulling it down, it gets that gritty feel. I use a lighter outer wrap on my strings with the idea to try to mimic nickel-plated steel. This goes way back when I was working at Dean Markley strings. We came out with the SR2000, which was a tapered core string, and every string in the set was tapered except the G string. So for me to get that vibe, Dean, who didn’t want another stainless steel string as most players were buying nickel strings, I had to try to mimic the nickel strings. I went to smaller outer wraps, took the strings to Dean. He felt the first one and said that was stainless and the second which was nickel, and he was right. Then I handed him the one with the smaller stainless outer wrap and he thought it was nickel. That’s how we got it through because it was a stainless string. So, smaller outer wraps is a big part of that, in addition to the quality of the metals.
What would you say that makes your strings stand out from the others?
I wish I had the answer to brand loyalty. I think the real answer is how the string makes you feel when you play it. If you get a set of strings and they don’t feel or sound good, you don’t play good. You don’t like them and you can’t wait to get rid of them. Manufacturers have their own flavor on how they make strings, their tensions are different, it’s a stiffer string, and you are only going to like what you like by trying stuff. I could go on and on about string manufacturing and what makes one better than the other, but what it really gets down to is how does it make you feel. There are a lot of finite reasons why strings are inherently different over other strings. Some have to do with pull down pressure and your core tension. Our firm belief is that you don’t wind a string tighter than it would be when it is tuned to pitch. Then you have low B issues. I am a big proponent of B strings. It’s a whole other engineering scale length problem that, in my opinion hasn’t been addressed. There are some companies that make some really good low B’s, but at the end of the day, what I have found with our artists is that people love the strings for three reasons. One, they love the tension, two, the love the feel, and three, they love sound. It makes them feel good, and they have a place to put their” stuff”. With that, you have RNPROTECTS and we are going to be expanding the RNPROTECTS into a whole bunch of other lines. We are just getting ready to launch acoustic and electric strings for guitars as well. The response that we have gotten from bass players is nothing less than overwhelming. It’s really extraordinary that you made the observation on stainless because I do hear that a lot. All of these companies make great products. I’m not in this business to rag on other companies. We all have a different approach, feel, and texture.
You owe it to yourself and your bass to take the time and check out the MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings. Strings are available for 4,5,6, and 7 string basses in both nickel and stainless. Gauges available are light (40-60-80-100) Medium light (45-65-85-105) and Medium (50-70-90-110). The low B in the 5 string sets is125 for light and medium light, and 130 for medium. Some of the finest artist use the MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings including Rocco Prestia!
Check out the MJC Ironworks Premium Bass Strings website, and feel free to contact Michael J Connolly and talk with him about his strings, he would love to hear from you
MJC Ironworks
140 Mountain Spring Drive
San Jose California 95136
408 300 0889 Office
408-483-5547 Cell (Michael says… feel free to call me and let’s talk about strings!)
Visit online at mjcironworks.com
A review of the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: The Joyo Gloam is a sub-octave fuzz pedal specifically designed for bass players, combining modern sub-octave effects with rich fuzz tones. With two independently controlled circuits, the Gloam aims to provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, aggressive fuzz to Moog-like synth effects. This review will explore the Gloam’s specifications, controls, and overall performance, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
- Weight: 403g
- Working Voltage: DC 9V
- Controls: The Joyo Gloam features a comprehensive control set designed to provide bassists with a wide range of tonal options:
- Dry Tone: Adjusts the tone of the clean signal.
- Dry Volume: Controls the volume of the clean signal.
- Sub Octave Volume: Adjusts the volume of the sub octave signal.
- Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz: Adjusts the intensity of the fuzz effect.
- Bass: Controls the bass frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Treble: Adjusts the treble frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz Mode Switch: Switches between two different fuzz modes.
- Dry Tone Frequency Switch: Selects between two different frequency points for the dry tone.
Performance: The Joyo Gloam excels in its dual-circuit design, offering both a sub octave and a fuzz channel that can be controlled individually. However, it’s important to note that the octaver cannot be used without the fuzz circuit activated; the only way to solo the octaver is by turning down the fuzz while both channels are engaged.
Fuzz Circuit: The fuzz circuit includes standard controls such as gain, volume, bass, and treble, along with a fuzz mode switch that toggles between two distinct fuzz modes. While one of the fuzz modes is highly usable and delivers a rich, aggressive tone, the other mode falls short and is less practical for most applications.
Octaver Circuit: The octaver circuit features controls for sub octave volume, clean volume, and clean tone, along with a dry tone frequency switch that provides two different frequency options. This allows for significant tonal versatility, enabling bassists to fine-tune their sound to match their preferences. Despite its limitation of being tied to the fuzz circuit, the octaver produces a deep, balanced sound that stands out.
Combined Effect: When used together, the fuzz and octaver circuits create a wide range of sounds, from classic, aggressive fuzz to synth-like tones reminiscent of a Moog synthesizer. This combination makes the Gloam a powerful tool for bassists seeking to experiment with their sound and achieve unique, textured tones.
Pros:
- Versatile Controls: Extensive control options for both fuzz and octaver circuits.
- Rich Tones: Delivers deep, aggressive fuzz and balanced octaver sounds.
- Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
- Wide Range of Sounds: Capable of producing everything from classic fuzz to synth-like effects.
Cons:
- Unusable Fuzz Mode: One of the fuzz modes is less practical.
- Dependent Octaver: Octaver cannot be used independently of the fuzz circuit.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Gloam sub-octave fuzz pedal offers a versatile and powerful option for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite some flaws, the Gloam delivers impressive sounds and flexibility. Its combination of rich fuzz and deep octaver tones, coupled with a sturdy construction, makes it a valuable addition to any bassist’s pedalboard. For those seeking a modern bass distortion with the added depth of sub-octave effects, the Joyo Gloam is a compelling choice for a very compelling price.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/281.html
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction:
The Joyo Monomyth bass preamp pedal is designed to offer bassists a comprehensive range of tonal options, combining modern features with practical functionality. With independent channels for EQ and overdrive, as well as useful additions like a cab sim and DI output, the Monomyth aims to be a versatile tool for both live performances and studio sessions. This review will delve into the pedal’s specifications, controls, and overall performance to determine if it lives up to its promise of delivering quality and flexibility at an affordable price.
Specifications:
– Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
– Weight: 442g
– Working Voltage: DC 9V
Controls:
The Joyo Monomyth is equipped with a comprehensive set of controls designed to provide maximum tonal flexibility:
– Voice: Adjusts the character of the overdrive, from distortion to fuzz.
– Blend: Balances the dry and effected signals, crucial for maintaining low-end presence.
– Level: Sets the overall output volume.
– Drive: Controls the amount of gain in the overdrive channel.
– Treble Boost: Enhances high and mid frequencies for clarity in complex passages.
– Gain Boost: Adds extra gain, particularly effective at low gain settings to enhance the low e.
– EQ Function Controls: Features a 6-band graphic EQ plus a master control for precise nal shaping.
– Ground Lift Switch: Helps eliminate ground loop noise.
– Cab Sim Switch: Activates a simulated 8×10″ cab sound.
– LED Light Control: Customizes the pedal’s ambient lighting.
Performance:
The Joyo Monomyth shines in its dual-channel design, offering both a transparent EQ channel and a versatile overdrive channel. The 6-band EQ allows for detailed tonal adjustments, preserving the natural character of your bass while providing ample flexibility. The voice control mimics the functionality of the Darkglass Alpha Omega, shifting from distortion to fuzz, with a sweet spot around the middle for balanced tones.
The blend control is essential for retaining the low end when using distortion, ensuring your bass remains powerful and clear. The treble and gain boosts, available on the overdrive channel, further enhance the pedal’s versatility, making it suitable for everything from subtle drive to full-blown fuzz.
Outputs are plentiful, with a DI and XLR out for direct recording or ampless setups, and a headphone out for convenient practice sessions. The cab sim switch adds a realistic 8×10″ cab sound, enhancing the Monomyth’s utility in live and studio environments.
Pros:
– Versatile Control Set: Offers a wide range of tones, from clean to fuzz.
– Blend Control: Maintains low-end presence.
– Robust Outputs: DI, XLR, and headphone outs make it adaptable for various setups.
– Affordable: Provides high-end functionality at a budget-friendly price.
– Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
Cons:
– Plastic Knobs: May feel less premium compared to metal controls.
– Boosts Limited to Overdrive Channel: Treble and gain boosts do not affect the EQ channel.
– Cab Sim only on the XLR out: how cool would it be to also have it on the headphone out?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Joyo Monomyth stands out as a versatile and powerful bass preamp pedal, offering a range of features that cater to both traditional and modern bassists. Its dual-channel design, comprehensive control set, and robust output options make it a valuable tool for achieving a wide spectrum of tones, from clean and warm to heavily distorted. For bassists seeking flexibility, reliability, and excellent value, the Joyo Monomyth is a top contender.
For more information, visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/267.html
Review of the Joyo Double Thruster…
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: When it comes to bass distortion, finding a pedal that delivers a wide spectrum of tones while maintaining the essential low end can be challenging. The Joyo Double Thruster, a modern bass distortion pedal designed to cater to the diverse needs of bassists was a pleasant surprise that we had the opportunity to review. From subtle overdrive to full-on fuzz, the Double Thruster delivers with versatility and affordability.
Specs: The Joyo Double Thruster is compact yet robust, making it ideal for both stage and studio use. Here are its key specifications:
Dimensions: 109 * 72 * 48 mm
Weight: 250g
Working Voltage: DC 9V
Controls: The Double Thruster features a comprehensive control set that allows for precise tonal sculpting:
Tone: Adjusts the overall tonal character of the distortion.
Blend: Critical for bassists, this control blends the dry signal with the distorted signal, ensuring the low end remains intact.
Volume: Sets the output level of the pedal.
Gain: Controls the amount of distortion, from mild overdrive to full fuzz.
Gain Boost Switch: Provides a noticeable boost, especially at lower gain settings, enhancing the low end and adding depth to the tone.
Mid Boost Switch: Boosts mid frequencies, helping the sound cut through the mix with greater clarity and definition.
LED Light Control: Customizes the ambient lighting of the pedal.
Performance: The Joyo Double Thruster excels in delivering a range of distortion tones while retaining the essential low end that bassists need. The blend control is particularly useful, allowing users to mix the clean and distorted signals to maintain clarity and punch. The gain boost switch adds a pleasing depth to the low end, especially noticeable at lower gain settings, while also compensating for low end loss at higher gain levels. The mid-boost switch enhances the pedal’s ability to cut through complex mixes, making it ideal for intricate playing.
In terms of versatility, the Double Thruster can emulate a variety of distortion sounds, from subtle warmth to high-mid, djenty grind. This makes it an excellent tool for bassists exploring different genres and styles.
Pros:
- Blend Control: Essential for retaining the low end in a distorted signal.
- Size and Weight: Compact and sturdy design.
- Rugged Construction: Durable build quality.
- Gain and Mid Boosts: Adds versatility and clarity to the tone.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for money.
Cons:
- Plastic Knobs: May feel less premium compared to metal controls.
- Comparison to High-End Pedals: While close, it may not fully match the tone of more expensive pedals like the Darkglass B3K, and that’s ok. The Double Thruster is a great pedal on its own!
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Double Thruster stands out as a versatile and affordable option for bassists seeking a wide range of distortion tones. Its thoughtful design and comprehensive controls make it a great tool for achieving everything from mild overdrive to full fuzz, all while maintaining the crucial low end. For bassists looking to expand their tonal palette without breaking the bank, the Joyo Double Thruster is a must-have addition to their pedalboard.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com
Minuendo Lossless Earplugs Live 17dB…
Minuendo Lossless Earplugs Live 17dB – Hearing protection has always been front and center on my mind because I love music so much, I cannot imagine my life if I were unable to hear.
You might remember back in 2021, we had a good look at the Minuendo Lossless Earplugs featuring adjustable protection. This system has a lot of very good features but there was always the question of how much sound attenuation to choose.
Now, the great folks at Minuendo have come up with a new version of their earplugs that has a set 17dB noise reduction. You still get a lot of the great features of the adjustables but you just don’t have to think about the specific sound level. In addition, this new version of earplugs comes at a very attractive price point.
For more information, visit online at Minuendo.com
Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp: A Tribute to 90’s Iconic Sounds
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinion or the content of our review. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
In the realm of bass preamp/DI pedals, capturing the essence of iconic tones from the 90s can often feel like an elusive pursuit. However, the Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp emerges as a great option for bass players seeking to replicate the signature sounds of that era, particularly the revered tech21 SansAmp. With its robust feature set and compact design, the Tidal Wave offers a faithful homage to classic rock tones and low-gain distortions, all while providing modern conveniences for today’s bassist. Let’s delve into why the Joyo Tidal Wave stands out as a versatile and budget-friendly tool for both stage and studio.
Specs:
Measuring at 130 * 110 * 50 mm and weighing 442g, the Joyo Tidal Wave strikes a balance between portability and durability, making it ideal for gigging musicians and studio enthusiasts alike. With a power consumption of just 100 mA and a working voltage of DC 9V, the Tidal Wave ensures reliable performance in a variety of settings.
Controls:
At the heart of the Tidal Wave’s versatility lies its comprehensive control set, allowing bass players to sculpt their tone with precision. Key features include:
– Level: Sets the overall output volume of the pedal.
– Blend: Blends the dry signal with the cab-emulated signal, offering seamless integration of the pedal into any setup.
– Presence: Controls the dynamics of the high upper-mids, crucial for shaping drive tones.
– Drive: Introduces low-gain distortions and classic rock sounds into the clean tone.
– Treble, Middle, and Bass: Provides a 3-band EQ with frequency selectors for bass (40Hz – 80Hz) and mids (500Hz – 1KHz), offering ample control over tonal shaping.
– Middle Shift and Bass Shift: Allows for further fine-tuning of midrange and bass frequencies.
– Ground Lift: Helps eliminate ground loop noise in certain setups.
– DI Attenuation Switch: Adjusts the level of the DI output signal.
– LED Light Switch Control: Allows users to customize the ambient lighting of the pedal.
Performance:
True to its inspiration, the Joyo Tidal Wave excels in delivering classic rock tones and low-gain distortions reminiscent of the tech21 SansAmp. Whether you’re seeking gritty overdriven sounds or pristine clean tones, the Tidal Wave offers unparalleled flexibility and sonic versatility. The inclusion of a headphone out, XLR DI out with cab simulation, and throughout for the original bass sound make the Tidal Wave a versatile tool for both stage and studio applications. From practicing silently with headphones to crafting quality recordings in an ampless setup, the Tidal Wave delivers on all fronts with clarity, definition, and unmistakable character.
Pros:
The Tidal Wave boasts an array of advantages that set it apart from its direct competitors:
– Headphone Out: Transforms the pedal into a convenient practice tool.
– Size and Weight: Compact and lightweight design for easy transportation and setup.
– Rugged Construction: Durable build quality ensures longevity and reliability.
– DI and CabSim: Offers professional-grade direct recording capabilities with authentic cab simulation.
– Familiar Tones: Faithfully replicates the classic rock sounds of the tech21 SansAmp.
Cons:
While the Tidal Wave excels in many aspects, it does have a few drawbacks:
– Plastic Knobs: Knobs may feel less premium compared to pedals with metal controls.
– Cab Simulation Only on XLR Output: Limited cab simulation functionality may require additional routing for certain setups.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of classic rock tones from the 90s. With its faithful homage to the tech21 SansAmp, comprehensive control set, and modern conveniences like headphone out and XLR DI with cab simulation, the Tidal Wave offers bassists a versatile tool for sculpting their sound with precision and finesse. Whether you’re seeking to replicate iconic tones from the past or forge new sonic territories, the Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp is sure to inspire creativity and elevate your playing to new heights.
Available online at Amazon.com
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Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
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