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iRig Acoustic Stage Brings New Depth to Acoustic Basses

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iRig_Acoustic_Stage_frontYou have an acoustic bass guitar, or maybe even a ukulele bass. And they sound nice, but there’s something missing when you plug it in (and let’s face it, you HAVE to plug them in). It’s the body of the instrument; that acoustic tone and nuance that just isn’t quite there with a piezo. Fortunately, the folk at IK Multimedia have you covered with the iRig Acoustic Stage, an integrated microphone that will bring the life back into your acoustic instrument.

In its simplest form, the iRig Acoustic Stage allows you to use a microphone ALONGSIDE your piezo pickup. The AUX input (where you will plug in your piezo) features a blend control to allow you to keep the onboard electronics that you may like, but add in some of the actual body of the instrument. The result is a more natural sound that isn’t nearly as harsh or “electronic” as the piezo alone. It has a “calibration” button that will allow you to optimize the DSP response to your instrument. This is especially vital when you are using a small-bodied acoustic instrument like the U-Bass. Combine that with 6 different EQ settings for the mic, and you can bring a more authentic tone to your sound.

irig_acoustic_stage_scheme

So with all that in mind, I grabbed my trusty Islander Pako Bass, the iRig Acoustic Stage, and plugged everything into my amp. I used the “calibration” button immediately which made a big difference with the smaller body of the Pako Bass. I dialed through the EQ presets and found one that sounded nice and warm, with that woodiness and breath-like quality of the bass when it’s usually unplugged. With that part dialed in, I started blending in the piezo pickup. The big boomy low end of the piezo was a great complement to the authenticity of the iRig. With roughly a 60/40 mix (iRig/Piezo), I got a sound that was currently not available on the instrument. And it sounded GREAT!

The iRig Acoustic Stage from IK Multimedia helps to bring a new depth and authenticity to the sound of your acoustic bass guitar, or in my case, ukulele bass. Priced at $99 USD, the iRig is one of the best mics on the market for acoustic instruments.

Click here for more info on the iRig Acoustic Stage

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New Gear:  Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300

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New Gear:  Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300

Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
 
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.

Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
 
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.

Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
 
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.

Product Specification-

Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg

For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com

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Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary

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30th Anniversary Limited Edition SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…

The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.

This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.

The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.

It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.

Anticipated Availability:  May/June 2024

For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/

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New Gear: Nordstrand Audio PolyVox Multi-coil Pickups

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New Gear: Nordstrand Audio PolyVox Multi-coil Pickups

Nordstrand Audio introduces PolyVox: Multicoil Pickups

Nordstrand Audio’s new PolyVox multi-coil pickups are the ultimate expression of Carey’s lifelong search for the most inspiring and musically evocative bass tone.

Isolating each string’s transducer profoundly alters the resonance of each pickup, resulting in a far flatter, more “transparent” frequency response in comparison to conventional pickup designs. The focus, integrity, and texture of every note transcends even the best conventional pickup designs.

PolyVox pickups include asymmetrical angled coils with a proprietary Alnico magnet load and supporting ceramic bars that achieve real-world output in a totally passive design. At long last, discriminating bass players can enjoy the multitudinous benefits of a fully passive multi-coil pickup system that’s ready to drop into any 4, 5, or 6-string bass that fits our standard soapbar shape.

• Multicoil, hum-canceling bass pickups
• Available as single neck, single bridge or as a set
• Angled poles
• Built with Alnico and ceramic magnets
• Laser cut, fiber bobbins
• Potted in a paraffin-beeswax mix to contain any unruly frequency that may attempt to desecrate your desired tone.
• Standard spacing is 19mm ctc at the bridge
• Extensively designed, and set up in Redlands, California, these basses are available online and at select dealers.
• Street price, starting at $192 for a single pickup.

Founded by respected bass guitar maker and pickup builder Carey Nordstrand in 2005, Nordstrand Audio offers innovative designs rooted in traditional tried-and-true methods and materials. The fast-growing company offers premium quality replacement pickups and preamps to discriminating guitarists and bassists. The V1 Acinonyx was released in 2020. For more information, visit online at nordstrandaudio.com

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New Gear: Cort® Launches the Artisan Space 5 Bass

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New Gear: Cort® Launches the Artisan Space 5 Bass

Cort® Launches the Artisan Space 5 Bass…

Cort® Guitars introduces the Space 5, a new bass model that both harkens to the company’s innovative past and looks to the future of the instrument with a light, compact, and portable design.

First hitting the streets in the 1980s after an exhaustive R&D process, Cort’s groundbreaking Space line of guitars and basses helped to spearhead the decade’s headless fretted instrument boom. Now, with the Space 5, the company builds upon its storied legacy, while adding modern-day features and enhancements. Overall design takes cues from a handful of classics without nodding too much to the past.

A solid-feeling bass with a maple body and 6 mm solid poplar burl top, the Artisan Space boasts excellent sustain and vibrational qualities from its 40mm thickness. A 7-piece roasted maple, walnut, and purpleheart neck is simultaneously stunning and functional, affording players a defined midrange that complements the expansive, bright qualities of the body.

The gorgeous wood grain enhances the eye-catching body and neck shape (with distinctive “Next Gen” Cort logo engraved just beneath the upper cutaway), modeled after the flagship Artisan Bass Series, while the deeper contour and cutaways along with individual bridge with tuner knobs are significant upgrades.

D’Addario® EXL170-5SL strings travel across a 47 mm zero fret that effectively replaces the need for a nut and better sets the string height over the length of the fretboard. This zero fret allows players to easily change between any string gauges via this arrangement. Hardware consists of specially designed head piece, individual string bridges, Bartolini® MK-1 pickups and AN active 3-band EQ preamp. They feed a comprehensive set of five-tone and volume controls, allowing for a variety of sonic possibilities.

The neck provides effortless playing courtesy of a slim neck and 15.75-inch (400mm) radius roasted hard maple fretboard, the Artisan Space 5 benefits from expert setup yielding buzz-free, low action and consistent intonation up and down the neck.

Built with top-shelf components and construction, this is an ultra-stylish instrument dripping with a forward-thinking attitude. The Artisan Space 5 cranks out big tones with ease, effortlessly transitioning from crisp or growly runs to moody, jazzy stylings. With upscale looks paired to category-leading features and specifications, this is the bass choice for the discerning, modern musician.

For more information, please visit www.cortguitars.com

Street: $799.99 USD

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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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