Bass Videos
Review – Miura K3 DI & Preamp
Miura Guitars U.S.A. recently launched their second pedal offering dedicated to bassists, the K3 DI & Preamp.
This visually colorful follow-up to the visually stark M2 Compressor, shares a common trait with its predecessor: it adds little, to no, color to your natural tone. In short, you plug and play while enjoying a crisp, bright, and slightly more musical sound.
“Many players love the sound of our onboard K3 bass preamp so we designed and built the K3 DI & Preamp as an external pedal so bassists wouldn’t have to remodel their bass to get the Muira sound,” said Hiro Miura, founder of Miura Guitars USA, Inc.
The Preamp
Since the signal coming out of a bass is somewhat anemic, preamps are used to boost the signal before it reaches the amplifier. Bringing the signal up to “line level” allows the bass to work with power amps, mixers, etc. These preamps can be in the bass or in an external device like the Miura K3.
Preamps also lower the impedance, balance the signal, and even color the tone. The catch, however, with preamps is they can add to your bass’ tone. Many bassists will select their preamps to get, or to avoid altogether, that coloring.
“Because the Mid EQ is a pot, rather than a switch, players are able to find their preference seamlessly,” Miura said. “A switch only allows the user to set to a limited range, but the pot enables a wider range of selection.
“The K3’s Hi freq switch also allows the selection of a sound range, a characteristic combination of a single coil pickup and a humbucking pickup. As a result, the noise is extremely restrained, keeping the sound warm, natural, and very clear.”
The DI
One of the critical functions of a DI box is to convert unbalanced high impedance signals to balanced low impedance signals.
“Since our DI uses a full-scale EDCOR transformer, it can not be compared to a simplified DI,” Miura said. “You can think of the K3 as a high-quality DI with supreme sound quality…that comes with a preamp.”
Features
The K3 is a ruggedly-built pedal featuring bright pink and gold graphics. The features include:
- VOLUME: Controls the volume of OUT and DI OUT.
- BASS: Controls the low range (20Hz Peak).
- MIDDLE: Controls the mid-range. The frequency of the mid-range can be adjusted by MID FREQ.
- MID FREQ: Sets the zone of the mid-range to change. The range of the zone is 160Hz to 4kHz.
- TREBLE: Controls the high range. The frequency of the high range can be adjusted by the HI FREQ switch.
- GAIN: Controls the gain width (10dB to 22dB) of the sound signal coming through.
- G-LIFT: ON/OFF switch for the ground lift.
- PAD: Decreases the signal of LINE OUT and DI OUT by -15dB.
- EQ: ON/OFF switch for the EQ parts.
- LOOP: Switches the flow of signal of Effect Loop IN/OUT.
- HI FREQ: Switches the zone of TREBLE to 12kHz or 18kHz.
- DC 9V: DC 9V, over 150mA, center minus.
- LINE IN/OUT: ¼”
- EFFECT LOOP SWITCH: The signal connected to this IN/OUT can be switched ON/OFF by LOOP.
- DI OUT: XLR out.
The Miura is currently in limited production with a suggested retail price of $379.99 and can be purchased from authorized Miura Guitars USA, Inc. retailers.
Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. Champion Love Over Hate in New Single “Hush” | New Album ‘The Offering’ Out May 1.
Bassist Oteil Burbridge and vocalist Lamar Williams Jr. continue the rollout of their forthcoming collaborative album The Offering, with the release of its second single, “Hush”. A slow-burning Southern soul meditation rooted in love, peace, and emotional clarity, the track is a centerpiece on the album with a potent, thematic statement, in Williams’ words to “block out all of that nonsense” and “remember that there is more love in the world than hate.” The full-length album arrives May 1 via Flóki Studios, recorded on Iceland’s northern coast and produced by drummer, engineer, and Soulive co-founder Alan Evans.
While much of The Offering grew out of Burbridge’s banjo-based writing, “Hush” emerged from he and Williams’ shaping a deliberate sonic vision. Burbridge says they were “trying to capture a more old school Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals vibe,” leaning into a Southern soul feel that fits Williams’s phrasing. The end result is a song that is unhurried with a deep pocket that allows the groove and the song’s message breathe and stand at the forefront.
The album features an all-star lineup of drummer John Morgan Kimock, percussionist Weedie Braimah, organist Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band, pianist and violinist Jason Crosby, guitarists Tom Guarna and Jaden Lehman — musicians whose overlapping histories connect the Allman Brothers Band, Dead & Company, the Jerry Garcia Band, Soulive, and West African percussion traditions.
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When I heard that American Vanity, formerly known as Burn the Jukebox, was gearing up to release a new album this summer, it felt like the perfect moment to catch up with bassist and vocalist Virginia Franks.
With a fresh name unveiled just this past January and a clear shift in musical direction, the band is entering an exciting new chapter, one defined by both sonic evolution and a deeper, more focused message.
In this conversation, Virginia opens up about the inspiration behind the upcoming record, how she crafts her distinctive bass tone, what fans can expect from their upcoming tour, and where she sees both herself and the band heading next.
Join me as we dive into it all.
Here is Virginia Franks.
Photo, Devin Kasparian
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For decades, we’ve had the privilege of following the remarkable career of Nathan East, listening closely to his albums, tracking his milestones with Yamaha Instruments, and watching his evolving partnership with Laney Amplification with great interest. Along the way, we’ve talked gear, tone, and technique, while hearing his unmistakable musical “voice” woven into the work of more iconic artists than we could possibly list.
Today, we’re thrilled to reconnect with this true giant of the bass world following the release of a very special new album, Father Son, produced by Nathan alongside his son, Noah East. It’s a deeply personal project that showcases not only extraordinary musicianship but also a powerful family bond.
Join us as we dive into the making of this outstanding record, explore the new Laney Nathan East Signature Bass Preamp, and look ahead to what the future holds for one of music’s most respected and influential bassists.
Here is the one and only… Mr. Nathan East.
Photos, John Abbott @johnabbottphoto
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Disclaimer: This bass strap was kindly provided by Italia Leather Straps 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.
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wide bass strap, something that delivers both comfort and durability without compromising on style. That search ended nearly two decades ago when I discovered Italia Leather Straps.
Handcrafted in the USA from premium Italian leather, Italia Straps offers an impressive range of straps for both bass and guitar players. What immediately stood out to me was the exceptional craftsmanship; every detail, from stitching to material selection, reflects a commitment to quality. These aren’t just accessories… they’re long-term investments for serious musicians.
After more than 19 years of consistent use with my original strap, I can confidently speak to its longevity and comfort. Even under the demands of extended performances, the support provided by a 4” wide strap makes a noticeable difference.
In this review, I’m taking a closer look at the 4” Elite Series Leather Backed Bass Strap, now available in a sleek new Slate Black finish. It’s a refined addition to an already outstanding lineup, combining aesthetic appeal with the same trusted performance.
For more information, visit www.italiastraps.com.
Since 2012, Tom Doyle has been holding down the low end for UK alt-rock heavyweights Don Broco, helping to shape the band’s groove-driven, genre-blurring sound into one of the most distinctive in modern British rock. With thunderous tone, razor-sharp precision, and an instinct for hooks that hit just as hard as the riffs, Doyle has become a crucial force behind the band’s ever-evolving sonic identity.
As Don Broco gear up to unleash their highly anticipated new album, Nightmare Tripping, this feels like the perfect moment to dive into the mind of the man anchoring the chaos. From his musical roots and influences to the gear and techniques that craft his signature sound, Doyle opens up about the journey so far and what lies ahead.
Join me as we explore Tom’s evolution as a musician, the creative process behind Nightmare Tripping, and his vision for the future in a band that refuses to stand still.
Here is Tom Doyle.
Photos by Ton Pullen
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Gear News: Fender Unveils Highly Anticipated Vintera III Series
New Music: Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. New Single, Hush
Interview With Bassist Virginia Franks
Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage – April/May 2026 Issue
Gear Review: Italia Leather Straps
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