Bass Videos
Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Acoustic Bass Review
Basses are the tools of our trade and as in any profession or hobby, you always do your best work with the right tool for the job.
If you are considering an acoustic bass for your musical needs, I would suggest taking a close look at the Michael Kelly Dragonfly acoustic bass.
This finely crafted instrument is loaded with features and attention to detail that you might not expect at its very reasonable price-point.
Let’s take a look at a few more of the details:
Out of the box, this bass is ready to play. Each instrument comes with a quality control card, which contains the model and serial number, as well as a 19-point inspection. It is hand-written and signed by one of the MK QC Techs. The card provides the information to register your bass and lists the website and phone number should you have any questions.
For this review, I focused on the 5-string, fretted Dragonfly bass. While the neck-width on this one seems a tad on the narrow side for my taste (compared to my other 5-strings) I can definitely see this being an advantage for many players. I have met quite a few musicians who went with 4-strings as their preferred instrument, but tuned down for that low B due to hand size, where with this bass they might not have to.
The Fishman® Presys + Bass™ electronics are impressive; they not only give you a built-in tuner but have the capability of changing up your sound quite a bit to make it practical in many different situations, possibly reducing your need for more basses (did I just say that? – lol!).
The Fishman® Sonicore™ Under Saddle transducer bridge pickup does a great job at capturing the sound and really booms when you want it to.
While this is a bass loaded with function and features, it is also visually stunning. The intricate inlay work, Ovangkol fretboard & bridge, multi-layered binding and the smoke burst finish makes this bass an artistic statement without even playing a note! It will look great on stage as well as in your home. You might not want to keep it in a case, as it is so decorative; a nice wall hook in a well-lit area of the room might be a good plan.
As with any instrument, I recommend trying this bass for yourself, as the feel of this ample bodied bass is different than it’s electric counterparts. Initially the large body changes your approach to the strings but I adapted quickly and didn’t notice it much within minutes of playing.
Lastly, it is great that Michael Kelly offers this instrument in a 4-string or 5-string version, fretted or fretless, and right or left-handed. This variety of options should cater to most musicians’ bass needs.
For more information on the Michael Kelly Dragonfly Bass, as well as other acoustic options in the MK line, visit michaelkellyguitars.com/en/bass-guitars/acoustic-bass-guitars
If available, the website will also provide you with a location near you where you can try one of these sweet sounding beauties for yourself.
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model…
After playing a limited edition Dingwall live with Duran Duran, John Taylor has launched his
Dingwall Guitars production model, loaded with a Rupert Neve Designs preamp and
Rio-inspired graphics.
Dingwall’s major launch for 2023 was the limited edition Rio Dream Bass, featuring an
innovative Rupert Neve Designs onboard preamp. A year later, the range has been bolstered
with the Canadian company now offering unlimited access to its continued collaboration with
John Taylor of Duran Duran.
Dingwall CEO Sheldon Dingwall says the basses are a response to Taylor’s upfront bass style.
“John’s bass playing with Duran Duran really imprinted on me how a bass should fit into a band mix. The combination of tastefully busy syncopation, his punchy tone, and tight performance immediately drew my ear. His basslines have always had a special combination of energy and elegance.”
The John Taylor Signature model follows the formula of the limited edition Rio Dream Bass,
combining a lightweight Nyatoh body with three neodymium pickups to produce what Dingwall deems “wonderful playability and tones that display a rare clarity and refinement.” The JT Signature model also updates the Rio Dream Bass with a range of new colors; Metallic Black, Primrose, Cranberry and Seafoam Green, as well as a new 5-string variant.
Other specs include a bolt-on Maple neck, a Pau Ferro multi-scale fingerboard with the ‘Rio Eye’ inlaid at the 12th fret, and Dingwall’s new ‘Minimalist’ bridge. The headstock sports lightweight tuners and a Rio-inspired graphic that complements the body stripes, designed by longtime Duran Duran collaborator, Patty Palazzo.
Finally, an onboard preamp designed and configured in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs, whose studio consoles have long represented the pinnacle of high-end audio engineering, promises a clear voice that balances punch and sustain. “Duran’s breakthrough single, the title track from 1982’s Rio, was originally recorded on a Neve console, so the history was already there,” says Sheldon. “But the team at Rupert Neve Designs absolutely nailed the tone.”
Like the Rio Dream Bass, the JT Signature has also been configured to Taylor’s own personal
specifications. “It all started when I was in Toronto about six years ago,” says Taylor. “A friend
showed me a Dingwall bass on his phone. I loved how it looked and immediately said to my
tech, ‘You’ve got to reach out to these guys!’”
For further information on the range options, head to dingwallguitars.com
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore…
I am always impressed by the few members of our bass family who are equally proficient on upright as well as electric bass… Edmond Gilmore is one of those special individuals.
While he compartmentalizes his upright playing for mostly classical music and his electric for all the rest, Edmond has a diverse musical background and life experiences that have given him a unique perspective.
Join me as we hear about Edmond’s musical journey, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.
Photo, Sandrice Lee
Featured Videos
Follow Online
facebook.com/EdmondGilmoreBass
instagram.com/edmond_gilmore/
youtube.com/channel/UCCYoVZBLXL5nnaKS7XXivCQ
Bass Videos
Have Fret Sprout? Sharp Fret Management… a How-To Video
Products courtesy of Music Nomad Equipment Care and Zymol
Have Fret Sprout? Check out this sharp fret management how-to video…
Have you found a bass you like but noticed the frets feel sharp? Have you ordered a bass online and discovered that the frets are sharp on your hands when it arrives? Have you picked up one of your favorite basses and noticed that the frets seem unusually sharper than they used to? You might be experiencing fret sprout!
Join me as I fix those pesky frets on one of my basses so you learn how to fix yours too.
www.musicnomadcare.com
www.zymol.com
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore
Have Fret Sprout? Sharp Fret Management… a How-To Video
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Interview With Audic Empire Bassist James Tobias
New Album: Avery Sharpe, I Am My Neighbors Keeper
