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.
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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