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New Gear: BOSS Unveils Katana Bass Guitar Amps

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New Gear: BOSS Unveils Katana Bass Guitar Amps

Katana Bass Guitar Amps…

BOSS unveils the Katana Bass Guitar Amps, Katana-110 and Katana-210, the first bass guitar models in the acclaimed Katana amplifier lineup.

Offering three unique preamp types, assertive class AB power amps, versatile tone-shaping tools, onboard BOSS effects, and more, these stage-ready combos deliver premium sound and advanced features perfectly tuned for the needs of serious bassists. Introduced in 2016, the class-leading Katana guitar amp series has become a staple for players around the world. Combining great tone and inspiring feel with rich versatility via selectable amp characters, built-in effects, and recallable sound memories, the evolving Katana lineup continues to be a favorite for everyone from home hobbyists to pro stage performers. With the Katana-110 Bass and Katana-210 Bass, BOSS now brings the breakthrough innovation behind the Katana series to bass players for the first time.

Armed with custom-designed speakers and rock-solid combo cabinets, Katana bass amplifiers are ready for any musical situation. Each model features an efficient bi-amp design backed by time-tested class AB power, plus a variable Power Control for achieving optimum sound at any volume. Vintage, Flat, and Modern preamp types are available—each with a powerful three-way Shape switch to fine-tune the character—providing the perfect voice for any style or genre. 

The Katana-110 Bass features 60 watts of power, a 10-inch woofer, and a tweeter, making it ideal for home/studio playing and small stages. The Katana-210 Bass features 160 watts, two 10-inch woofers, and a tweeter, offering extra power and fullness for larger performance setups. The tweeter provides high-frequency definition for slap and other modern styles and can be disabled for a more traditional sound if desired. 

The Katana series is famous for its onboard BOSS effects, and the new Katana bass amplifiers are no exception. Dedicated comp/limiter and drive sections provide core processing, while FX1 and FX2 offer a treasure trove of options from the BOSS bass effects library, from standards like chorus and flanger to octave, bass synth, and more. The FX2 section also includes delay and reverb, and over 60 total effect types are available for loading via the BOSS Tone Studio editor. 

Intuitive panel controls on the Katana-110 Bass and Katana-210 Bass make it easy to refine tones in detail. The studio-inspired Blend section lets the player mix in some dry signal, complete with pre-shaping via three customizable settings for the optimum tonal fusion. A comprehensive four-band EQ is also on hand, and three selectable frequency centers are available in the low-mid and high-mid bands. Users can store and recall favorite sound setups with six Tone Setting memories, including preamp type, EQ, Blend, and effects. 

Both Katana bass amp models support external operation via footswitches, an expression pedal, and the GA-FC Foot Controller. There’s also a balanced XLR output with a switch to select between direct, pre, or post signals. A headphones/recording output includes effects and mic’d cab emulation with three Air Feel settings, while USB lets users interface with computer production software.

With the BOSS Tone Studio editor on a Mac or Windows computer, players can adjust preamp, EQ, and Blend settings, call up and tweak over 60 BOSS effects, and organize sounds for different gigs. And by connecting an optional BOSS Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor to the rear panel, they can wirelessly adjust settings on the gig from an iOS or Android mobile device. 

The BOSS Katana-110 Bass and Katana-210 Bass amplifiers will be available in the U.S. in April for $399.99 and $649.99 respectively.

To learn more about the Katana-110 Bass and Katana-210 Bass amplifiers, visit www.boss.info.

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New Gear: Trickfish Introduces New Line of Pedals

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New Gear: Trickfish Introduces New Line of Pedals

Trickfish Introduces New Line of Pedals…

Trickfish is proud to announce the release of its new line of stompbox pedals, thoughtfully designed for discerning musicians. The VCA Compressor, Overdrive Preamp, External Preamp (EPA), and Signal Filter pedals are designed and manufactured by Trickfish in the USA and feature the highest-quality components and materials for long-term durability and pristine sound.

These pedals embody Trickfish’s commitment to delivering top-tier sound quality and dynamic musicality, providing smart and user-friendly tools to help bassists achieve their ideal sound on stage and in the studio. All of the Trickfish stompbox pedals feature a high-quality angled steel chassis, smooth taper knobs, top-mounted jacks, easy to read graphics and are powered by standard 9V DC pedalboard power supply-compatible jacks.

“The new pedals represent what I consider the “bass toolbox” that can enhance the experience of any bass player in a live situation”, says Ryan Owens, President of Trickfish. “We love how this first offering has turned out and there’s more to come!”

Click to view demo videos

Retail pricing: VCA Compressor: $249, Overdrive Preamp: $229,  Signal Filter: $219, and External Preamp: $219.

For more information about Trickfish Amplification and its innovative lineup of bass pedals, visit trickfishamps.com.

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BITE Serves up Tasty Vanilla Bass Series

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BITE Serves up Tasty Vanilla Bass Series

BITE Serves up Tasty Vanilla Bass Series

Looking at these Vanilla basses, one is tempted to give the term bass lick a somewhat different meaning. Austrian custom bass builder BITE Guitars calls this bass series Tasty Vanilla, quite understandably so. What makes them look yummy in the first place? The satinated off-white finish, the white pickups, the absence of a pickguard – BITE calls this ‘rear access’ – the light-colored natural maple & pearl blocks fretboard, and the 24-karat gold plated hardware to top it all off.

BITE shows us two variants, a 4-string 34″ and a 5-string 33″, one of the very few 5-string medium scales available. BITE writes, there’s no floppy B string at 33″, it plays and sounds just like the big guy.

Sound-wise, we’re looking at BITE’s own 1000-millivolt high-output passive pickups, this time in a Reverse PJ configuration, meaning the P has its DG coil closer to the neck. This reverse arrangement gives your plucking fingers more space across the D and G strings and it adds a bit more oomph to D and G. Finally, the wiring is a standard Jazz-type parallel circuit (Volume-Volume-Tone).

Price:

Jawbone Tashy Vanilla RPJ 4-string 34″
Full specs: bite.guitars/product/jawbone-tasty-vanilla-rpj/
New York 2,539 USD
Berlin 2.658 EUR incl. VAT
London 1.930 GBP

Jawbone Tashy Vanilla RPJ 5-string 33″
Full specs: bite.guitars/product/jawbone-rpj-5er-33/
New York 3,235 USD
Berlin 3.429 EUR incl. VAT
London 2.482 GBP

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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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