Bass Videos
Markbass Stages Its Second Revolution: MB58R
Markbass Stages its Second Revolution: MB58R…
Markbass CEO and founder Marco De Virgiliis announced an expansive and innovative new bass amplification series, MB58R, at a launch event near the company’s headquarters in Pescara, Italy on June 30. The MB58R line—the name of which is comprised of the brand’s initials, Marco’s age and the letter R for Revolution—includes a dazzling array of 20 new cabinets, 8 combos, and two new heads. The trademark “true-to-the-source” tone that Markbass is known for remains the top priority, but it’s now delivered with a stunning next-level power-to-weight ratio—and these attractive, eco-friendly products are all made in Italy.
The ultra-light MB58R cabinets include 2×10”, 3×10”, 4×10”, 1×12”, 2×12” and 1×15” configurations, with three versions of each featuring a different tweeter type. The Energy cabinets feature a Markbass hi-fi tweeter (very smooth highs), the Pure series includes a 1” driver with custom horn (focused, crips highs), and the P series models have a new piezo tweeter for (more aggressive highs). Additionally, the 2×10 cabinets are all available in standard and XL versions: standard cabs have the two woofers arranged vertically, whereas the XL version is a larger cabinet with the speakers diagonally placed. The 3×10 cabinets are 6 ohms, all 2×10 and 4×10 cabs are available in 8 ohm and 4 ohm versions, and all other cabs are 8 ohms.
Markbass is famous for its distinctive yellow neodymium speakers; but in a departure for the brand, the P-series cabs feature Markbass custom classic ceramic speakers. Thanks to the new ultra-lightweight enclosures, these cabs still weigh a fraction of what traditional equivalents weighed before Markbass changed everyone’s expectations of what bass cabs should weigh in the early 2000s. For example, a traditional ceramic 4×10 weighs about 90 lbs; the MB58R 104 P (with ceramic speakers) is almost exactly half that weight: 45.53 lbs / 20.65 kg.
The Little Mark 58R (500W, solid state) is available as a standalone head and is also included in all MB58R combos. Unlike previous Little Marks, the 58R incarnation is designed with almost all the controls and connections on the front panel, for greater ease-of-use. It’s also even lighter than all previous Little Mark models, weighing in at an incredible 4.41 lbs / 2 kg.
The combos in the series include 2×10, 1×12 (standard and mini) and 1×15 models. Each of these is offered in both a Pure version (hi-fi tweeter, neodymium speaker) and a P version (piezo tweeter, ceramic speaker). These combos are 300W on their own; but connected to any external 8 ohm cabinet, can be transformed into a 500W rig. The smallest combo is the Mini CMD 121 P, which weighs only 19.44 lbs / 8.82 kg.
Markbass shook up bass amplification in the early 2000s with technological innovations that amounted to a revolution. Thanks to the incorporation of switching mode power supplies, surface-mount circuit boards, neodymium speakers and other cutting-edge components, Markbass set a new standard for bass amplification. The expectations of bass players were changed forever, and the entire industry followed. Now, 20 years later, Markbass is still leading the charge, and bass players around the world are the beneficiaries.
For more information, visit online at markbass.it
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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