Connect with us

Gear News

New Gear: Bergantino Audio Systems Introduces the Super Pre

Published

on

New Gear: Bergantino Audio Systems Introduces the Super Pre

Bergantino Audio Systems Super Pre, the ever-expansive, ultimate toolbox for bass players to dial in their ideal sound…

Bergantino Audio Systems has unveiled their latest innovation from creator Jim Bergantino with the release of the new Super Pre. Amazingly expansive and remarkably encompassing, the Super Pre covers all ranges of your sound. From enhancing your clean tone, to adding gain, to offering a wide range of compression, to the precise control of your EQ, to wielding bold distortions, overdrives, and fuzzes, this powerful unit the size of a cigar box has you covered. Whether you’re hitting the stage or the studio, this is the tool that will make your sound distinctively you. 

With the evolution of the gigging bass player in mind, the Super Pre was designed for low enders of all levels and styles to have the freedom of taking their tone with them wherever they go. This is the perfect addition to any pedal chain and amp setup, but also functions as a standalone DI for those situations where you need to plug in and play without compromising any bit of your sound. Compact in size and durable enough for even the most extreme of road warriors, the Super Pre fits in your gig bag, backpack, carry on, and on your pedalboard with ease. Instead of hauling around a number of EQ’s, tuner, compressors, overdrives, distortions and fuzzes, this single unit will cover all of that for you and more. 

Boasting endless possibilities, this unit offers all of the grit and power of big tube amp sound thanks to the DSP Embedded System Controlled Bass Amplifier, Bergantino’s BFT drive circuits, and programmable filters including a Bright Switch, Variable High-Pass Filter, Variable Low-Pass Filter, and Variable Feedback filter. The EQ possibilities are limitless thanks to the revolutionary Bergantino Speaker-File EQ System and 4-Band Multifunction EQ with adjustable frequency range and “Q,” which is all scene savable like all of the options on the Super Pre. Regardless of the genre you play or the size of the stage you step onto, this unit has you covered. 

With 21 savable scenes, you’re able to dial in the exact tones you want and have them ready to go with a simple tap. Featuring 3 memory switches on the face of the box that each contain 8 individual banks, you can program enough sounds to cover every range of low end glory that you desire. Perfect for players who use different basses during their sets or in the studio, or for those who change their sounds within the matter of a song, the Super Pre will make sure your tone remains consistent.  

With an ultra-crisp and easy-to-read OLED display and a user-friendly interface to navigate the system, the Super Pre doesn’t require flipping through the manual every time you use it. We understand that when you’re on the stage and in the studio, you don’t have time to troubleshoot your gear or Google solutions in a pinch. With six knobs, two buttons, and four footswitches, the Super Pre is easy to use so that you don’t have to compromise your creativity or your groove in the moment of inspiration. 

The same BFT technology that is featured in the Bergantino Forté D comes equipped in this unit along with all of the overdrive, distortion, and fuzz in all of its glory. With overdrive that cops that old school tube tone, you get all of the dirt and grit that excites harmonics and cuts through all frequencies from high to low. Leave it on and adjust the gain to make it your permanent tone or crank it up to push your speakers to shake the walls. Give your fingertips some electricity! 

The 4-Band Multifunction EQ covers your bass, low mid, high mid, and treble, all with adjustable frequency centers to give you absolute control over your tone. With the EQ functions of the Super Pre, you can decide how customizable you want to get. Choose your center point and the Q (the width of the frequencies) to dial it in even further. Additionally, the revolutionary Bergantino Speaker-File EQ System is flexible to the point where the EQ bands can overlap each other using the four EQ points and the Bright control. And as far as the Bright control, you can be heavy handed or subtle by adjusting it from 1db of boost to 12dbs. For upright and acoustic players, the Software selectable Input Impedance allows you to take it from 1 meg to 10 megs to match the impedance of the pickup and achieve a coherent tone with more presence that cuts.   

While most compressions merely limit and shrink your tone, Bergantino gives you the choice of a serial or parallel VRC compressor. Like syrup on your tone that actually thickens your notes, you can use the parallel compression, which splits the signal and runs 50% through the compressor and 50% as your clean, or the serial, which grabs 100% of the signal and compresses all of it. You can even use it as a subtle volume boost with the make up gain available.   

Main Features

  • Lightweight and durable casing
  • Ultra-crisp and easy-to-read OLED display
  • Two Studio-Quality DIs – Pre and Post, Latency compensated
  • Revolutionary Bergantino Speaker-File EQ System
  • 4-Band Multifunction EQ with adjustable frequency range and “Q”
  • DSP Embedded System Controlled Bass Amplifier
  • Software selectable Input Impedance
  • User choice of serial or parallel VRC compressor
  • Global Gain (-6db to +6db – scene savable)
  • Programmable Filters: Bright Switch, Variable High-Pass Filter, Variable Low-Pass Filter, Variable Feedback filter

Additional Features

  • Built-in Chromatic Tuner
  • Auxiliary Input and Headphone jacks: for personal monitor and practice use
  • Programmable Effects Send and Return Loop (scene savable)
  • Pre Amp Line Output – (Level adjustable – 0db to +6db)
  • Selectable Phase Output (Normal or Reverse)
  • USB port: allows software upgrades/Speaker-File loads and more

Price

Bergantino Super Pre:  $699.00

For more visit: bergantino.com

Gear News

New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses

Published

on

Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses

Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…

Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
 
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
 
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”

For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.

Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses

Continue Reading

Gear News

New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!

Published

on

Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!

Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!

Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!

The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.

For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier

Continue Reading

Gear News

New Gear: Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass

Published

on

New Gear: Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass

Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass…

Esopus Guitars is proud to announce the new “Tailwater” bass guitar, from legendary bass luthier Stuart Spector. This 32” scale bass is handcrafted by Stuart using the only finest woods and components at the Esopus Guitar workshop located near Woodstock NY in the Catskill Mountains. 

From its fully carved spruce top (the top is carved on both its exterior and interior surfaces) with a thumb rest that is elegantly carved into the top, to its custom-made Fishman piezo pickup and super hard Carnauba wax finish, every detail of the Tailwater is part of creating the ultimate playing experience.

The Tailwater bass features a fully chambered spruce over alder body (15.5″ lower body bout width, 2.25″ body thickness measuring from the peak of the carved top) that delivers a super comfortable tonal tool for all your low-end needs.

Each Tailwater bass is hand-signed and numbered on the back of the peghead by Stuart Spector. A very limited number of Tailwater basses are handcrafted each year at the Esopus workshop. 

“I am proud to present the Tailwater bass, a bass that I have spent the last three years perfecting. The Tailwater is a culmination of all of my 45 years of experience, knowledge, and passion for bass guitar crafting. I am so eager to hear what fellow musicians create with this exciting new instrument.” -Stuart Spector

Direct Pricing : $4995.00 plus options. 

For more information about Esopus Guitars and Stuart Spector’s handcrafted instruments, visit www.EsopusGuitars.com.  

Continue Reading

Bass Videos

New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II

Published

on

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/

Continue Reading

Bass Videos

New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model

Published

on

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

Continue Reading