Gear Reviews
Xotic Guitars and Effects: One Craftsman’s Pursuit of Perfection
Xotic Guitars and Effects: One Craftsman’s Pursuit of Perfection…
What distinguishes a mass-produced instrument from a boutique bass?
The builder.
And what’s the difference between a builder who assembles parts and one who is an artisan on a never-ending quest to master his craft?
Shokunin.
A simplistic translation of shokunin is, “artisan or craftsman.” The spirit of the word lies deeper. Shokunin is the marriage of art and craftsmanship where form and function are in perfect harmony. The shokunin seeks to continually improve and only competes with himself. His craft defines who he is.
Over the past five decades, a small group of Japanese luthiers have brought this tradition to America and blended it with California’s spirit of innovation. Hiro Miura, founder and builder of Xotic Guitars, is one such shokunin. His work has captured the attention of top bassists like Chuck Rainey, John Pena, Travis Carlton, Carmine Rojas, and Steve Millhouse.
Humble beginnings
Hiro Miura started in the music business in Japan when he was 19 when he dropped out of college to work for a custom guitar company. Jumping on the Japanese craze for vintage American guitars, Miura started traveling to the U.S. to buy classic guitars to sell in Japan. After a few years of hopping back and forth across the Pacific, he decided to make Los Angeles his home in 1986.
While buying, selling, and studying vintage guitars, he befriended custom guitar builder Taku Sakashita. The friendship and experience of watching a master luthier at work inspired Miura to build and later launch his own brand, Xotic Guitars, in 1996.
Miura focused his talents on designing and building bass guitars at first because he felt bassists were more open to new designs and technologies than guitarists. In the spirit of shokunin, Miura’s seeks to create an instrument that allows the musician to play without concentrating on the physical act of playing.
His passion lies in perfecting the smallest details of each instrument. Specifically, making a durable neck that could withstand the tremendous pressure exerted by the strings. While most 5- and 6-string bass builders used two parallel graphite truss rods to reinforce the neck, Miura felt graphite was too light and flexible. The material had a detrimental affect on the instrument’s sound quality. He used heavier iron reinforcements angled toward each other to eliminate the sonic dead point in the neck.
Continuing to find ways to improve bass tone, he went with a slightly larger body and higher quality woods. In fact, each piece of wood must be below a specific moisture content before it can be used to build a bass.
One of the signature features of Xotic basses is the 3-band preamp, branded as Trilogic, which allows bassists to control lows, mids, and highs. Miura added a trimmer pot in the back which controlled output gain and a switch that allowed more mid-frequency options between the four frequency ranges.
“What I often hear from musicians is that they are attracted to our basses for their build consistency, feel, and tone,” says Ben Leck, Xotic’s artist relations representative. “We strive to be in the 9.6-9.7-lb. range for our basses so our weights and set-ups are consistent across the board. We also take that over to the feel of our necks. We treat them with a special oil that is not used by anyone else in the music industry. We use the best wood for our bodies and necks and we outfit them with world-class pickups and preamp system.”
The Xotic XB-2
XB-2
The flagship bass for Xotic is the XB-2. Handcrafted by Miura in his Los Angeles workshop, the XB-2 features a 34-inch neck, Kent Armstrong pick-ups and is available in 5-, 6-, and 7-string models.
Perhaps the most visible bassist relying on the XB-2 is Carmine Rojas who puts his Xotic basses through a grueling touring schedule with Joe Bonamassa. Rojas has relied on his musicianship, and his bass guitars, to carve out a position as one of the world’s most in-demand bassists. He previously recorded and toured with David Bowie and Julian Lennon in the 80s, and later spent 15 years with Rod Stewart as his bassist and music director.
“I grew up playing Fenders and they were reliable and had a great sound,” says Rojas. “I still love the vintage Fenders, but I needed something different. Something wider. A bit more in-depth with a bass that gave me more control over the power and sound.”
“For me, music today requires a different sound from the bass. With many songs being mixed with a focus on the top end, the bass can easily lose its pitch and become a percussive instrument. I needed something bigger that could cut through the mix.”
Carmine Rojas and his Xotic XB-2 with Joe Bonamassa during the band’s European tour.
“The Xotic XB-2 is like that old Fender, but reborn with new muscle,” notes Rojas. “There are other basses with similar features, and I’ve played almost every one. But somehow, Xotic just got it right. They achieved a very organic sound. It’s as if they’ve married analog to digital.”
Rojas explains he is not a fan of too many controls on basses. He prefers to have good tone without an over-reliance on electronic coloring. To that end, he sets the EQ flat on his amps and alternates between XB-2’s active and passive switch throughout a show to achieve the tone he wants for each song.
“The first time I picked up the XB-2 in 2009, it felt right. It just played like me and had my name written all over it. I first used the red XB-2 during the Live at the Royal Albert Hall show and later at the Beacon Theater Live concert. That bass just did everything right and I’ve been using Xotic ever since.”
VIDEO: Carmine Rojas covered the sonic spectrum with his Xotic XB-2 during the Joe Bonamassa Beacon Theater Live From New York concert.
Rojas owns seven Xotics, including four- and five-string models of the XB-2 and XJ-1T. He put the XJ series through its paces during Bonamassa’s 2013 Tour de Force which featured the band playing four venues in four cities over four different nights with each night featuring a different musical theme: blues, rock ‘n roll, power trio, and acoustic/electric. “The XJs held their own through that wide range of musical configurations.”
You can catch Rojas with his XB-2s on the current Joe Bonamassa tour.
Rojas suggests listening to the following three songs to best hear the XB-2:
- “Dirt in My Pocket” from Sloe Gin (5-string)
- “Someday After Awhile (You’ll Be Sorry)” from Live in Amsterdam (4-string)
- “You Better Watch Yourself” from Beacon Theatre: Live in New York (5-string)
The Xotic XJ-1T5
XJ and XP Series
In 2010, Miura put his creativity to work to create a Fender Jazz-style bass that blended a vintage flavor with modern capabilities. The Jazz-inspired XJ-1 uses custom pickups to create a better defined, yet bottom-heavy sound and utilizes the cutting edge Tri-Logic preamp that helps shape Xotic’s signature sound.
Miura decided to alter the Badass back-string-through bridge by sanding the bottom down for a closer marriage between bridge and body which results in a tighter sound.
Miura opted for the Hipshot Ultra-Light tuners to address the common issue of head tilting on basses. An additional benefit of using the lightweight aluminum tuners is stronger sustain since the metal doesn’t absorb as much string vibration.
Steve Millhouse playing his XJ-1T 5 during the Broadway show “Pippin.
Broadway bassist Steve Millhouse, who currently doubles on electric and upright for “Pippin,” has been a fan of the XJ-1T since the basses were first introduced.
“The day I received the Xotic XJ-1T 5-string I used it subbing on a Broadway show,” Millhouse says. “Afterward, the conductor told me it was the best sounding bass he’d heard. Since then I’ve played my Xotics on my other Broadway shows, TV appearances, commercials, broadcasts, studio sessions, and major concert halls around the world. It consistently delivers what I need for every gig.”
In 2012, Miura unveiled the Precision-influenced XP-1T model which features the new Xotic PV-1 pick-up. The C-shape neck is hand carved with a 10-inch radius. The alder body allows for an enhanced low and low-mid range tone. The rounded heel of the neck joint and deep cutaway makes the bass easier to play in higher neck positions.
Millhouse, who now owns nine Xotics, added that the basses are also well-loved outside of the pit. “The sound designers on my current show ‘Pippin’ actually asked me what kind of bass I was using. They were curious because they didn’t have to do any kind of EQ on my signal, which they remarked is almost never the case. I was happy to hear that since they are very highly regarded and work on many Broadway productions, national Broadway tours, as well as Las Vegas shows. To me, that speaks volumes on Xotic’s tone.”
“Since I’ve been using the Xotics, how a bass feels or sounds never enters my mind. The only decision I have to make is ‘should I take an XJ or XP, 4- or 5-string, and what wood combination would sound best?’ All of that is really just a luxury. I could honestly do any gig on any Xotic and be totally covered.”
You can watch Millhouse on his XJ-1T 5-string fretless and fretted basses during a performance of Godspell.
Bass legend Chuck Rainey with his new Xotic signature model, the XPJ-1T
You can also hear the XJ-1T 5 on the following recordings:
- “Magic To Do” and “Morning Glow,” Pippin New Cast Album (2013)
- “All Good Gifts,” (fretless) Godspell New Cast Album (2011)
Chuck Rainey Signature Model XPJ-1T
The newest bass in the Xotic line-up is the result of a collaboration with bass icon Chuck Rainey. Available starting in 2014, the Chuck Rainey Signature Model (XPJ-1T) is a blend of Xotic’s XP and XJ models modified to Rainey’s specifications.
The XPJ-1T features a 21-fret bolt-on maple neck with a Hipshot X-Tender Key on the E-string. The ash body is home to stock Xotic pickups matched with a Trilogic Bass Preamp 2. Like its XJ and XP predecessors, the XPJ has a 3-band EQ with preamp controls that include an active/passive switch, a mid-boost switch, and a bright switch. Also standard is the Hipshot Ultralite tuners and a brass Hipshot A Style bridge.
“I’m an old-fashioned player because I like to have the same sound all of the time. If you have good hands, you can change the sound. The Xotic basses allow me to do that,” Rainey says. “I love the passive sound and Precision-style neck. The new bass has those features I want…but with more muscle.”
VIDEO: Chicago Music Exchange demos the Chuck Rainey Signature Model from Xotic.
You can hear Rainey play the XPJ-1T on his latest release, Interpretations of a Groove and follow him on Facebook for his latest news.
To learn more Xotic Guitars and Basses, you can visit their web site at www.xotic.us.
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo 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.
Introduction:
The Joyo Monomyth bass preamp pedal is designed to offer bassists a comprehensive range of tonal options, combining modern features with practical functionality. With independent channels for EQ and overdrive, as well as useful additions like a cab sim and DI output, the Monomyth aims to be a versatile tool for both live performances and studio sessions. This review will delve into the pedal’s specifications, controls, and overall performance to determine if it lives up to its promise of delivering quality and flexibility at an affordable price.
Specifications:
– Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
– Weight: 442g
– Working Voltage: DC 9V
Controls:
The Joyo Monomyth is equipped with a comprehensive set of controls designed to provide maximum tonal flexibility:
– Voice: Adjusts the character of the overdrive, from distortion to fuzz.
– Blend: Balances the dry and effected signals, crucial for maintaining low-end presence.
– Level: Sets the overall output volume.
– Drive: Controls the amount of gain in the overdrive channel.
– Treble Boost: Enhances high and mid frequencies for clarity in complex passages.
– Gain Boost: Adds extra gain, particularly effective at low gain settings to enhance the low e.
– EQ Function Controls: Features a 6-band graphic EQ plus a master control for precise nal shaping.
– Ground Lift Switch: Helps eliminate ground loop noise.
– Cab Sim Switch: Activates a simulated 8×10″ cab sound.
– LED Light Control: Customizes the pedal’s ambient lighting.
Performance:
The Joyo Monomyth shines in its dual-channel design, offering both a transparent EQ channel and a versatile overdrive channel. The 6-band EQ allows for detailed tonal adjustments, preserving the natural character of your bass while providing ample flexibility. The voice control mimics the functionality of the Darkglass Alpha Omega, shifting from distortion to fuzz, with a sweet spot around the middle for balanced tones.
The blend control is essential for retaining the low end when using distortion, ensuring your bass remains powerful and clear. The treble and gain boosts, available on the overdrive channel, further enhance the pedal’s versatility, making it suitable for everything from subtle drive to full-blown fuzz.
Outputs are plentiful, with a DI and XLR out for direct recording or ampless setups, and a headphone out for convenient practice sessions. The cab sim switch adds a realistic 8×10″ cab sound, enhancing the Monomyth’s utility in live and studio environments.
Pros:
– Versatile Control Set: Offers a wide range of tones, from clean to fuzz.
– Blend Control: Maintains low-end presence.
– Robust Outputs: DI, XLR, and headphone outs make it adaptable for various setups.
– Affordable: Provides high-end functionality at a budget-friendly price.
– Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
Cons:
– Plastic Knobs: May feel less premium compared to metal controls.
– Boosts Limited to Overdrive Channel: Treble and gain boosts do not affect the EQ channel.
– Cab Sim only on the XLR out: how cool would it be to also have it on the headphone out?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Joyo Monomyth stands out as a versatile and powerful bass preamp pedal, offering a range of features that cater to both traditional and modern bassists. Its dual-channel design, comprehensive control set, and robust output options make it a valuable tool for achieving a wide spectrum of tones, from clean and warm to heavily distorted. For bassists seeking flexibility, reliability, and excellent value, the Joyo Monomyth is a top contender.
For more information, visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/267.html
Review of the Joyo Double Thruster…
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo 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.
Introduction: When it comes to bass distortion, finding a pedal that delivers a wide spectrum of tones while maintaining the essential low end can be challenging. The Joyo Double Thruster, a modern bass distortion pedal designed to cater to the diverse needs of bassists was a pleasant surprise that we had the opportunity to review. From subtle overdrive to full-on fuzz, the Double Thruster delivers with versatility and affordability.
Specs: The Joyo Double Thruster is compact yet robust, making it ideal for both stage and studio use. Here are its key specifications:
Dimensions: 109 * 72 * 48 mm
Weight: 250g
Working Voltage: DC 9V
Controls: The Double Thruster features a comprehensive control set that allows for precise tonal sculpting:
Tone: Adjusts the overall tonal character of the distortion.
Blend: Critical for bassists, this control blends the dry signal with the distorted signal, ensuring the low end remains intact.
Volume: Sets the output level of the pedal.
Gain: Controls the amount of distortion, from mild overdrive to full fuzz.
Gain Boost Switch: Provides a noticeable boost, especially at lower gain settings, enhancing the low end and adding depth to the tone.
Mid Boost Switch: Boosts mid frequencies, helping the sound cut through the mix with greater clarity and definition.
LED Light Control: Customizes the ambient lighting of the pedal.
Performance: The Joyo Double Thruster excels in delivering a range of distortion tones while retaining the essential low end that bassists need. The blend control is particularly useful, allowing users to mix the clean and distorted signals to maintain clarity and punch. The gain boost switch adds a pleasing depth to the low end, especially noticeable at lower gain settings, while also compensating for low end loss at higher gain levels. The mid-boost switch enhances the pedal’s ability to cut through complex mixes, making it ideal for intricate playing.
In terms of versatility, the Double Thruster can emulate a variety of distortion sounds, from subtle warmth to high-mid, djenty grind. This makes it an excellent tool for bassists exploring different genres and styles.
Pros:
- Blend Control: Essential for retaining the low end in a distorted signal.
- Size and Weight: Compact and sturdy design.
- Rugged Construction: Durable build quality.
- Gain and Mid Boosts: Adds versatility and clarity to the tone.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for money.
Cons:
- Plastic Knobs: May feel less premium compared to metal controls.
- Comparison to High-End Pedals: While close, it may not fully match the tone of more expensive pedals like the Darkglass B3K, and that’s ok. The Double Thruster is a great pedal on its own!
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Double Thruster stands out as a versatile and affordable option for bassists seeking a wide range of distortion tones. Its thoughtful design and comprehensive controls make it a great tool for achieving everything from mild overdrive to full fuzz, all while maintaining the crucial low end. For bassists looking to expand their tonal palette without breaking the bank, the Joyo Double Thruster is a must-have addition to their pedalboard.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com
Minuendo Lossless Earplugs Live 17dB…
Minuendo Lossless Earplugs Live 17dB – Hearing protection has always been front and center on my mind because I love music so much, I cannot imagine my life if I were unable to hear.
You might remember back in 2021, we had a good look at the Minuendo Lossless Earplugs featuring adjustable protection. This system has a lot of very good features but there was always the question of how much sound attenuation to choose.
Now, the great folks at Minuendo have come up with a new version of their earplugs that has a set 17dB noise reduction. You still get a lot of the great features of the adjustables but you just don’t have to think about the specific sound level. In addition, this new version of earplugs comes at a very attractive price point.
For more information, visit online at Minuendo.com
Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp: A Tribute to 90’s Iconic Sounds
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinion or the content of our review. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
In the realm of bass preamp/DI pedals, capturing the essence of iconic tones from the 90s can often feel like an elusive pursuit. However, the Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp emerges as a great option for bass players seeking to replicate the signature sounds of that era, particularly the revered tech21 SansAmp. With its robust feature set and compact design, the Tidal Wave offers a faithful homage to classic rock tones and low-gain distortions, all while providing modern conveniences for today’s bassist. Let’s delve into why the Joyo Tidal Wave stands out as a versatile and budget-friendly tool for both stage and studio.
Specs:
Measuring at 130 * 110 * 50 mm and weighing 442g, the Joyo Tidal Wave strikes a balance between portability and durability, making it ideal for gigging musicians and studio enthusiasts alike. With a power consumption of just 100 mA and a working voltage of DC 9V, the Tidal Wave ensures reliable performance in a variety of settings.
Controls:
At the heart of the Tidal Wave’s versatility lies its comprehensive control set, allowing bass players to sculpt their tone with precision. Key features include:
– Level: Sets the overall output volume of the pedal.
– Blend: Blends the dry signal with the cab-emulated signal, offering seamless integration of the pedal into any setup.
– Presence: Controls the dynamics of the high upper-mids, crucial for shaping drive tones.
– Drive: Introduces low-gain distortions and classic rock sounds into the clean tone.
– Treble, Middle, and Bass: Provides a 3-band EQ with frequency selectors for bass (40Hz – 80Hz) and mids (500Hz – 1KHz), offering ample control over tonal shaping.
– Middle Shift and Bass Shift: Allows for further fine-tuning of midrange and bass frequencies.
– Ground Lift: Helps eliminate ground loop noise in certain setups.
– DI Attenuation Switch: Adjusts the level of the DI output signal.
– LED Light Switch Control: Allows users to customize the ambient lighting of the pedal.
Performance:
True to its inspiration, the Joyo Tidal Wave excels in delivering classic rock tones and low-gain distortions reminiscent of the tech21 SansAmp. Whether you’re seeking gritty overdriven sounds or pristine clean tones, the Tidal Wave offers unparalleled flexibility and sonic versatility. The inclusion of a headphone out, XLR DI out with cab simulation, and throughout for the original bass sound make the Tidal Wave a versatile tool for both stage and studio applications. From practicing silently with headphones to crafting quality recordings in an ampless setup, the Tidal Wave delivers on all fronts with clarity, definition, and unmistakable character.
Pros:
The Tidal Wave boasts an array of advantages that set it apart from its direct competitors:
– Headphone Out: Transforms the pedal into a convenient practice tool.
– Size and Weight: Compact and lightweight design for easy transportation and setup.
– Rugged Construction: Durable build quality ensures longevity and reliability.
– DI and CabSim: Offers professional-grade direct recording capabilities with authentic cab simulation.
– Familiar Tones: Faithfully replicates the classic rock sounds of the tech21 SansAmp.
Cons:
While the Tidal Wave excels in many aspects, it does have a few drawbacks:
– Plastic Knobs: Knobs may feel less premium compared to pedals with metal controls.
– Cab Simulation Only on XLR Output: Limited cab simulation functionality may require additional routing for certain setups.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of classic rock tones from the 90s. With its faithful homage to the tech21 SansAmp, comprehensive control set, and modern conveniences like headphone out and XLR DI with cab simulation, the Tidal Wave offers bassists a versatile tool for sculpting their sound with precision and finesse. Whether you’re seeking to replicate iconic tones from the past or forge new sonic territories, the Joyo Tidal Wave Preamp is sure to inspire creativity and elevate your playing to new heights.
Available online at Amazon.com
Joyo Scylla Compressor: When Quality meets Budget-Friendly
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinion or the content of our review. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
In the diverse landscape of effects pedals for bass guitar, finding a compressor that strikes the balance between performance, versatility, and affordability can often feel like a daunting task.
However, amidst the sea of options, one pedal stood out as a true diamond in the rough – the Joyo Scylla compressor. Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, the Scylla boasts a great array of features and controls typically reserved for pedals with much higher costs. Let’s take a closer look at why the Joyo Scylla is turning heads and earning praise among bassists on a budget.
Specs: The Joyo Scylla compressor measures in at 109 * 72 * 48 mm and weighs a mere 234g, making it both compact and lightweight – perfect for gigs or studio sessions where space is at a premium. With a power consumption of just 100 mA and a working voltage of DC 9V, the Scylla is efficient and versatile, compatible with a wide range of pedalboard setups.
Controls: What sets the Scylla apart from its direct competitors is its comprehensive control set, offering bassists a good amount of flexibility in shaping their sound. With six knobs, the Scylla allows for a very precise adjustment of key parameters:
- Input Gain: Adjusts the amount of signal being fed into the compressor.
- Output Volume: Controls the makeup gain after compression, ensuring consistent output levels.
- Compression Ratio: Unlike traditional compressor pedals with preset ratio options, the Scylla features a continuous knob, allowing for seamless adjustment from subtle compression to limiter-like effects.
- Attack and Release: Determine how quickly the compression engages and releases, offering a range of tonal possibilities from punchy and aggressive to smooth and subtle.
- Output Tone Control: A unique feature not commonly found in compressor pedals, the tone knob adjusts the coloration of the compressed signal, adding warmth or brightness to your bass tone.
- LED Light Switch Control: Allows users to customize the ambient lighting of the pedal, adding a touch of visual flair to their setup.
- Performance: In practice, the Joyo Scylla delivers where it matters most – in sound quality and performance. Whether you’re aiming for a tight, punchy bass sound or smooth, sustained notes, the Scylla excels in providing transparent compression that enhances your playing without sacrificing dynamics. The granular control offered by its knobs allows for precise tailoring of compression settings to suit a wide range of playing styles and musical genres.
- Pros: The Scylla’s strengths lie in its granular control, versatility, and compact design. Its sturdy build quality and diminutive size make it a welcome addition to any pedalboard, occupying minimal real estate without compromising on functionality. However, perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Scylla is its price point. Despite offering professional-grade features, the Scylla remains accessible to bassists of all budgets.
- Cons: While the Joyo Scylla excels in many areas, it’s not without its drawbacks. One notable omission is the lack of metering, which may pose a challenge for users seeking visual feedback on compression levels. Additionally, the plastic knobs, while functional, may feel somewhat less premium compared to other pedals.
- Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Scylla compressor emerges as a great option in the world of budget-friendly effects pedals for bass guitar. Its comprehensive control set, transparent compression, and compact design make it a compelling choice for bassists seeking professional-grade performance without breaking the bank. From its intuitive interface to its thoughtful touches like the tone knob and customizable LED lighting, the Scylla delivers a level of versatility and functionality that belies its modest price tag. For bassists looking to elevate their tone without compromising on quality or affordability, the Joyo Scylla compressor is a clear standout.
For more information, visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/265.html
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