Bass Videos
Darkglass Microtubes 500 Review
An in depth look at the Darkglass Microtubes 500…
Playing on my trusty La Bella Olinto bass to demonstrate the DG 500’s capabilities.
Doug Koeppen Shares…
The new Microtubes 500 from Darkglass Electronics is a class D amplifier for bass supplying 500 watts of power into 4 ohm speaker cabinets.
There’s plenty of power for most gigging situations and the all-analog solid state preamp is clean, warm, and punchy. This amp just sounds good.
The preamp has the usual controls to dial in clean and solid bass tone: Gain, Master Volume, Bass, High and Low Mids, and Treble. There’s also a button to choose Passive or Active mode to get the best sound from whatever bass you’re using.
In addition, the Microtubes 500 includes the Microtubes engine which means that two well-known Darkglass Electronics distortion pedals are essentially included in the amp.
You can choose the classic VMT (Vintage Microtubes) sound for warm, vintage, tube-like distortion or B3K for a more defined distortion with a modern edge. Choose the effect you want and adjust the sound to your preference from the bottom row of knobs on the amp. A proprietary footswitch (sold separately) activates the VMT and B3K effects for smooth transitions between your clean and distortion sounds.
At under 4 pounds, this compact little amp is light and portable.
And the housing is a very solid aluminum box that looks like it can take some abuse from gigging musicians. We used this amp as a DI in a live setting and also gigged it through an Aguilar 2×12” cab and loved what we heard.
We really enjoyed gigging and reviewing this amp.
It is solid, light, portable, and sounds great with both clean and distortion settings. The Microtubes 500 sounded great with the preamp settings flat, but there’s plenty of control on this amp to dial in an optimal sound in any environment. Also, the DI sounds really good live, so if you show up to play and decide to go through the PA instead of your bass cabs, you’ll be good to go.
Darkglass Microtubes 500 Available Online
For more information about the Darkglass Microtubes 500, visit darkglass.com.
Find me online at TheBassHang.com and SteveAraujo.com.
Bass Player Health
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Preparing for Performance…
This month we discuss how to prepare for a performance and easy strategies that go a long way.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
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Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…
It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.
Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Bob Forte
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk
Bass Videos
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
“These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
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/