“The new MAGELLAN® 800+… We’ve Upgraded a Legend!!” Jeff Genzler

After 10 years in service, GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION is proud to introduce the next generation of this 800-watt professional, tour-class bass guitar amplifier — the new MAGELLAN® 800+.   Carrying forward the legacy of night-after-night reliability, the new MAGELLAN® 800+ reaches even higher achievements in performance with several new features, improved preamp circuitry, an expanded EQ network, and all within the same rugged chassis and stringent design and build expertise we are known to achieve. 

 The MAGELLAN® 800+ delivers the most powerful, feature-laden, compact bass amplifier available in its class.  This new model offers improved dynamic response and feel; along with superior low-noise thresholds and increased dynamic headroom.  This is exactly what players have come to expect from the GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION design team – innovation, performance, reliability and versatility.  

The MG-800+® is a solid-state, all analog design and provides a simple, musical interface, and the tonal palette needed to cover all of the bassist’s amplifier requirements; from natural, pristine, transparent reproduction of the bass instrument to classic, vintage harmonic textures with “weighted feel to the notes”.  This is packaged within the classic Magellan styling and all-aluminum chassis, weighing only 6.25 lbs.  

The MAGELLAN® 800+ is equipped with an expanded list of features: 

• Updated input circuitry for increased dynamics
• All new DRIVE circuitry delivering a wide range of tube-like harmonics and compression — and foot switchable
• New HPF (High Pass Filter) — multi-slope, frequency-dependent and adjustable between 25-120Hz
• Our unique Dual Contour Circuit—now foot switchable and separately adjustable 
• New 4 Band Active EQ with two Sweepable midrange frequencies
• New high-grade op-amps for lower noise threshold and higher dynamic headroom, throughout the preamp
• Optional dual-function footswitch —- DRIVE & CONTOUR functions
• Light weight @ 6.25 Lbs

The MAGELLAN® 800+ is the latest innovative product from GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION, known for unique and highly valued bass amplifiers and speaker systems.   This newest design is a dramatic departure from GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION’S current lineup of popular bass heads, the Kinetix® 800 and MAGELLAN® 350.  All GENZLER bass heads are an ideal match to their line of speaker enclosures, like the BASS ARRAY® SERIES 2, NU CLASSIC® and new MAGELLAN® ULV series of bass cabinets.

The MAGELLAN® 800+  is now available and shipping throughout the company’s global network of dealers as well as online.       

USA MAP  $1,199.99.

For more information, visit online at genzleramplification.com/shop/magellan-800-plus/

Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, proudly announces the worldwide release of the new Gibson Thunderbird™ Bass, arriving worldwide in two striking finishes: Ebony and Tobacco Burst Perimeter. First introduced in 1963, the original Thunderbird was unlike anything the music world had ever seen. Designed by renowned automotive designer Ray Dietrich—who also created the Gibson Firebird™—the bass featured a bold, curvaceous, and asymmetrical body shape that was groundbreaking at the time and remains instantly recognizable today. The Gibson Thunderbird Bass is available worldwide at Gibson Garage locations, via authorized Gibson dealers, and on Gibson.com.

Early Thunderbird models were built with a nine-ply neck-through-body design with mahogany wings, marking the first use of neck-through construction on a Gibson bass. It was also the first Gibson bass to feature a long 34” scale length, departing from the shorter 30.5” scale used previously. Today, Gibson honors that heritage with a new Thunderbird Bass that blends the spirit of the original with modern craftsmanship and performance. 

The instrument features a solid mahogany body in the classic Reverse shape, complete with the raised center section that evokes the look of the early neck-through design. A glued-in, set mahogany neck with a fast SlimTaper™ profile offers exceptional comfort and playability, while the updated Non-Reverse style headstock makes tuning intuitive and familiar for today’s players. Modern hardware upgrades include Hipshot® Ultralite® Mini Clover tuners for precise tuning and improved balance, along with a Hipshot Supertone bridge that provides full intonation control and adjustable action height.

True to its name, the Thunderbird delivers powerful, thunderous low end thanks to its two EB Bass Humbucker™ pickups. These high-output pickups offer deep punch, clarity, and dynamic range, with independent volume controls that allow players to blend tones effortlessly. A master tone control provides additional shaping, giving the bass a wide sonic palette suited for any genre or playing style. The instrument is completed with the Thunderbird’s signature 3-ply white pickguard, proudly displaying the iconic Thunderbird logo.

Each Thunderbird Bass ships with a Gibson hardshell case, ensuring reliable protection for touring musicians, studio professionals, and collectors alike. With its unmistakable style, modern enhancements, and legendary tone, the new Gibson Thunderbird Bass in Ebony and Tobacco Burst Perimeter is ready to take its place on stages and in studios around the world.

Trace Elliot® introduces the new Dual Band Compressor™. By extracting the compression circuit from the TE-1200 bass amplifier and dropping it into a pedal format, classic dual band compression is readily available for any bass guitar application. The sturdy, compact pedal gives bass players control over their tone under any circumstances. The pedal is now available worldwide online or at local retailers.

Whether in the studio or live on stage, compression is critical to a bass guitar signal. The compression enhances consistency in dynamics and allows the instrument to simply sit better in the mix. With separate LO BAND and HI BAND controls, the Dual Band Compressor allows the player to adjust the amount of compression separately for the best results. Built-in make-up gain is applied after the compression to maintain the original volume level or desired loudness. The separate INPUT LEVEL allows the player to adjust the input volume of the instrument while the OUTPUT LEVEL adjusts the volume of the output leaving the pedal. Having the individual controls makes this pedal adaptable to all types of signal and line-level scenarios. And with its true bypass operation, this pedal integrates seamlessly into any signal chain.

With its ¼” input and outputs and black domed knobs, the Dual Band Compressor is built to endure any hard-hitting performance with a rugged die-cast enclosure and top-shelf components. A bipolar 18V internal supply is achieved from any standard 9VDC power supply or battery.

For more information, please visit sweetwater.com

Retail: $199.99 USD

Elrick Bass Guitars, LTD is pleased to announce that founder and master luthier Rob Elrick has relocated from Chicago, Illinois to Valencia, Spain, marking an exciting new chapter in the company’s ongoing evolution.

For more than three decades, Rob Elrick has been internationally recognized for building world-class, handcrafted bass guitars known for their exceptional tone, playability, and meticulous attention to detail. This move reflects both a personal and professional transition, while reaffirming Elrick Bass Guitars’ long-standing commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Importantly, Elrick instruments will continue to be built to the same exacting standards that players around the world have come to expect. The design philosophy, materials, construction methods, and dedication to precision remain unchanged.

The relocation to Valencia will also allow Elrick Bass Guitars to strengthen its connection to the rapidly expanding European and Asian markets. The company’s new geographic position and time-zone alignment provide improved accessibility and responsiveness to international artists, dealers, and partners.

“Elrick Bass Guitars has always been about consistency, integrity, and uncompromising craftsmanship,” said Rob Elrick. “That commitment does not change with geography. The instruments will continue to reflect everything players associate with the Elrick name.”

United States representation will continue to be fully maintained. John Files, based in Austin, Texas, remains the U.S. point of contact for Elrick Bass Guitars.

Further updates will be shared as this next phase unfolds.

For more information, please visit www.elrick.com or follow Elrick Bass Guitars on social media.

 Fifty years ago, a bold vision to “make a better bass” gave birth to what would become one of the most influential instruments in modern music history: the Music Man StingRay. 

“It’s so much more than an instrument,” reflects Sterling Ball. “I was there when that baby was born. And when you see that 50 years later — it’s still as important, as vibrant, as valid — that’s insane.” 

Originally developed under the guidance of legendary instrument pioneer Leo Fender at Music Man, the StingRay wasn’t just another bass guitar. It was the first mass production bass to feature active electronics — a revolutionary move at the time. 

“The vision was to make a better bass. The vision was to use active electronics because there hadn’t been any production basses that had active electronics.” 

What followed was both innovation and serendipity. 

For five decades, the StingRay has set the benchmark for bold, forward-leaning bass tone. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special honors that legacy with two limited-edition finishes. Liquid Gold is hand-numbered and limited to 50 instruments worldwide, featuring a striking golden reflective pickguard for a truly exclusive presentation. Molten Gold, limited to 300 instruments, showcases a metallic gold finish on the body and headstock—each with its own unique character. Both versions are paired with an ebony fretboard with gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers for effortless navigation on any stage. A roasted flame maple neck and poplar body deliver a fast, comfortable, and perfectly balanced feel, while gold hardware throughout, including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge, completes the look. Finished with a commemorative 50th Anniversary silkscreen on the back of the headstock, each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity. 

50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Features: 

• Roasted figured maple neck 
• Gold face dot Inlays with glow-in-the-dark side dots 
• 50th Anniversary stamped bridge 
• Certificate of authenticity 
• Deluxe hardshell case 

The 50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Special in Molten Gold will be available at all Ernie Ball Music Man retailers, and the Liquid Gold colorway will be available exclusively in the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault.

Visit them online at www.ernieball.com and www.music-man.com