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Bass Gear Finds 2022

Bass Gear Finds 2022

Need to buy a new bass? Start here.


Spector: NS Pulse II

Spector
$1299

The NS Pulse II represents the core of Spector’s iconic design. The three-dimensionally carved body is a trademark of the Spector brand and provides a uniquely comfortable playing experience for all bassists. The NS Pulse II basses feature a highly figured Quilted Maple top and Swamp Ash body paired with a three-piece Roasted Maple bolt-on neck, complete with a Macassar Ebony fingerboard. The roasting process results in a neck that provides enhanced stability & resonance, while the Macassar Ebony fingerboard ensures clear note definition and projection. This model is also equipped with EMG active pickups and the Spector TonePump Jr. active pre-amp. This combination yields a range of impressive & aggressive noise-free tones. Additional features like a locking bridge, illuminating side dots, and a custom 12th fret inlay round out an already impressive feature set. NS Pulse II basses are available in three distinct colors, Black Cherry, Black Stain, and Ultra-Violet, each with a durable matte finish.

℮⁵⁰⁰: Exponent 500

Darkglass Electronics
$999.99

Exponent 500 is a new concept Darkglass calls a Powered Platform: a clean amplifier that, once connected, turns into a multi-effect, with fully programmable and presettable signal chains with all the components a professional bassist requires. With its audio interface capabilities and 500W of loud, ultra-clean power, Exponent 500 is an extremely capable solution for every context, all packed in a gorgeous, compact and light housing for maximum portability. Combining every technology Darkglass has developed since their humble beginnings, Exponent 500 is an analog amplifier head with powerful digital signal chain modeling. From all stances: Mechanically, electronically, and with an ever-growing DSP library that has compressors, distortions, modulation, preamps, Impulse Responses and more. Connect to the Darkglass Suite app to adjust the modeled effects, preamps, and cabinet simulation, or use MIDI to control parameters or move between presets.

Tone Hammer 350

Aguilar
$649.99

The Tone Hammer 350 delivers big, tube-like sound in a compact, easy-to-carry footprint. Boasting a 3 band EQ and 350 watts of power, this little beast gives you classic Aguilar tone in an easy to carry, 3 lb. package. The Tone Hammer 350 has bass, treble, a fully sweepable midrange control for fine-tuning your mids as well as our unique Drive control for added tube-like grit and midrange punch. The Tone Hammer 350 will give you the legendary “Aguilar Sound” while fitting into the accessory pouch of most gig bags – the perfect choice for bass players on the go.

MTD Kingston Saratoga Deluxe 5

Flame Maple top, basswood body, maple fretboard, deep cherry bust finish. Also available in a black burst and with an Indian Laurel fingerboard.
34” scale 21 frets, double acting truss rod, classic MTD asymmetrical neck carve, Buzz Feiten Tuning system. Bartolini and Hipshot upgrades are available.
The controls are master volume stacked with passive tone, blend, treble, mid, bass, and an active/passive switch. Available in 4 and 5 string options.
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Michael Tobias Design
$1449


- YouTube

PG's demo dude expands his flirtation with active pickups by dropping a set of EMG Fat 55 Retro Active Humbuckers into his warhorse 2003 Gibson Les Paul. Luthier friend Dave Johnson handles the surgery and shares a few key tips to make the project go smoother for you.

Previously, John Bohlinger was curious about what active pickups could do for his anemic 1994 Stratocaster and EMG offered their drop-and-go Steve Lukather SL20 Pickguard set. JB was floored with the guitar's fresh voice and responsive dynamics he wanted to expand the active experiment to his beloved 2003 Gibson Les Paul. So we got a set of EMG Fat 55 Retro Active Humbuckers that required a full install and our luthier friend Dave Johnson walks us through the whole process before John got to test out his old friend's tonal makeover.

Learn more about EMG Fat 55 Retro Active Humbuckers here.

Guest picker Ally Venable

Blues rocker Ally Venable joins PG’s editors to imagine what their dream late-night band would sound like.

Question: What’s your dream late-night show band?

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- YouTube

Pick one of these stomps, ranging from silicon-driven to germanium-juiced and beyond, to supercharge your signal.

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GTRS Announces the W902, The Latest Update to its Wing-series of Intelligent Guitars
GTRS Announces the W902, The Latest Update to its Wing-series of Intelligent Guitars
GTRS has introduced the W902, the newest release in GTRS’ Wing-series Intelligent Guitar lineup, expanding on the series’ cutting-edge features while maintaining an accessible price point.
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