Reviews: Bass Gear
RSS
Premier Guitar's rating system includes brief summations of a product’s pros and cons, as well as pick ratings (0–5) in four categories—Tones, Design/Build, Value, and Playability (for instruments) or Ease of Use (amps, effects, and other devices) or Versatility (pickups and speakers). Items with a total of 18 or more picks (out of 20) win our coveted Premier Gear Award.
ARTICLES
Sadowsky MetroExpress Review
December 11, 2018
A premium brand unveils a new model with an accessible price of entry.
Read More
Acoustic B100C Review
November 16, 2018
Best known in the ’70s for their big bass stacks on big stages, Acoustic shows they can play small ball, too.
Read More
Fano JM4 Standard Review
November 12, 2018
Though it’s been kissed by a Thunderbird, this surprisingly versatile handbuilt 4-string has a vibe all its own.
Read More
Marco N1 Review
October 17, 2018
A handbuilt take on the J-style formula brings modern touches to the table, yet has a price reminiscent of yesteryear.
Read More
Quick Hit: Fender Rumble Studio 40
October 15, 2018
A feature-packed practice amp for low enders, with an impressive network of connections.
Read More
Orange Terror Bass and OBC112 Review
October 8, 2018
This one-two combination for bassists doles out the thunder, but takes almost no room in the band van.
Read More
Way Huge Pork & Pickle Review
September 16, 2018
Two distinct dirt circuits come together in one pedal for bassists who appreciate freedom of choice for their grit.
Read More
Aguilar Grape Phaser Review
September 13, 2018
Two knobs on a purple box is a ticket to low-end modulation—from slow and sublime to all-out space travel.
Read More
RMI Basswitch Enhanced Overdrive Review
September 12, 2018
A bass OD that shows the combo of German engineering, top-quality parts, and modern design isn’t only for luxury cars.
Read More
OnkartGromt FunkyFellow Review
September 9, 2018
An envelope filter for bassists that demonstrates Norwegian farmers can be quite funky.
Read More
Eastwood Airline Pocket Bass Review
September 6, 2018
A short-scale Valco-made bass oddity from the 1960s flies again as a reissue, but with some contemporary improvements.
Read More
Ampeg Liquifier Review
August 23, 2018
The bass-amp giant's new dual-chorus circuit serves up a wide range of rich modulation with a price that harkens back to the 1980s.
Read More
TC Electronic SpectraDrive Review
August 10, 2018
A true multi-tool for bassists that packs all the essentials for performance and practice.
Read More
Quick Hit: Crazy Tube Circuits Locomotive
August 2, 2018
A 12AY7-packed bass OD for clean, mean, and points in-between.
Read More
Ibanez TCB1006 Review
July 30, 2018
It’s not for the timid or small-handed, but Thundercat’s signature 6-string bass offers a reward in tonal currency equal to its size.
Read More
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special Bass Review
July 12, 2018
An iconic bass design undergoes a subtle yet significant refresh, both inside and out.
Read More
Blackstar Unity 500 Review
July 4, 2018
After more than a decade serving the needs of guitarists, U.K.-based Blackstar opens their doors to bassists with a new series of amps.
Read More
Swope Guitars Dakota Review
June 14, 2018
Crafted by a builder with a serious shop pedigree, this unique detour from the standard P formula is style-rich, tone-wealthy, and ultra-comfortable.
Read More
Hartke HD500 Review
June 4, 2018
For a 35-pound lightweight, Hartke’s new 2x10 combo can throw some air—with 500 watts under the hood and a smart command central.
Read More
Quick Hit: Ampeg Opto Comp
May 21, 2018
Three knobs and an optical circuit brew up mellow analog compression that fills out tone rather than choking it.
Read More
