Remedy for the Live Bass Player
by John Montalbano
Every bass player who actively uses two basses on a gig understands the challenge of smoothly switching between two instruments. While trying not to draw too much attention, we swap cables, adjust volumes and tones, and cringe at the possibility of that familiar POP that is always guaranteed to make even an inattentive audience jump. Radial Engineering has introduced the cure-all for all live bass ailments with the Bassbone.
The Bassbone has two separate 1/4" inputs for two instruments. The inputs correspond to each of the two channels of the Bassbone. Each channel has an independent input level control. Channel One is described as a straight through channel, which does not access the parametric EQ. However, it does have a tone contour selector switch that gives you a choice of two preset EQ contours. I used Channel One for my active bass, since my active bass has a very effective EQ already. Channel Two accesses the very powerful parametric EQ of the Bassbone. The low, mid and high frequency controls are very effective and have plenty of room to spare for any bass. I used Channel Two on three types of basses: a fretless, a passive Fender P-Bass and my upright bass with piezo pickups. Although my fretless bass is active, the Bassbone EQ gave me a wide range of adjustability. With the P-Bass, the level control made it easy to balance its level to match the volume of my active bass. The addition of the EQ gave new life to the P-Bass. I was able to dial in exactly what I needed with room to spare. The greatest sigh of relief was when I plugged in my upright bass. My upright bass has the David Gage Realist pickup installed. I plugged the bass directly into the Bassbone and was able to dial in the perfect tone. Switching between electric and upright has always been the biggest problem for me because of the differences in impedance and the drastic difference in sound dynamics. It was a pleasure to switch between the two basses at will and have them both sound great through the same amplifier.
The two inputs are selectable with a footswitch. You can also use the Bassbone with one bass. With a single bass plugged into Input One, the input select switch feeds the bass signal either through the Channel One contour EQ or the Channel Two parametric EQ. By switching between EQ settings you can optimize your tone for different songs or for a solo section. You also have access to a boost footswitch to add extra volume in the case of a solo section or more aggressive part.
The Bassbone has a dedicated output for a tuner. For this output, the bass signal is optimized to emphasize the fundamental to facilitate quick tuning. There is also a built-in effects loop, which greatly adds to the value of this product. The only drawback is that the effects loop is a stereo connector that has the send and return in the same connector. This requires a specific stereo to dual mono cable available from the manufacturer. To top it off, the Bassbone functions as a premium quality direct box with an XLR output. What more could you want? The Radial Engineering Bassbone is a must have for the working bass player. Check out more of their products at www.tonebone.com.
Product Spotlight
Dunlop MXR Dynacomp M-102
Ever since I was a newbie bass player on the New York scene, many guitar players sported these little orange pedals that gave their guitars an unmistakable bite. It "countrified" Telecasters and made Les Pauls wail. I found out years later that they were MXR Dhas the send and return in the same connector. This requires a specific stereo to dual mono cable available from the manufacturer. To top it off, the Bassbone functions as a premium quality direct box with an XLR output. What more could you want? The Radial Engineering Bassbone is a must have for the working bass player. Check out more of their products at www.tonebone.com.
Dunlop MXR Dynacomp M-102
Ever since I was a newbie bass player on the New York scene, many guitar players sported these little orange pedals that gave their guitars an unmistakable bite. It "countrified" Telecasters and made Les Pauls wail. I found out years later that they were MXR Dynacomp compressors. Jim Dunlop has carried the tradition, and I recently got my hands on one. The MXR Dynacomp is a very raw and extreme compressor, but you can find that subtle sweet spot that just gives you enough or you can also turn it up to get a vicious sustain. I thought it was absolutely stellar for soloing and sounded pretty intense when slapping. It might not be for everyone on bass, but under $100 it wouldn't be a bad tool for the toolbox. www.jimdunlop.com
