Active Band Man Chats - 2022 New Gear Predictions: Horry

Last time was my New Gear Predictions, so now it’s your turn, Horry!

Of course... Alright, let’s start with basses. If I were to buy one, I’d probably go with an Ibanez headless, maybe a 5-string.
Ibanez / EHB1505MS-PLF Headless Bass

Finally! An extended-range bass!

Well, I’m pretty satisfied with my Bacchus, but I can’t help being curious about current headless models. And if I’m going for something new, I thought I’d try out a multi-scale neck too.

You mean a fanned fret? I’ve played a fanned fret guitar, and it’s surprisingly comfortable!

Yeah, it’s not as odd as it seems. I haven’t tried a 5-string either, but considering where things are heading these days, I’m a bit curious. Lots of anime and vocaloid songs use low D, almost as a given... Ideally, though, I’d like to stick to 4-string play.

Roadies are helpful, aren’t they?

They definitely help with range.

Plus, tuning for you!

Huh?

And replacing strings when they break!

Wait, what are we talking about here?

It’s a huge help when you have one, right?

You mean a roadie?

Busted!

Well, I sometimes work as your roadie too, though, just occasionally.

Thanks!

Alright, now that we’ve got our first joke and comeback of the year out of the way, let’s get back to it. The Ibanez headless bass comes in several specs, so I’ll need to give it some thought if I decide to buy one. Other than that... maybe an EUB.

Oh, another one?

Yeah, I already use an Ibanez EUB model...

Now that you mention it, you’ve been going with a lot of Ibanez gear, haven’t you?

I guess I have. Purely coincidental, though. My current EUB has the same scale as a regular electric bass, so I’m interested in trying something with a traditional upright bass scale. And that brings me to this one:
NS Design / NXT4 Black Satin

A matte black, nice!

I’m not an EUB expert yet, but this one also uses a stand, like the Ibanez, so the transition should be smooth. Plus, it looks easier to transport, though still not quite like an electric bass.

If only you had a roadie...

Enough with the roadie jokes! I think that’s it for basses. I’d be interested in a Japan-made G&L SB-2 Tribute model if one comes out at a decent price, though...

So you’d go for the Japanese-made model, huh? How about effects pedals?

Pedals? I think I’m good this year...

Come on now!

Okay, I admit... that was a lie.

Knew it!

Well, I wasn’t entirely lying—I really don’t want to add too much more gear. But... there are a few things that have caught my eye.

Of course there are!

When it comes to pedals, I’m always drawn to preamps and distortions. Those two just always have my attention.

Makes sense!

First on my list is the Zahnrad 4000PRE. I’ve been curious about it for a while, but I recently played with a band where two of the guys were using it, and their sound was fantastic...

Do you know how to pronounce Zahnrad?

I don’t know... It sounds like it has quite a bite, so I’d need to pick my spots to use it, but I’m definitely interested. Apparently, it sells out quickly when it hits stores, so that just adds to the appeal.

Yeah, definitely try it out in-store first!

If possible... then for preamps, the other one would be this:
Tronographic / Rusty Box

That’s an adorable design.

Yeah, I’ve had my eye on it for a while now. From what I’ve seen in videos, I feel like it could hold up well on its own for a smaller studio setup. Not sure if I’d put it on my pedalboard just yet, though. Then there’s... Gallien’s preamp also has my interest, and I’m curious about the new Zoom multi-effects. But for now, those two are at the top of my list.
Gallien-Krueger / PLEX
Zoom / B6 Bass Multi-Effects

That’s quite a wishlist!

It sure is! As for distortion... honestly, I was pretty satisfied with the Advent from last year and all.

That one was great.

Yeah... Oh, and the one from One Control!
One Control / Blackberry Bass OD

Hmm, kind of a bigger one for One Control, isn’t it? I always think of their pedals as sushi-sized—like a single nigiri—but this feels more like a premium piece!

Premium, right!? It’s a bit larger than their usual size, yeah, but I’ve been curious about it. I’ll have to give it a go someday.

Testing it out is a must!

Then there’s also the TDC-YOU 006 Bass Driver.

Another distortion pedal!

Yeah, I often see this one on the pedalboard of my favorite bassist. And they seem to keep it on all the time, which really piques my interest. That’s probably it for distortion, though. I’m still looking forward to any new releases this year!

Totally.

Other than that... since I’ve been working from home more, I’m interested in equipment for a home recording setup. But I’m not too dedicated to it—my focus is definitely still on instruments rather than recording gear.

Gotta bring that energy to a live stage!

Exactly! I’d much rather have something I can play in my hands. Besides, with recording gear evolving so quickly, I figure it’s best to choose carefully when I really need it.

Totally.

So, I guess that’s about it for what’s on my mind now at the start of the year.

That’s plenty, don’t you think?

By the end of the year, though, I wouldn’t be surprised if my list looks completely different.

I feel that! New stuff will keep coming out, so let’s keep checking things out! After all, it’s all for?

Love!