Basebone Signal Manager Joins the Tonebone Family
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(Click for a close-up) |
February 5, 2003
Radial Engineering, manufacturer of the Tonebone distortion pedals and the Radial line of professional direct boxes, introduced a new Tonebone pedal called the Bassbone. The Bassbone is a multi-mode bass signal management device that allows the bass player to select and control up to three bases on stage, while allowing the user to introduce a solo-boost mode and/or an effect loop.
According to company president Peter Janis: "Today, most bass players perform with at least two bases on stage. This typically includes a traditional 4 string passive bass and one of the newer 5 or 6 string active instruments that are common today. The problem is that every time they change bass, they have to change the settings on their amp to compensate for the other instrument. This is both tiresome and frustrating as they do not have the time during a busy set to get the sound they want and as such, are forced to make due with a compromise. Bassbone solves the problem and more!"
The Bassbone features two clean signal channels with individual level controls to adjust each instrument as needed. Normally, the player's primary bass is connected to input-1. EQ and primary tone shaping is set at the amplifier for this particular instrument. Although Channel-1 would be normally set 'flat' or without tonal coloration, the Bassbone's channel-1 circuit is also outfitted with two carefully sculpted contour curves to enhance the sound of the bass.
Input-2 is designed for the 2nd bass and features a 3-band EQ that allows the player to overlay a tonal shape on top of the amp's EQ. This allows one to control the 2nd instrument's level and EQ without affecting the tone and level of the 1st instrument. Changing instruments is just a matter of putting down one bass, depressing the foot switch, and you are set to go.
The Bassbone also has a third input that can be toggled with input #2 for the player that may have a third bass or us a Stick bass on the occasional song. A slider switch assigns the toggle foot switch from channel 1 to mute, Chan.1 to input 2, or Chan.1 to input 3. Should the artists only wish to use one bass on stage, the Bassbone automatically routes input-1 to channel 1 or channel 2 when the toggle switch is engaged. The Bassbone's EQ settings can simulate having two completely different bases while only playing one. This is where the term multi-mode was derived.
Janis continues: "With the advent of these more expressive basses and the infusion of jazz styles in popular music , we are seeing bass play an even more important role. The Radial Bassbone goes one step further by incorporating a solo-boost footswitch with an effect loop. The artist can use the booster to solo with extra gain, and can simultaneously ad an effect such as a flanger with only one switch. The solo-boost foot switch can be assigned to boost, engage the effect loop or combine both and this feature affects both signal channels."
The Bassbone features 14 gauge steel construction, baked enamel finish and heavy-duty foot switches. LED indicators for input / channel toggle select and boost on-off provide clear signal routing status.
The Radial Bassbone retails at USD$300. For more information, visit their web site at www.radialeng.com. | 
