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Hotone Reveals the Pulze Jr.

Hotone Pulze Jr. Brings AI-Powered Modeling and Portable Stereo Sound to Players on the Go Hotone has just introduced the Pulze Jr., a compact portable modeling amplifier designed to combine amp and effects modeling, practice tools, recording capabilities and wireless connectivity in a small, battery-powered package. For bass players, the Pulze Jr. looks particularly interesting as a compact practice and creative setup. Its dual 3-inch full-range speakers deliver 20W of stereo power, while Hotone’s CDCM HD and F.I.R.E. modeling system provides access to 52 amp models, 48 cabinet models and a selection of effects. The unit also supports acoustic simulations and user-loaded impulse responses. One of the Pulze Jr.’s main features is its open approach to tone creation. Alongside Hotone’s own modeling, the amp supports Neural Amp Modeler files, Hotone Sound Clone files and user IRs. Five Celestion speaker IRs are included, with support for up to 20 user IRs. Players can also save up to 200 presets and share or download tones through the Hotone Community. The other major focus is practice. Hotone has built AI-powered tools directly into the Pulze Jr., including AI tone creation and an AI stem splitter that can separate parts of imported songs to help create backing tracks. Smart backing tracks offer different musical styles, adjustable BPM and the option to control bass and intro parts, while an Infinite mode can continue generating accompaniment as you play. For bassists working on ideas at home, the Pulze Jr. also includes a 240-second looper, 100 drum patterns, a built-in tuner and USB audio connectivity. The USB-C connection provides a 2-in/2-out audio interface with loopback and reamp support, making it possible to use the unit as part of a computer-based recording setup without adding a separate interface. The Pulze Jr. is powered by a built-in 14.8V 3000mAh lithium battery, with up to eight hours of continuous playback at medium volume. It can also be powered from an 18V DC supply or charged using a compatible USB PD charger. At 282 × 143 × 130mm and 2.36kg, it is small enough to take from the practice room to another room, rehearsal space or outdoor session. Other features include Bluetooth audio, wireless control, a 1.95-inch colour LCD display, headphone output, auxiliary input and support for the optional Pulze Control foot controller. The Hotone Pulze Jr. certainly packs a lot into a compact enclosure, particularly for players looking for a portable practice and recording solution rather than a traditional bass combo. We’ll be putting one through its paces with bass in the coming days, so look out for our full review soon. The Pulze Jr. is available in Moonlight White and Eclipse Black finishes.

August 24, 2026 No Comments
News

Harley Benton Introduces the Aged Series

Harley Benton Introduces the Aged Series Basses with Hand-Finished Vintage Looks Love them or hate them, relic basses always get people talking. Harley Benton has officially unveiled its new Aged Series, bringing roadworn aesthetics to some of its most popular bass models without venturing into boutique pricing. If you’ve ever wanted the look of a decades-old workhorse but weren’t ready to spend custom-shop money, these might be worth a closer look. The bass lineup consists of two familiar designs: the PB-62 and the JB-62. The PB-62 delivers the classic Precision-style formula and is available in Black or Ocean White, while the JB-62 takes the Jazz Bass route with finishes including 3-Tone Sunburst and the particularly eye-catching Lake Placid Blue over Sunburst. Buyers can also choose between Light Aged and Heavy Aged versions, depending on just how much vintage character they want their instrument to wear. What makes this launch particularly interesting is that Harley Benton says every instrument is aged by hand, meaning no two basses should look exactly alike. From worn lacquer and finish checking to aged hardware, the company is aiming to recreate the feel and appearance of an instrument that’s spent decades on stages and in studios. Relic finishes remain one of the most divisive trends in the guitar world. Some players love the idea of an instrument that already feels broken in, while others would rather earn every scratch themselves. Either way, there’s no denying the appeal of a bass that looks like it has a story before you’ve even plugged it in. For Harley Benton, this feels like another step in raising expectations for what can be found in the affordable market. The brand has steadily improved its reputation over the past few years, and the Aged Series looks like an attempt to bring premium-inspired styling to a much wider audience. Of course, appearances are only half the story. The real question is whether these basses deliver the playability, tone, and overall quality that Harley Benton has become increasingly known for. That’s something we’ll have to find out once we get our hands on one. Given the amount of interest these basses are already generating online, don’t be surprised if the PB-62 and JB-62 become some of Harley Benton’s most talked-about bass releases this year.

August 3, 2026 No Comments
News

Origin Effects Unveils EQDELUXE

A Pultec-Inspired Analog EQ for Bass and Guitar Origin Effects has introduced the EQDELUXE, a compact all-analog equalizer inspired by the legendary 1950s Pultec EQP-1A studio EQ. Designed for both bass and guitar, the pedal aims to bring the musical EQ curves, subtle saturation, and renowned low-end enhancement of the classic studio unit to modern pedalboards. At the heart of the EQDELUXE is an inductive analog EQ circuit that recreates the character of the original Pultec design. One of its standout features is the famous “Pultec Low-End Trick,” allowing players to simultaneously boost and cut bass frequencies for a fuller low end while improving midrange clarity – a technique long favored in professional recording studios. Beyond its EQ capabilities, the pedal also incorporates a carefully designed solid-state output stage that emulates the harmonic richness and gentle saturation of the original valve-based Pultec circuitry, adding warmth and depth even with subtle settings. The EQDELUXE features frequency points specifically selected for bass and guitar, combining a dedicated low-frequency section, musical midrange boost controls, and smooth high-frequency attenuation. Despite its vintage inspiration, the pedal offers modern practicality with a high-headroom design suitable for instrument and line-level signals, buffered bypass, and premium construction throughout. Key Features The Origin Effects EQDELUXE is positioned as more than a conventional EQ pedal, offering players a way to shape their tone while adding the warmth and musical character that has made vintage Pultec equalizers legendary in recording studios for decades. Origin Effects has built a reputation for producing some of the finest boutique pedals on the market, consistently blending studio-grade sound quality with exceptional engineering and craftsmanship. Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to review several of the company’s standout products here on Bass Gear Reviews, including the Cali76 Bass Compressor, Cali76 Compact Bass, and, more recently, the BASSRIG Fifteen. If you’d like to learn more about what makes Origin Effects one of the industry’s most respected manufacturers, be sure to check out our in-depth reviews on BassGearReviews.com.

July 28, 2026 No Comments
News

BOSS Expands Its Premium Gig Bag Lineup

BOSS Expands Its Premium Gig Bag Lineup with the New CB-EB15 Bass Gig Bag BOSS has expanded its premium instrument protection range with the introduction of the CB-EB15, the company’s first deluxe gig bag designed specifically for electric bass guitars. Joining the refreshed BOSS gig bag family, the CB-EB15 delivers the same rugged construction, practical storage, and premium protection found in the acclaimed guitar models, now tailored to accommodate a wide variety of popular basses. Designed for bassists who need dependable protection without the bulk of a hard case, the CB-EB15 features a durable 600D polyester exterior, thick internal padding, and a soft interior lining that helps shield instruments from knocks and scratches during transport. An adjustable neck rest with securing strap keeps the bass firmly in place, while an adjustable end guard offers additional support for different body shapes and sizes. Storage has also been given considerable attention. A redesigned front pocket provides ample room for essential accessories, including cables, straps, tuners, sheet music, and even compact BOSS pedals. Comfortable padded handles and backpack-style shoulder straps make carrying the bag to rehearsals, gigs, or studio sessions easy and comfortable, whether travelling by car or public transport. The CB-EB15 forms part of BOSS’s updated gig bag collection, which includes refreshed electric and acoustic guitar models featuring improved padding, enhanced protection, and more versatile storage solutions throughout the range. The addition of a dedicated bass model ensures bass players can now enjoy the same level of premium protection that guitarists have come to expect from BOSS. Key Features With the CB-EB15, BOSS continues to demonstrate that a quality gig bag can offer an excellent balance of portability, durability, and instrument protection, making it an ideal companion for bassists on the move.

July 18, 2026 No Comments
News

Darkglass Expands the Anagram with new releases

Darkglass Expands the Anagram with KosmOS 1.16, NAM A2 Support, and New Bass Amp Models Darkglass Electronics has released KosmOS 1.16, a substantial operating system update for the Anagram bass modeling platform, adding one of the most requested features since the unit’s launch while expanding its collection of bass-focused processing blocks. The headline addition is full Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) Architecture 2 (A2) support, made possible through a partnership with Tone3000. With the update, Anagram users gain access to three new processing blocks—Neural Amp, Neural Pedal, and Neural Loader—that allow up to three simultaneous NAM instances. The platform supports NAM A2 Full, A2 Lite, and legacy A1 captures, opening the door to an enormous library of community-created amp, pedal, and studio gear captures that can be loaded directly into the Anagram. For players who enjoy dialing in authentic vintage bass tones, Darkglass has also introduced two new amplifier models. The Peggy Classic delivers the character of a classic tube bass amplifier, while Peggy Fliptop recreates the unmistakable voice of a vintage flip-top combo that has become a staple on countless recordings. Together, they further reinforce the Anagram’s focus on bass-first modeling rather than simply adapting guitar-oriented platforms. The update also brings several workflow improvements. A new High-Pass/Low-Pass Filter block combines both filters into a single processing slot, freeing up space while offering greater tonal control. Users can now monitor processor usage through new DSP Meters, making it easier to optimize complex signal chains without running into processing limits. Additional quality-of-life enhancements include the ability to enter parameter values directly using the new Type Parameter Values feature, along with new Behaviour device settings that provide greater control over how the hardware responds during operation. Since its introduction, the Anagram has stood out by combining Darkglass’ bass expertise with an open, continuously evolving digital platform. With KosmOS 1.16, the company significantly expands the unit’s capabilities, particularly for players interested in the rapidly growing Neural Amp Modeler ecosystem. Between NAM A2 compatibility, new bass amp models, and meaningful workflow refinements, this update represents one of the most significant feature expansions the Anagram has received to date. KosmOS 1.16 is available now as a free update for all Anagram users.

July 1, 2026 No Comments

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