New Bass stuff at NAMM 2026

[Misdee]

1 hour ago, cetera said:

I don't want it 'aged' though. 😞

It's only lightly aged apparently, not unlike myself. Anyway, I'm gonna get me one asap.

 

That's the problem with the NAMM show, there's lots of new stuff on show but it's usually at least six months until you can actually get your hands on it.

[Misdee]

24 minutes ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

 

https://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2026/01/gear-news-spector-unveils-one-of-one-50th-anniversary-custom-shop-bass/

 

That looks like a nice Spector ruined by art students.

[Misdee]

2 hours ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

So much better than the purple one.

[Eldon Tyrell]

27 minutes ago, Misdee said:

It's only lightly aged apparently, not unlike myself. Anyway, I'm gonna get me one asap.

 

That's the problem with the NAMM show, there's lots of new stuff on show but it's usually at least six months until you can actually get your hands on it.

NAMM= Not Available until Mid May

[Supernaut]

59 minutes ago, tauzero said:

 

There's a switch on them specially for you.

I see an EQ bypass switch but not a passive/active switch. 

[tauzero]

41 minutes ago, Supernaut said:

I see an EQ bypass switch but not a passive/active switch. 

 

The practical difference being?

[SumOne]

1 hour ago, Supernaut said:

I see an EQ bypass switch but not a passive/active switch. 

 

It isn't too clear as the website seems to say contradictory things. I would generally think 'EQ bypass switch' means the battery powered preamp for volume is still on but the EQ section is bypassed (not ideal if you want a backup for a dead battery, or if you prefer a passive tone, or want to keep a cable plugged in without battery loss), but then it also says "The master tone control operates in both active and passive mode." So that suggests there is a passive/active switch.

 

https://www.ibanez.com/eu/news/detail/20250930143736.html

Edited 4 hours ago by SumOne

[Misdee]

7 hours ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

 

I've just found out these are two different shades of gold. The "Donald Trump" bass is Liquid Gold ( on the right), the other bass is Molten Gold, which doesn't look quite as bad to me.

 

It's hard to tell with such scant images. You would think if EBMM wanted to show these basses off they would supply some better pictures, i.e so we could see what these basses actually look like on the cold light of day rather than treating us as if they are doing us a favour letting us look. 

[Eldon Tyrell]

1 minute ago, Misdee said:

I've just found out these are two different shades of gold. The "Donald Trump" bass is Liquid Gold ( on the right), the other bass is Molten Gold, which doesn't look quite as bad to me.

 

It's hard to tell with such scant images. You would think if EBMM wanted to show these basses off they would supply some better pictures, i.e so we could see what these basses actually look like on the cold light of day rather than treating us as if they are doing us a favour letting us look. 

Some more info about the two basses:

 

"For five decades, the StingRay has set the benchmark for bold, forward-leaning bass tone. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special honors that legacy with two limited-edition finishes. Liquid Gold is hand-numbered and limited to 50 instruments worldwide, featuring a striking golden reflective pickguard for a truly exclusive presentation. Molten Gold, limited to 300 instruments, showcases a metallic gold finish on the body and headstock—each with its own unique character. Both versions are paired with an ebony fretboard with gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers for effortless navigation on any stage. A roasted flame maple neck and poplar body deliver a fast, comfortable, and perfectly balanced feel, while gold hardware throughout, including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge, completes the look. Finished with a commemorative 50th Anniversary silkscreen on the back of the headstock, each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity.

 

https://blog.music-man.com/instruments/ernie-ball-music-man-new-at-namm-2026/ 

[BassApprentice]

New MTD Kingston lineup (just new finishes and maybe roasted maple necks?)

[soulstar89]

Genzler new lightweight cabs

 

https://genzleramplification.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqo25EeA9_f_isahry1wyJSTaP22cbTo1LwvxQGGo26KveH30y0

 

 

[soulstar89]

Aguilar:

 

 

And 😳…..

 

Edited 2 hours ago by soulstar89

[BassAgent]

I dig that Aguilar. I have an endorsement elsewhere. But I really dig that Aguilar.

[BassAgent]

9 hours ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

 

I don't like the colour gold. I'm not a Stingray kind of person. It's probably a gazillion quid. But I want that shiny gold Stingray on the right. So bad.

[velvetkevorkian]

1 hour ago, BassApprentice said:

New MTD Kingston lineup (just new finishes and maybe roasted maple necks?)

 

 

I'll have that red-black fade 5er please

[Sean]

6 hours ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

Non-aged and a neck profile that wasn't so skinny it was like a sleeve on the truss rod and I'd be all over it 😃

[Misdee]

1 hour ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

Some more info about the two basses:

 

"For five decades, the StingRay has set the benchmark for bold, forward-leaning bass tone. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special honors that legacy with two limited-edition finishes. Liquid Gold is hand-numbered and limited to 50 instruments worldwide, featuring a striking golden reflective pickguard for a truly exclusive presentation. Molten Gold, limited to 300 instruments, showcases a metallic gold finish on the body and headstock—each with its own unique character. Both versions are paired with an ebony fretboard with gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers for effortless navigation on any stage. A roasted flame maple neck and poplar body deliver a fast, comfortable, and perfectly balanced feel, while gold hardware throughout, including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge, completes the look. Finished with a commemorative 50th Anniversary silkscreen on the back of the headstock, each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity.

 

https://blog.music-man.com/instruments/ernie-ball-music-man-new-at-namm-2026/ 

Still waaayyy  too much gold for my liking.

 

Each to their own, but it would have been nice to have an anniversary model that was something a bit different in terms of construction and sonics rather than just cosmetics. The Thirtieth Anniversary Stingray with a mahogany body ect is still just about the best Stingray I've ever heard. I was expecting something like that but with the added advantages of the Stingray Special revamp that has happened inbetween times. That's why I'm a bit disappointed. 

Edited 1 hour ago by Misdee

[Misdee]

3 minutes ago, Sean said:

Non-aged and a neck profile that wasn't so skinny it was like a sleeve on the truss rod and I'd be all over it 😃

From what I can make out, the aging is just about the colour of the white finish rather than relicing.

[Sean]

3 minutes ago, Misdee said:

From what I can make out, the aging is just about the colour of the white finish rather than relicing.

It looks like it's been left in the shop window for 50 years. 

I want a shiny new one that looks like Sting's did in 1983. 

Without dropping £7k on the Woodstock crew.

[soulstar89]

Laney Nathan east signature pre amp pedal

 

 

 

[AlexDelores]

Not sure if I’ve missed the mention of Sterlings new 4 & 5 Plus models. I can only see EB launches on here. Anyway… 

 

[velvetkevorkian]

ah good I was just thinking the Sterling line was not confusing enough already

[Misdee]

New Sadowsky Special Editions for 2026:

 

 

The Masterbuilt  for 2025 was £8000+ and the Metroline Special Edition about £4300. These are not likely to be any less expensive. 

 

I'm not at all keen on a satin finish on any of the Metroline basses, let alone a Special Edition model. Gloss looks more finished and is much more durable in the long term. The Masterbuilt looks very nice to me. It's an awful lot of money, though.

Edited 34 minutes ago by Misdee