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“Our goal is to stay at the forefront of amplification innovation”: How Seymour Duncan set out to create the ultimate bass amp solution by pushing its PowerStage lineup to greater heights
In an age where guitar rigs are getting smaller and the impracticalities of lugging around large equipment to shows are becoming all the more apparent, the need for finding a simple-yet-versatile bit of kit that can cater to all playing scenarios is fast becoming a necessity for bass guitar players.
Of course, it’s a busy market, so there are a few options out there – but with the PowerStage 700 Bass, Seymour Duncan managed to mastermind what could potentially be the most versatile and flexible amp head designed especially for bassists you could come across.
Because of its lineage, the PowerStage line needs no introduction. The firm’s catalog of electric guitar pedal amps has become widely revered by players, offering a grab-and-go solution for guitarists who need a suitable amp modeler power amp companion for any gig, rehearsal or studio session.
For its first foray into the bass world, though, Seymour Duncan upped the ante, and as such the PowerStage 700 Bass is so much more than just a partner for amp modelers.
With a lightweight build, built-in preamp section, onboard overdrive circuit and a comprehensive set of tone-tweaking parameters, the PowerStage 700 Bass functions as a fully standalone bass head, as well as an amp modeler addition, meaning it’s capable of any gig or playing session that could be thrown at it – and it's got a huge array of classic and contemporary low-end tones backing it up, too.
“Our PowerStage line of power amplifiers for guitarists has been hugely popular, and over the years, we’ve had many requests from bass players for their own version,” says Seymour Duncan’s Ryan Fitzsimmons. “Of course, the guitar PowerStage amps are only power sections, but for PowerStage Bass, we wanted to give bassists the added flexibility of a fully standalone bass amp head that could also be used as a power section only if they’re using a preamp or modeler.”
The concept, at least on paper, was simple. How could Seymour Duncan create an amplification solution that truly understands what a bassist needs and wants? When it came to it, the firm’s VP of Engineering Kevin Beller – and lifelong bass player – came up with an innovative design that more than fits the bill.
“The team wanted to craft something more than a mere power source,” Fitzsimmons goes on. “They envisioned a versatile platform that could adapt to everything from the nuanced tones of jazz to the aggressive growl of metal.”
The result is a bass amp head that offers a four-band EQ, the aforementioned preamp and overdrive tones, a presence button for dynamic tone shaping, an aux input, and a rack-friendly chassis for rig assimilation.
It also offers a -10dB pad for switching between active and passive basses and a boatload of connectivity options: XLR, ¼” jack, headphones out, and DI among them.
But it is the preamp and overdrive sections that really make the PowerStage 700 stand out from the rest of the PowerStage family – and from the rest of the bass amp head market.
As Fitzsimmons notes, “The inclusion of both a preamp and overdrive wasn’t a casual decision. We wanted to create a circuit that could provide everything from subtle tube-like warmth to full-throttle distortion without losing the fundamental character of the bass.
“The level control ensures that engaging the overdrive doesn’t compromise your carefully crafted volume settings, making it easy to incorporate live!”
Notably, the PowerStage 700 Bass also speaks to a wider trend emerging in the gear world, and the broader development of the PowerStage line has seemingly acted in tandem with the skyrocketing popularity of amp modelers. This, Fitzsimmons says, was crucial to the development of the latest PowerStage.
“We see the rise of amp modeling technology as a fundamental shift in how musicians approach sound,” Fitzsimmons goes on. “The PowerStage 700 Bass was deliberately engineered with this revolution in mind. Its transparent power section, comprehensive EQ, and versatile connectivity options make it the perfect companion for digital modeling technology or analog preamps as well.
“Musicians using devices like the Quad Cortex can now have studio-grade tone reproduction in a compact, road-ready package.”
Musicians using devices like the Quad Cortex can now have studio-grade tone reproduction in a compact, road-ready package
But, in a quest to produce what has been described as “the ultimate solution for bass players seeking power, portability, and pristine sound quality”, Seymour Duncan knew it couldn’t stop there.
“For those times when you need a more traditional approach, the PowerStage 700 Bass also offers a fully featured preamp and EQ section. It’s an acknowledgment that modern musicians need flexibility, and they are comfortable combining analog and digital technologies to get their tone,” Fitzsimmons explains.
As mentioned, rigs are getting smaller, and for the bassists who are looking to revolutionize their current rig with a do-it-all device that leaves no stone unturned, they’d be hard pressed to find a better solution than the PowerStage.
As for how the PowerStage can cater to this demand and elevate their tonal performance, Fitzsimmons says, “Whether you're playing a cramped basement venue or a sprawling concert hall, this amp tackles the fundamental challenges bassists face.”
Not only that, its 700 watts of power will mean bassists will never be underpowered for larger gigs, yet won’t be required to lug around awkward and heavy kit. It is, in other words, a perfect all-round upgrade.
“Whether you're a session musician using complex modeler setups or a live performer who needs pure, transparent amplification, this unit can transform your entire sonic approach,” Fitzsimmons finishes.
“The 700 Bass represents a significant milestone for Seymour Duncan. It’s not just an expansion of our product range; it’s a statement about our commitment to understanding that bass players have their own unique requirements.
“Our goal is to stay at the forefront of amplification innovation and to continue introducing new and exciting PowerStage solutions!”
Head over to Seymour Duncan to find out more.
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