Published 24/9/08
Foot percussion from Shadow
Never let it be said that Performing Musician doesn't cover the widest possible musical field! Last month we were revealing non-slipping violin tuning pegs, and this months it's the launch of the Stompin' Bass.
A deceptively simple concept, the Stompin' Bass comes from innovative German pickup makers, Shadow, and it's aimed at acoustic players and bands without a percussive instrument in the line up.
Made from rosewood and fitted with a Shadow pickup, the Stompin' Bass (no, were not making this up — honestly!) is a floor-mounted device that you, um, stomp on to provide a percussive bassy accompaniment to the rest of your noise. Think of it as a foot-operated bass, or maybe a bass drum, UK distributors, Barnes & Mullins, helpfully suggest.
B&M also tell us that the slanted top gives a player comfort and easy use with the foot. You can play it by using either your toes or your heel. 
The underside of the Stompin' Bass is covered with a special anti-slip material.
Shadow have even added a removable extension so that your foot is in a more comfortable position when playing for long periods. The extension is attached via industrial Velcro so it can be removed easily if it is not desired for playing.
Because of the NanoMAG pickup and the active electronics inside, the Stompin' Bass offers a "full, deep and warm bass sound", according to B&M. As the pickup is a humbucker, it is free of 50/60Hz hum, while a completely shielded case and low-impedance output protect it from outside magnetic disturbances and makes it "totally hum-free". A single 9V battery powers the electronic circuitry, and the Stompin' Bass has a standard output jack that can be plugged straight into any PA or guitar amplifier.
Depending on your equipment and its EQ setup, the material of your shoes (!) and how hard you stomp, you will get different sounds, Barnes & Mullins say. So how much will it cost? A snip at just £99.
Barnes & Mullins +44 (0)1691 668306 www.bandm.co.uk www.shadow-electronics.com
The underside of the Stompin' Bass is covered with a special anti-slip material.
Shadow have even added a removable extension so that your foot is in a more comfortable position when playing for long periods. The extension is attached via industrial Velcro so it can be removed easily if it is not desired for playing.
Because of the NanoMAG pickup and the active electronics inside, the Stompin' Bass offers a "full, deep and warm bass sound", according to B&M. As the pickup is a humbucker, it is free of 50/60Hz hum, while a completely shielded case and low-impedance output protect it from outside magnetic disturbances and makes it "totally hum-free". A single 9V battery powers the electronic circuitry, and the Stompin' Bass has a standard output jack that can be plugged straight into any PA or guitar amplifier.
Depending on your equipment and its EQ setup, the material of your shoes (!) and how hard you stomp, you will get different sounds, Barnes & Mullins say. So how much will it cost? A snip at just £99.
Barnes & Mullins +44 (0)1691 668306 www.bandm.co.uk www.shadow-electronics.com
