Mike Brooks

Articles by: Mike Brooks

Close-up of a Trace Elliot Elf bass amp on a hexagonal print surface

Best bass amps 2023: 13 top choice amplification options for bassists

By Chris Corfield last updated

Dive into our best bass amp guide to discover the options that deliver the power and features to suit your low-end needs, whatever your budget

Why Queen's John Deacon is a bass hero

By Mike Brooks published

We salute the career, gear and accomplishments of the low-end legend

Dolan Custom Guitars Proteus Legacy review

By Mike Brooks published

A new name on the bass-building scene

Hofner 500/1-63-RLC Relic and Höfner H500/1-HGL-0 Greenline review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £2299

Vintage meets new wave

Atelier Z Guitar Works Jerry Barnes review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £2499

Here comes a Japanese super-Jazz

Bobby Vega (Sly & The Family Stone/Santana): "I’m totally blessed"

By Mike Brooks published

The Sly & The Family Stone and Santana bassist reflects

Fender American Performer Precision Bass and Jazz Bass review

By Mike Brooks last updated

  • £1149

A pair of new Performers

Why Queen's John Deacon is a true bass hero

By Mike Brooks published

We track the career, gear and accomplishments of the low-end legend

Maruszczyk Frog Omega 4 review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £1950

No need to kiss a frog to find this prince

Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton: “I think that nowadays we’ve all become a little better at having respect for each other’s soft spots”

By Mike Brooks published

The bassist for the multi-platinum rockers reviews his near-50-year career

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge: “My first Precision bass cost £115 - you could buy a car for £300 or a house for £950 back then”

By Mike Brooks published

A look back at a career at the low end

Cody Wright: “My playing style was already there with the pick because of my guitar-playing style”

By Mike Brooks published

We pick the brains of a unique bassist

Electro Harmonix Bass Mono Synth review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £115
  • €125
  • $165

Setting the standard

Fender American Performer Mustang Bass review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £1049
  • €1090
  • $1099

What’s this - new pickups, a new passive circuit and through-body stringing?

Trace Elliot Elf 2x8 and 1x10 Cabinets review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £365
  • $299

The cabinets to partner Trace Elliot’s Elf amp follow its tiny remit. Can they take the strain?

Dingwall NG3/5 review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £1700

Tonnes of tones to play with

Yolanda Charles: “I was always told that you can’t teach feel, but I think you can”

By Mike Brooks published

We talk inequality, experience and lost gear with the UK bassist

Yamaha Nathan East Signature BBNEII review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £2999
  • €2499

This bass for music’s Mr Cool promises much... but does it deliver?

Sadowsky Satin Series Deluxe 4-21 review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £3499

If you like your Sadowsky bass to feel like silk, look no further

Rickenbacker 4003 review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £2349
  • €2150

Idiosyncratic but with many admirers, the stalwart Ricky maintains an ever-popular presence

Willcox Lightwave Saber HexFX review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £1350

Contemporary looks and styling, modern technology and sounds to match?

Billy Sheehan: “To play live is the greatest joy there is”

By Mike Brooks published

The Mr Big and Sons Of Apollo man on prog, playing and his most taxing tunes

Aria RSB-1500/M review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £1295

Can this four-stringer fulfil its Eastern promise?

Sandberg California II TM5 Grand Dark review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £1,953
  • €1,885

A real tone monster

Ibanez BTB1805-NTL Premium review

By Mike Brooks published

  • £1,299
  • $1,299

Recalling the ‘hippy sandwich’ days

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