September 2026’s bass launches range from the compact Mayones Cali HL 5 and HL 6 signature basses to new instruments from Dingwall, Fender, Spector, Guild and Cort, plus fresh amplification from Aguilar, EBS and Ampeg. Guitar World’s October 1 roundup calls the Cali platform unusually small, but provides no dimensions or market-wide comparison to prove it is the smallest signature bass available. Its “two most important colors ever” are Gothic Black Matt and Ultra Pink.
What stands out in September’s bass gear roundup?
The headline instruments are Mayones’ Cali HL 5 and HL 6, developed with Henrik Linder of Dirty Loops. The rest of the lineup covers distinct needs: a focused single-pickup signature bass from Dingwall, multi-scale and traditional designs from Ashdown, a feature-rich Lee Sklar Precision Bass, and new options for players looking at short-scale or hollow-body instruments. Amplification includes a hybrid Aguilar head, a portable EBS combo and a 2×12 Ampeg cabinet.
These are features reported in Guitar World’s October 1, 2026 editorial roundup, not results from a shared hands-on test. It does not establish current pricing, regional configurations, inventory or retailer availability, so the descriptions below are useful for narrowing interest, not declaring a performance or value winner. Read the roundup at Guitar World.
Mayones Cali HL 5 and HL 6: a compact signature platform
Mayones worked with Henrik Linder on two signature versions of its compact Cali platform. Guitar World describes the original Cali 4 and Cali 5 as compact travel basses; the HL models bring that format to five and six strings. The six-string version followed Linder asking, “Hey, can you make a 6-string version too?”
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Shared reported features: ash top, dual humbuckers, series/parallel switching and custom bridge string spacing.
- Key distinction: the HL 5 has five strings; the HL 6 has six.
- Reported finishes: Gothic Black Matt and Ultra Pink.
“Smallest signature bass” is the roundup’s editorial framing. It supplies no dimensions or comparative market measurements, so the phrase should not be read as a verified record.
New artist and signature basses
Dingwall Jared Smith Signature
The Archspire bassist’s signature model is reported to use a single FD3n bridge pickup, a custom pickup ramp and a Darkglass preamp. Smith says he wanted to “create exactly the instrument I need and reduce the options I never use,” and describes its slimmer neck as suited to fast playing. He also says he likes the “focused, pissed-off tone” he gets from the solo bridge pickup. These are the artist’s descriptions, not independent assessments of the instrument.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Fender Lee Sklar Precision Bass
Guitar World’s detailed listing describes this recreation of Lee Sklar’s P-Bass with dual EMG active pickups, a slim 1962 Jazz Bass C-shaped neck, mandolin frets, a Hipshot BT-3 Bass Xtender and a Badass II bridge. It also reports an alder body and satin Heirloom nitro lacquer finish. Sklar says the team paid attention to the pickups, electronics, feel and response to capture what he loves about the instrument.
Spector NS Icon Neck-Through Series
The reported NS Icon neck-through models extend Spector’s NS Icon series with a curved body, custom neck carve, crown inlays, Aguilar DCB pickups and an OBP-2 preamp. Guitar World mentions four gloss finishes and names Teal the Deal and Sweet Tea, but the full finish lineup is not clear in the article’s indexed text. Check Spector’s current model information for an exact variant and finish before ordering.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ashdown offers multi-scale and traditional approaches
Saint Avant
The Saint Avant is the multi-scale option in Ashdown’s new Saint line. Guitar World says the design is intended to optimize string tension across the fretboard; the roundup does not provide scale measurements or a comparative test.
Saint Artisan
The Saint Artisan takes a more traditional direction. The finishes listed by Guitar World are Verdigris Green, Aegean Blue, Obsidian Black, Amethyst Purple and Cardinal Red.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Other instrument launches
Guild Starfire Deluxe
Part of Guild’s Newark St. Collection, the Starfire Deluxe bass is reported to have two Guild BS-1 BiSonic single-coil pickups, individual volume and tone controls, a three-way pickup selector, master volume, Grover Vintage Bass open-gear tuners and an adjustable bridge with rosewood saddles. Guild Product Manager Nick Beach describes the model as a reimagining of the company’s iconic electric instruments that retains a ’60s-era influence while adding contemporary touches.
Cort Retro 304
The Cort Retro 304 is described as a short-scale alder bass with a passive Voiced Tone VTB-TB humbucker. Its listed finishes are Candy Apple Red and Seafoam Green, and its controls are one volume and one tone knob. Cort says the pickup is voiced for a deliberate vintage character and defined attack; that is the maker’s description rather than a measured comparison with other pickups.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
New bass amplification and cabinets
Aguilar DB 700 hybrid bass amp
Guitar World reports that the DB 700 combines two 12AX7 preamp tubes with a front end based on DB 751 architecture. The article lists 700 watts continuous power into a minimum 2.67-ohm load, dual Speakon and dual XLR outputs, an effects loop, auxiliary input, headphone output and USB-C connectivity for loading cabinet impulse responses through Aguilar’s Cabinet Suite. These specifications are reported by the roundup, not independently verified here.
EBS Session 110 combo
The Session 110 is described as a tilt-back, solid-state combo with DSP-based shelving Bass and Treble controls, a variable Mid-frequency control and a Character filter. Guitar World gives the filter’s changes as +6 dB bass, -4.5 dB mids and +4.5 dB treble. Other reported features include Bluetooth audio streaming, headphone output and a balanced XLR line output with ground lift and pre/post-EQ switching. EBS attributes the sound to the interaction of its EQ, speaker, tweeter and back-ported cabinet.
Ampeg Venture VB-212
The Venture VB-212 is reported as a 40-pound, 500-watt RMS 2×12 cabinet, with two custom-voiced 12-inch Lavoce neodymium woofers and a variable high-frequency driver with a three-way attenuator. Guitar World also identifies a separately named VB-212 PF Grille Assembly Accessory that gives the cabinet a Portaflex-style look. Treat these as the roundup’s specifications and accessory description rather than independently checked manufacturer data.
How to compare the gear for your needs
The roundup does not put these products through a common test, and it provides no shared price or availability data. Compare instruments by the details that affect your playing and setup:
- Format and strings: consider whether the compact Cali format, a short-scale instrument, a multi-scale design or another body style fits your use; then match string count to your playing and tuning needs.
- Pickup and electronics: distinguish a single bridge pickup and preamp, dual humbuckers with series/parallel switching, active pickups, or single-coil pickups. Those are different configurations, not evidence that one model sounds better.
- Neck and hardware: check reported neck shape, frets, bridge and string-spacing details against your preferences, and confirm the exact model specification before buying.
- Amplification: match an amp’s output and supported load to the cabinet, and weigh connectivity and EQ against how you play. For a cabinet, consider its configuration and transport weight as well as its power rating.
For any candidate, confirm the exact model, finish, regional specification, price and stock with the manufacturer or seller. The roundup alone cannot establish those purchasing details.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
