We’re Guitar Center customers, too. We get why you’re here—from being inspired by your musical heroes to the electrifying pursuit of the sound and vibe you’re after.
So, it should come as no surprise that when we were presented with this “best of 2025” staff picks article, we clamored for who got to write about what. In this article, you’ll get to hear from industry veterans working various roles within Guitar Center’s Marketing department, from marketing analysts to content producers to some familiar voices on the writing team.
Without getting too sentimental about 2025, let’s rip right into our top bass gear picks of the year.
Darkglass Anagram
Danny Schnair, Sr. Marketing Analyst:
I'll admit it. I’m not a "real" bass player. But being part of our product launch team means I get a front-row seat to the gear that truly moves musicians forward. And the Darkglass Anagram is one of those rare releases built explicitly for bassists. This multi-effects powerhouse combines Darkglass’s signature drive with a deep library of modulation, compression and ambient textures, all wrapped in an intuitive, performance-ready interface.
Shop Now: Darkglass Anagram Bass Multi-Effects Pedal
A friend of mine was looking for a reliable multi-effects solution before heading out on a major stadium tour, and I pointed him straight to the Anagram. Weeks later, he was sending me glowing updates from Europe and Latin America. For him, it was a literal silver bullet.
He loved walking on stage with no amp—just this compact rig—and his musical director couldn’t have been happier about how easily they could dial in and trigger sounds via MIDI, updates via USB-C or quick tweaks with the easy-to-use GUI.
That’s what makes the Anagram special: It’s flexible, musical and powerful enough for world-class stages, yet streamlined enough for any bassist who wants inspiring tone at their feet.
Epiphone Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3
Ben Math, Content Coordinator:
I grew up a Green Day fan, so getting to see them at SoFi Stadium in 2024 on The Saviors Tour felt like a full-circle moment. The band tore through Dookie front to back and then jumped straight into American Idiot, also played cover to cover. Somewhere along the way, my jaw probably hit the floor and never quite made it back—though that’s not really the point.
During the Dookie set, Mike Dirnt bounced between two basses: the original Gibson Grabber G-3 he used on the album and, at the time, an unannounced prototype of what would become the Epiphone Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3. What really stuck with me was just how close the two sounded. The switches were quick, back to back, and if I’d had my eyes closed, I honestly don’t think I could’ve told when he moved from the vintage Gibson to the newer Epiphone. Being the gear nerd I am, I leaned over and pointed it out to my sister. She couldn’t have cared less—but in a stadium that big, with that much going on, it still stopped me in my tracks.
Shop Now: Epiphone Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3 Electric Bass Guitar in Silverburst
The Epiphone Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3 is loaded with three Gibson G-3 single-coil pickups, handwound at Gibson’s Nashville Pickup Shop, which is a nice detail. The 3-way toggle gives you three distinct pickup configurations and, right out of the gate, it delivers that familiar punchy, snarling growl that’s been part of Dirnt’s sound from the very beginning.
Jackson X Series RR-B IV
Danny Schnair:
Every once in a while, a bass comes through our launch cycle that makes me think, “They really didn’t have to go this hard, especially at this price.”
The Jackson X Series RR-B IV Limited Edition, a Guitar Center exclusive, is absolutely one of those instruments. Even if you’re not a metal fan, it’s impossible not to appreciate how impressively overbuilt this thing is.
For a sub-$1k bass, the RR-B IV packs in a feature set that feels almost unfair. The active EMG 35DC pickup gives it the kind of tight, articulate punch you’d expect on a premium model, while the fast neck-through construction and rock-solid hardware make it feel stage-ready right out of the box. It’s aggressive in style, sure, but surprisingly versatile in tone.
Shop Now: ackson X Series RR-B IV Limited-Edition Electric Bass Guitar in Black
What I love most is how confidently it plays. There’s a sense that Jackson put genuine care into making something bold, reliable and accessible to players who want high-end feel without the high-end price tag. It’s a bass that invites you to dig in, push a little harder and have a lot of fun doing it.
Laney Digbeth DB-EAST Bass Amp
John Fee, Content Video Producer:
I first became aware of Nathan East in 1997. I was an aspiring jazz bass player in high school and had a subscription to Bass Player magazine. On the cover of the May issue, Nathan was casually lying on his bass, flying through the clouds, with the caption “Studio Superman” beneath him.
Reading that issue was inspiring—it offered an in-depth look at what it takes to be a top studio bass player. Plus, I could finally put a name and face to some of my favorite basslines. Just to name a few, Nathan has recorded with Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder.
Nearly 30 years later, that feeling of inspiration came full circle when I had the privilege of producing a video featuring the Laney DB-EAST signature amp with Nathan himself. During a few days off from his tour with Clapton, Nathan showed off the warm yet punchy tone of the DB-EAST’s dual inputs using his electric upright and his classic white Yamaha five-string electric bass. Meeting and working with Nathan was everything I hoped for. He was as warm, friendly and genuinely uplifting as the tone coming through the cab of the DB-EAST.
Shop Now: Laney Digbeth DB-EAST Bass Amp
Schecter SC-6
Ben Math:
I’m not really a six-string bass player myself, but I’ve always been drawn to the players who are. One of my modern bass heroes is Oteil Burbridge, who’s held down the low end for the Allman Brothers and Dead & Company for years. More often than not, he’s playing a six-string and, listening to him, it’s hard to imagine any sonic territory being off limits.
Every so often I’ll be scrolling through tabs that call for a six-string bass, and I always have the same thought: Maybe this is finally the time.
And recently, I came across one that actually checks a lot of boxes for me. The Schecter SC-6 has a clean, natural satin look that really works for my taste, and it offers a lot without drifting into “luxury price” territory. A 3-band EQ, rosewood fingerboard, flamed maple top and a heel carve that feels genuinely comfortable in my hands—it’s a solid lineup of features, no hype required.
Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research SC-6 6-String Bass Guitar Natural Satin
A six-string bass still isn’t at the very top of my list, but it’s definitely on it. Finding the SC-6 has made that decision a little harder to ignore. Let’s just say it’s officially on the wish list.
That’s a Wrap for 2025
Cue the ball drop festivities—2026 is upon us, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. In the meantime, head into your nearest Guitar Center store and see if you’ll come out with a new favorite toy of your own. And if you’re feeling extra determined to ring in the new year with a bass rig resolution, our expert Gear Advisers are at the ready to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.