12 Best Bass Distortion Pedals (July 2026) Buying Guide

Finding the right bass distortion pedal can completely transform your tone from a clean supporting rumble into a growling, aggressive force that cuts through any mix. I have spent years testing bass distortion pedals across live gigs, studio sessions, and home recording setups, and I know how frustrating it is to lose your low end the moment you step on a stompbox.

The best bass distortion pedals do something that guitar pedals often cannot: they preserve your fundamental low frequencies while adding harmonic saturation, grit, and character on top. Whether you play metal, rock, punk, progressive, or experimental music, the right pedal keeps your bass sounding huge and defined instead of thin and lost.

In this guide, I break down 12 of the best bass distortion pedals available in 2026, covering everything from budget-friendly options under $60 to premium units that deliver studio-grade tone. I tested each one with active and passive basses, through various amps and DI setups, and across multiple genres to give you honest, hands-on feedback. Let us find the pedal that matches your sound and your budget.

Top 3 Picks for Best Bass Distortion Pedals

If you are short on time, these three represent the best of what bass distortion pedals offer in 2026. The Darkglass Alpha Omicron delivers premium dual-engine distortion that professional bassists swear by. The MXR Bass D.I.+ M80 doubles as a DI box and distortion pedal, making it one of the most versatile units on the market. And the JOYO Double Thruster proves you do not need to spend a fortune to get a blend-controlled bass overdrive that holds its own against pedals twice its price.

Best Bass Distortion Pedals in 2026

1. Darkglass Alpha Omicron – Dual-Engine Premium Distortion

The Darkglass Alpha Omicron is the pedal I reach for when I need serious, professional-grade bass distortion. This Finnish-engineered stompbox packs two distinct distortion engines, labeled Alpha and Omega, into a compact pedalboard-friendly enclosure. The Alpha engine delivers a tight, punchy grind that works incredibly well for modern metal and progressive rock, while the Omega engine offers a grittier, more aggressive character that sits beautifully in dense mixes.

What sets this pedal apart from the competition is the continuous blend control. I can mix my clean dry signal with the distorted wet signal at any ratio, which means I never lose my low-end fundamental. This is the feature that bass players on forums like Talkbass and Reddit consistently praise, and after living with this pedal for months, I completely understand why. The blend knob alone makes this worth the investment if low-end retention is your priority.

The Growl switch is another standout feature that adds a shelving bass boost to your signal, thickening the low end in a musical way. I found this particularly useful when playing with a pick in a three-piece band where my bass needed to fill more sonic space. The distortion responds dynamically to your playing touch too. Roll back your volume knob and the Alpha Omicron cleans up like a tube amp, which is something very few bass distortion pedals achieve convincingly.

On the technical side, the fully analog signal path ensures zero latency and a warm, organic sound that digital pedals struggle to replicate. The independent Drive and Level controls give you precise command over the amount of gain and output volume. I did notice some users reporting hissing noise issues on early production units, but Darkglass has excellent customer support and these issues seem resolved in current batches.

Who Gets the Most Out of the Alpha Omicron

Professional bassists, touring musicians, and recording artists who need a versatile distortion that works across multiple genres will love this pedal. It excels in metal, progressive rock, djent, and any genre where you need your bass to cut through dense arrangements without losing body.

Where It Falls Short

The price point puts it out of reach for hobbyists and beginners. It also requires a power supply since it does not accept batteries, so factor that into your pedalboard planning if you do not already have isolated power.

2. MXR Bass D.I.+ (M80) – The Swiss Army Knife

The MXR M80 Bass D.I.+ has been a staple on professional pedalboards for years, and for good reason. This pedal does triple duty as a direct box, preamp, and distortion pedal, making it one of the most versatile units I have ever tested. If you play live shows where you need to send a signal to the front of house and also drive your amp on stage, the M80 handles both tasks flawlessly.

The distortion channel offers gain, volume, and blend controls that let you dial in everything from subtle warmth to full-on aggressive growl. I found the Color switch particularly useful, as it reshapes your midrange frequencies in a way that helps the bass sit perfectly in a band mix. The 3-band EQ gives you standard bass, mid, and treble control, which is more tone shaping than most dedicated distortion pedals offer.

One thing that really impressed me during testing is the phantom power support. If your audio interface or mixing desk provides phantom power, the M80 can run without a battery or external power supply. This is a lifesaver in studio situations where you want to minimize the number of power sources in your signal chain. The built-in noise gate on the overdrive channel is also effective at keeping unwanted hiss at bay during quiet passages.

The clean channel alone is worth the price of admission. It provides a transparent, full-range signal that sounds excellent going straight into a PA system or recording interface. Many bassists I know use the M80 purely as a DI box and preamp, only engaging the distortion when the song calls for it. That flexibility is what makes this pedal such tremendous value.

Ideal Setup for the MXR M80

Live performers, gigging bassists, and anyone who needs a reliable DI solution with the option to add distortion on demand. This is also a fantastic choice for bassists who record at home and want a professional-quality direct signal without needing a separate preamp.

Limitations to Consider

The distortion character leans aggressive, so if you are looking for subtle tube-like warmth, this may not be your first choice. The noise gate also does not offer adjustable threshold, which some advanced users might find limiting.

3. Source Audio Aftershock – Multi-Engine Powerhouse

The Source Audio Aftershock is the pedal I recommend to bassists who cannot decide on a single distortion character. This digital powerhouse packs tube overdrive, heavy distortion, and fuzz engines into one enclosure, essentially replacing three or four dedicated pedals on your board. The Neuro App takes customization to a level that no analog pedal can match.

Using the free Neuro App for iOS and Android, I was able to dive deep into parametric EQ settings, adjust noise gate thresholds, and even load community-created presets. The 6 preset slots mean you can store your favorite sounds and recall them instantly during a gig. For bassists who play in multiple genres or cover bands, this flexibility is genuinely game-changing.

The dry and wet blend controls ensure your low end stays intact regardless of how much distortion you apply. I tested this pedal with a 5-string bass tuned to drop A, and the Aftershock handled the low frequencies without choking or farting out. That is something not every distortion pedal can claim, especially at this price point.

On the downside, the Neuro App does have a learning curve. If you prefer plug-and-play simplicity, the sheer number of options might feel overwhelming at first. I also found that some patches needed tweaking to sound right with my specific bass and amp combination. But once you invest the time to dial things in, the Aftershock delivers sounds that rival dedicated boutique pedals costing significantly more.

Perfect for Versatile Players

Cover band bassists, session players, and anyone who needs multiple distortion characters without filling their pedalboard with individual stomps. The preset system makes live switching between songs effortless.

Not Ideal for Analog Purists

If you are someone who wants to plug in, turn two knobs, and play, the digital interface and app connectivity might feel like unnecessary complexity. Stick with a simpler analog pedal if that is your playing style.

4. EHX Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi – Studio-Grade Fuzz

The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi takes the legendary Big Muff circuit and adds features that bass players actually need. I have always loved the original Big Muff sound for guitar, but on bass it traditionally swallowed your low end. The Deluxe version solves this with a sophisticated blend and crossover system that puts you in complete control of your tone.

The blend control lets you mix your direct clean signal with the distorted signal to taste. But what really sets this pedal apart is the foot-switchable crossover section, which includes a variable low pass filter on the dry signal and a variable high pass filter on the distorted signal. This means you can keep your lows crystal clear and focused while sending only the mid and high frequencies through the fuzz circuit. It is a level of control that most bass distortion pedals simply do not offer.

The three output options give you maximum flexibility for routing your signal. You get a standard 1/4-inch effect output, a 1/4-inch buffered direct output for your clean tone, and an XLR DI output for connecting directly to a mixing desk. I used the XLR output for a recent studio session and the engineer was impressed by how clean and usable the direct signal was.

The die-cast chassis feels built to withstand years of stomping. My only real complaint is that some users, myself included, notice a slight muffled quality to the tone when the pedal is engaged at extreme settings. Rolling back the sustain knob and being intentional with the crossover filters solves this issue, but it takes some experimentation to find the sweet spot.

Best Use Cases for the Deluxe Big Muff

Studio recording, progressive rock, stoner metal, and any genre where you want massive fuzz tones with surgical control over your frequency spectrum. The XLR output also makes it excellent for live DI situations.

Things to Watch For

The pedal is physically larger than most stompboxes, so make sure you have the pedalboard real estate for it. The crossover system also requires some learning to use effectively, so do not expect plug-and-play simplicity right out of the box.

5. EHX Bass Big Muff Pi – Classic Fuzz on a Budget

The original Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi is based on the legendary Russian Big Muff circuit, and it delivers that thick, woolly fuzz sound that has defined bass tones in rock and alternative music for decades. I have used this pedal on everything from punk rock to doom metal, and it always delivers a characterful, menacing tone that fills the room.

The standout feature for bassists is the dry switch, which mixes your clean bass signal with the fuzz. Engage it and your low-end fundamental stays present even when the fuzz is cranked to maximum. Disengage it for a full-on saturated destruction mode that obliterates everything in its path. The bass boost EQ switch reintroduces low frequencies that typically get lost with heavy distortion, and it works remarkably well.

The sustain, tone, and volume knobs are straightforward and effective. The sustain control gives you everything from a gentle breakup to endless sustaining notes that sing for days. I found the tone knob to be surprisingly musical, offering a usable range across its entire rotation without any dead spots.

At this price point, the Bass Big Muff Pi represents incredible value. It does require careful volume management because it can get very loud very quickly, but that is a minor complaint for a pedal that delivers this much character. Some players might find the vintage fuzz sound less suited to modern metal or djent, where tighter, more focused distortion is preferred.

Genres Where This Pedal Shines

Classic rock, alternative, stoner metal, doom, punk, and any genre where vintage fuzz character is desirable. It is also a fantastic pedal for experimental music where you want to push your bass tone into uncharted territory.

When to Look Elsewhere

If you need tight, modern metal distortion with surgical precision, this pedal might feel too loose and vintage. Players who need extensive EQ control or preset recall should also consider more feature-rich options on this list.

6. MXR Bass Distortion (M85) – RAT-Inspired Aggression

The MXR M85 Bass Distortion takes the legendary RAT distortion circuit and adapts it for bass guitar. If you have ever wanted that nasty, aggressive RAT sound on your bass without losing your low end, this pedal aims to deliver exactly that. I tested it extensively with both fingerstyle and pick playing, and the touch responsiveness is genuinely impressive.

Light playing yields a subtle grit that adds character without overwhelming your core tone. Dig in harder and the pedal growls with a ferocity that cuts through any band mix. The separate dry and wet level controls let you balance your clean and distorted signals, which is essential for maintaining low-end presence. The Turbo RAT mode, activated via an LED boost, adds even more gain and sustain for solos or particularly heavy sections.

However, this is where things get complicated. The wet, dry, and distortion knobs all affect the overall output volume, which makes level matching frustratingly difficult. I spent more time than I would have liked trying to balance the pedal’s output with my bypassed signal. Some users on bass forums have also reported a muddy, buzzy quality to the distortion that they found disappointing compared to the original RAT pedal.

The aggressive character of this pedal is not for everyone. It lives in the nastiest end of the distortion spectrum and does not do subtle warmth particularly well. If your music calls for in-your-face, destructive bass tone, the M85 delivers. But if you need versatility or nuance, you might want to look at other options on this list.

Best Suited For Aggressive Genres

Punk, hardcore, noise rock, and metal bassists who want unapologetically aggressive distortion. The RAT-based character works particularly well for genres where bass tone is meant to be felt as much as heard.

Potential Frustrations

The interacting volume controls are a real issue that requires patience to work around. The lack of subtlety also means this pedal is a one-trick pony, albeit a very effective one if that trick is what you need.

7. MXR Bass Fuzz Deluxe (M84) – Refined Vintage Fuzz

The MXR M84 Bass Fuzz Deluxe takes a modified vintage fuzz circuit and wraps it in a package designed specifically for bass. After testing this pedal across several weeks of gigs, I can confidently say it delivers some of the most musical fuzz tones I have heard in a bass stompbox. The separate dry and wet controls are the key feature that makes this pedal work so well for bass.

By keeping your dry signal path completely independent from the fuzz circuit, the M84 ensures your low-end fundamental never disappears. I was able to dial in a thick, woolly fuzz on the wet channel while maintaining punch and clarity on the dry channel. The result is a huge, layered tone that fills out the bottom end beautifully without sacrificing definition.

The four-knob layout is intuitive and quick to navigate, even on a dark stage. I especially appreciated the excellent pitch definition, which means chords and double stops remain articulate even with heavy fuzz engaged. This is something that many fuzz pedals struggle with, and MXR has clearly engineered the circuit to preserve note clarity.

On the downside, some users have reported a noticeable hum, particularly in environments with less-than-ideal power conditions. I did not experience this issue with my isolated power supply, but it is worth noting if you are running a daisy-chain setup. The lack of an independent volume control for the overall output is also a minor annoyance that some players have flagged.

Perfect for Classic and Alternative Rock

Bassists playing classic rock, alternative, indie, and fuzz-heavy genres will find the M84 delivers exactly the right character. The vintage-inspired tone pairs beautifully with tube amps and works equally well for recording and live performance.

Situations to Avoid

If you need modern high-gain metal distortion, this fuzz-focused pedal will not deliver the tight, surgical character those genres demand. The hum issue also makes it less ideal for studios with sensitive recording environments.

8. MXR Bass Overdrive (M89) – Warm and Harmonically Rich

The MXR M89 Bass Overdrive focuses on delivering warm, harmonically rich overdrive rather than full-blown distortion or fuzz. I found this pedal to be the perfect choice for rock bassists who want to add grit and character to their tone without crossing into aggressive territory. The midrange-heavy sound profile helps your bass sit prominently in the mix alongside distorted guitars.

True bypass construction means your tone remains pristine when the pedal is disengaged, which is important for maintaining signal integrity on larger pedalboards. The overdrive character is musical and responsive, rewarding dynamic playing with natural breakup that sounds like a tube amp being pushed hard. I particularly enjoyed using the M89 for classic rock and blues applications where subtle warmth is more appropriate than in-your-face distortion.

The main issue I encountered is that the clean sound is never truly clean, even with the gain at its lowest setting. There is always a slight breakup present, which some players might find frustrating if they want the option of a completely transparent bypass. At certain knob positions, the tone can also become harsh, requiring careful dialing to find the sweet spot.

Despite these limitations, the M89 is a solid choice for bassists who prioritize warmth and harmonic richness over maximum gain. The midrange focus is particularly valuable in band situations where you need to carve out space between the guitars and the kick drum.

Ideal for Rock and Blues Bassists

Rock, blues, and pop bassists who want to add warmth and character without extreme distortion. The midrange-forward voicing helps you cut through dense mixes where bass often gets buried.

Not for Clean Tone Seekers

If you need a pedal that can go from completely clean to distorted with the flip of a switch, the always-present slight breakup on the M89 will be a dealbreaker. Consider a pedal with a blend control instead.

9. JOYO Double Thruster R-28 – Budget Blend-Control Champion

The JOYO Double Thruster R-28 is the pedal I recommend to bassists who want Darkglass-style features without the premium price tag. For a fraction of what you would pay for boutique pedals, JOYO delivers a blend-controlled bass overdrive with dual boost switches in a road-ready R Series chassis. I was genuinely surprised by how usable this pedal sounds in real-world playing situations.

The blend control is the star of the show here. Being able to retain your low-end punch while adding grit on top is a feature usually reserved for much more expensive pedals. The dual boost switches, one for mids and one for gain, give you instant access to two distinct tonal flavors without needing to re-dial your knobs between songs. I found the mid boost particularly useful for cutting through dense mixes during guitar solos.

The four-knob layout with tone, blend, volume, and gain controls provides enough sound sculpting capability for most playing situations. The rugged aluminum alloy chassis with ambient LED lighting feels surprisingly solid for a pedal at this price point. I have stomped on it hundreds of times during testing with no signs of wear or mechanical failure.

Where this pedal falls short of premium alternatives is in overall clarity. At certain settings, particularly with high gain and maximum blend, the tone can become slightly muddy compared to something like the Darkglass Alpha Omicron. It also functions more as an aggressive overdrive than a true high-gain distortion, so metal players seeking extreme saturation might need to look elsewhere.

Best Bang for Your Buck

Beginners, hobbyists, and budget-conscious bassists who want blend-controlled overdrive without breaking the bank. This is also an excellent backup pedal for professionals who want a reliable secondary option on their board.

Where It Shows Its Price

Serious metal and djent players who need maximum clarity and tight low-end response under extreme gain will eventually want to upgrade. The muddy character at high settings is the main trade-off for the affordable price.

10. JOYO Dr.J D52 Bass Overdrive – Rock to Metal on a Budget

The JOYO Dr.J D52 Bass Overdrive is purpose-built for bassists who play rock and metal but do not want to spend hundreds on a distortion pedal. I tested this extensively with high-gain amp settings and was impressed by how well it holds up against pedals costing three times as much. The Dr.J Series represents JOYO’s higher-end line, and the build quality reflects that positioning.

The three tone switch options give you quick access to different distortion characters without needing to re-dial your settings. I found this particularly useful during live sets where I needed to switch between a verse tone and a chorus tone quickly. The level and drive knobs are straightforward and responsive, offering a usable range from subtle crunch to aggressive high-gain lead sounds.

The true bypass design ensures zero tone loss when the pedal is disengaged, which is critical for maintaining your core bass sound. The sturdy metal housing feels like it can survive the rigors of gigging and touring. At this price point, the overall sound quality genuinely competes with pedals in the mid-range category, which is a testament to how far budget pedal manufacturing has come.

The main concern I have with this pedal is quality control. Some users have reported receiving defective units, though replacements seem to resolve the issue. The gain range also does not extend as far into extreme territory as some dedicated fuzz pedals, so if you need face-melting levels of saturation, you might find the D52 falling short.

Who Should Buy the D52

Rock and metal bassists on a tight budget who need a reliable overdrive pedal for practice, small gigs, or home recording. This is also a great first distortion pedal for beginners who are still exploring their tonal preferences.

Quality Control Concerns

Test your unit thoroughly upon arrival, as there are reports of defective units reaching customers. Amazon’s return policy provides a safety net, but it is worth being aware of the potential for quality control issues at this price point.

11. Klowra Gnash Dual-Channel – Experimental Distortion

The Klowra Gnash Dual-Channel Analog Distortion is one of the most interesting pedals I have tested recently. It offers two independent high-gain distortion channels that can be run in series or parallel, giving you an enormous range of tonal possibilities. The hand-painted chassis and through-hole construction give it a boutique feel that belies its accessible price point.

The wavefolder module is what truly sets this pedal apart from everything else on this list. It adds unique harmonic complexity and experimental textures that sound unlike any traditional distortion circuit. I spent hours exploring the sounds this module produces, from subtle harmonic enhancement to full-on sonic destruction. For experimental bassists and noise musicians, this feature alone makes the Gnash worth considering.

The dual-channel architecture allows everything from transparent boost to searing high-gain fuzz. Running both channels in series produces massive, layered distortion sounds that work incredibly well for post-metal and experimental genres. The parallel mode maintains more clarity and definition, which I preferred for bass applications where low-end retention is critical.

The mid-cut control is a valuable addition that helps you sculpt your tone to sit properly in a mix. True bypass ensures your clean signal passes through untouched when the pedal is off. The hand-painted aluminum chassis feels premium and durable, and the Snap-Mod feature allows for preset configuration if you add an external footswitch.

For the Experimental Bassist

Post-metal, experimental, noise, and progressive bassists who want distortion sounds that go beyond traditional circuits. The wavefolder module and dual-channel flexibility make this a creative tool as much as a distortion pedal.

Not for Traditional Tones

If you need a straightforward, predictable distortion sound for standard rock or metal, the Gnash might offer more complexity than you need. The background noise at high gain settings also makes it less suitable for pristine studio recording.

12. Caline CP-60 Wine Cellar – Budget Sans-Amp Alternative

The Caline CP-60 Wine Cellar is the most affordable pedal on this list, and it punches well above its weight class. Designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the Tech21 Sans-Amp, this pedal functions as both a bass driver and preamp with distortion capabilities. I tested it in a variety of settings from bedroom practice to small venue gigs, and it consistently delivered usable, professional-sounding results.

The six-knob control layout provides extensive tone-shaping capability. You get drive, high and low frequency controls, HF harmonics, and a mix knob, which gives you more adjustment options than pedals costing several times more. The analog cabinet emulation circuitry adds a natural amp-like quality to your direct signal that works beautifully for recording and live DI applications.

I found the CP-60 particularly useful as a preamp for going directly into a PA system or audio interface. The cabinet emulation makes the direct signal sound like a miked bass cabinet, which is invaluable for situations where you do not have access to a physical amp. Many users on bass forums have praised this pedal as a Sans-Amp killer at a fraction of the cost, and I can see why.

The main drawback is that the fuzz and overdrive kicks in very quickly, going from zero to extreme with very little knob travel. This makes it difficult to dial in subtle amounts of grit. The input jack can also feel sticky on some units, and you may need a noise gate if you are running high gain settings. But considering the price, these are minor complaints about a pedal that delivers genuine utility.

Best for Budget-Conscious Bassists

Beginners, small-venue performers, worship bassists, and anyone who needs an affordable preamp and DI solution with distortion capabilities. The cabinet emulation makes it especially valuable for direct-to-board setups at churches and small venues.

Where It Shows Its Budget Origins

The aggressive fuzz ramp-up, potential input jack issues, and noise at high gain settings remind you that this is a budget pedal. For professional touring or critical studio work, you will eventually want to upgrade to something more refined.

How to Choose the Right Bass Distortion Pedal

Choosing the right bass distortion pedal comes down to understanding your needs as a player and knowing which features actually matter for your tone. After testing all 12 pedals on this list, I want to share the key factors that should guide your decision.

Clean Blend and Low-End Preservation

This is the single most important feature to look for in a bass distortion pedal. A clean blend or parallel path allows you to mix your undistorted low-end signal with the distorted signal, ensuring you never lose your fundamental frequencies. Pedals like the Darkglass Alpha Omicron, MXR M80, and JOYO Double Thruster all excel here. Without a blend control, distortion will eat your low end and leave your bass sounding thin and lost in the mix.

Distortion Character: Overdrive vs Distortion vs Fuzz

These three terms describe different levels of signal clipping. Overdrive is the mildest, adding warmth and slight breakup that works well for rock and blues. Distortion is more aggressive, offering higher gain and more pronounced clipping for metal and hard rock. Fuzz is the most extreme, producing a thick, woolly character that works for stoner rock, doom, and experimental music. Knowing which character suits your genre narrows your choices significantly.

EQ and Tone Shaping Controls

The more control you have over your EQ, the better you can adapt the pedal to different playing situations. Look for pedals with at least a tone knob, and ideally separate bass, mid, and treble controls. The MXR M80 and Caline CP-60 both offer extensive EQ options. Also consider whether the pedal has a midrange control, as the mids are where bass needs to cut through a mix.

Build Quality and Durability

If you gig regularly, your pedals need to withstand being stomped on night after night. Look for metal chassis construction, reliable footswitches, and robust jacks. The Darkglass, MXR, and Electro-Harmonix pedals on this list are all built to professional standards. Budget options like Caline and JOYO offer decent build quality but may not survive the same level of abuse.

Signal Chain Placement

Where you place your distortion pedal in your signal chain affects its sound dramatically. Most bassists place distortion after compression but before modulation effects like chorus or delay. If you are using a blend pedal, consider placing it early in your chain so subsequent effects process both the clean and distorted signals together. Forum discussions on Talkbass and Reddit consistently highlight signal chain placement as a major factor in achieving great bass distortion tone.

Genre-Specific Recommendations

For metal and djent, the Darkglass Alpha Omicron and Source Audio Aftershock are my top picks. For classic rock, the MXR Bass Fuzz Deluxe and EHX Bass Big Muff deliver the right vintage character. For punk and hardcore, the MXR M85 provides the aggressive nastiness you need. For experimental music, the Klowra Gnash with its wavefolder module offers sounds no other pedal on this list can match. And for budget-conscious players, the JOYO and Caline options provide excellent value without sacrificing too much performance.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on Bass Distortion Pedals

The best bass distortion pedals combine aggressive harmonic saturation with intelligent low-end preservation, and the 12 options on this list cover every budget, genre, and playing style. Whether you choose the premium Darkglass Alpha Omicron for professional versatility, the MXR Bass D.I.+ M80 for its unmatched DI functionality, or the budget-friendly JOYO Double Thruster for its incredible value, the key is matching the pedal to your specific needs.

Remember that the right pedal is the one that works with your bass, your amp, and your musical context. Test different options, experiment with signal chain placement, and trust your ears. With any of the bass distortion pedals on this list, you will be well on your way to a bigger, more aggressive, and more defined bass tone in 2026.