EarthQuaker Devices Launches Scrolls Bass Odyssey Bass Pedal

EarthQuaker Devices has announced the Scrolls Bass Odyssey, a new all-analog bass preamp and tone-shaping pedal designed to cover a wide range of electric bass sounds, from vintage Motown-style warmth to modern metal tones.

Released on May 14, 2026, the new pedal was developed in collaboration with Japanese bassist Kentaro Nakao, best known for his work with the ’90s rock band Number Girl. The Scrolls Bass Odyssey is available now through EarthQuaker Devices dealers, with a USA MAP price of $349.

A Portable Bass Rig Designed With Kentaro Nakao

The Scrolls Bass Odyssey was created after Nakao challenged EarthQuaker Devices to build a compact tool capable of capturing the broad history of bass tones in one portable format. His goal was to have a reliable bass rig that could travel easily and deliver consistent sound across different venues and gear setups.

“I am constantly playing shows in every type of venue you can imagine, so having my sound in a portable rig is a must-that’s why I’ve been a big believer in preamps for a long time,” Nakao said. “I’ve realized that what’s most important to me is a wide range of EQ control and the ability to shape overdriven tones.”

Drive Channel With Blend and Bandwidth Controls

The pedal’s Drive channel delivers a tube amp-like distortion inspired by a rare pedal from Nakao’s personal collection. EarthQuaker Devices designed the section to give bassists access to driven tones while preserving the instrument’s low-end response.

Two key controls, Blend and Bandwidth, allow players to shape the character of the drive and retain the body of the bass signal. This makes the Scrolls Bass Odyssey suitable for players who need anything from subtle harmonic grit to more aggressive distorted bass sounds.

Active EQ With Wide Frequency Control

The EQ channel features active, audiophile-quality controls and a Variable Frequency control that allows users to cut or boost frequencies from around 20 Hz to 10 kHz. This gives bassists detailed control over low-end clarity, midrange focus and high-end articulation.

“When we were working on Scrolls, I wanted the EQ channel to be totally transparent when the knobs are set at 12 o’clock, so the output sounds exactly like the clean signal coming in,” Nakao said. “This keeps my bass sounding like my bass, while giving me the ability to enhance its natural tonal qualities and make adjustments across a full frequency spectrum.”

Three One-Click Tone-Shaping Buttons

The Scrolls Bass Odyssey also includes three push-button tone-shaping options for fast adjustments during live performance or studio use.

• Deep: Adds an 80 Hz boost for a bigger but clear low end.
• Process: Scoops the mids for a modern, punchy and defined bass tone.
• Bright: Adds a 5 kHz boost for more attack and articulation.

Multiple Outputs for Stage and Studio Use

EarthQuaker Devices has equipped the Scrolls Bass Odyssey with three outputs that operate simultaneously. A buffered parallel output can send a clean signal to an amp, tuner, DI or additional effects. A balanced XLR output allows the pedal to run directly to front of house or into a recording interface. A standard 1/4-inch output is included for connection to a bass amplifier.

The XLR output includes discrete analog filtering designed to add amp-like character, similar in concept to the speaker cab simulations used in EarthQuaker Devices’ Easy Listening and ZEQD-Pre pedals. The company notes that this is achieved without digital modeling or menu-based controls.

“Most XLR outs tend to have a harsh top end that sounds nothing like what is coming out of the amp, especially when dirt is involved,” said EarthQuaker Devices Founder and President Jamie Stillman. “I thought it would be useful to add a bit of natural filtering so what is sent to the front of house is much closer to what is coming out of the amp.”

Effects Loop Between Drive and EQ

The Scrolls Bass Odyssey includes an effects loop positioned between the Drive and EQ channels. This allows players to place modulation, delay, reverb or additional drive pedals after the onboard distortion stage while still using the EQ section at the end of the signal chain.

“The effects loop is really designed so that Scrolls can function as the brains of your pedalboard,” Stillman said. “Bassists can place modulation, time-based, or any other effects that they’d normally place after their dirt pedals, including more dirt pedals, after the Drive channel, while still retaining all the tone-shaping benefits the EQ channel offers.”

EarthQuaker Devices Scrolls Bass Odyssey Features

• Active EQ channel
• Drive channel
• Effects loop
• Balanced XLR direct output with ground lift and analog speaker cab simulation
• True bypass switching
• Lifetime warranty
• All-analog circuit design
• Built in Akron, Ohio

Technical Specifications

• Drive input impedance: 500 kΩ
• Drive output impedance: 100 Ω
• EQ input impedance: 10 MΩ
• EQ output impedance: <1 kΩ
• Parallel input impedance: 10 MΩ
• Parallel output impedance: 100 Ω
• Direct out impedance: 100 Ω
• Current draw: 70 mA
• USA MAP price: $349

Availability

The EarthQuaker Devices Scrolls Bass Odyssey is available now wherever EarthQuaker Devices pedals are sold. The pedal is positioned as a compact bass rig solution for live players, session bassists and recording setups that require flexible drive, EQ and direct-output options in one unit.