Yamaha Music Japan to Release Kentaro Nakao Signature Bass Preamp “Scrolls Bass Odyssey”

Yamaha Music Japan Co., Ltd. announced that it will release “Scrolls Bass Odyssey,” a new bass guitar preamp and signature model for bassist Kentaro Nakao, on May 16, 2026. The product is from EarthQuaker Devices (EQD), the U.S. effects pedal brand for which Yamaha Music Japan serves as import distributor. EQD is an effects brand for musical instruments founded in 2004 by musician Jamie Stillman. All products are handmade at the company’s own factory in the United States. The brand is supported by many musicians for its wide expressive range, from classic vintage sounds to distinctive, cutting-edge tones. “Scrolls Bass Odyssey” is a signature model that combines Nakao’s extensive performance experience with EQD’s technology. The concept began in 2017, but development did not progress smoothly due to the distance between Japan and the United States and the difficulty of communicating Nakao’s ideal sound in words. In 2024, however, Nakao decided that his years of accumulated experience had reached the point where he could now shape his ideal sound, and development began in earnest. Through repeated discussions, the two parties ultimately responded to Nakao’s wish not to create a multi-effects unit, instead refining two sections, EQ and Overdrive, into a focused model. In terms of specifications, the EQ section features a parametric equalizer that is flat when the knobs are set to the 12 o’clock position and allows detailed adjustment across a 20Hz to 10kHz range. The Overdrive section delivers EQD’s characteristically expressive distortion. In addition, the high-quality DI output provides sound quality ready for both live performance and recording. Simple yet highly flexible, the product can adapt to a wide range of bassists’ playing styles and has the potential to become a new de facto standard for bass preamps. For detailed product specifications, please refer to the product website: https://www.earthquakerdevices.jp/scrolls Kentaro Nakao was born on June 17, 1974, in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. In 1995, he joined the rock band Number Girl, formed in Fukuoka, and made his major-label debut in 1999 with the single “Tomei Shojo.” The band disbanded in 2002. Afterward, he participated in numerous bands and projects including Crypt City, ACO, Kenichi Asai & The Interchange Kills, ART-SCHOOL, and TK from Ling tosite sigure. With solid, robust playing and an effective approach that adds color through effects, he supports the backbone of ensembles. Alongside his band activities, he has also produced MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS and tricot, deeply contributing to ensemble construction and sonic direction. He is active not only as a player but also as a producer who can oversee an entire work. In recent years, he has also been active as a session musician, participating in many projects centered on highly improvisational and thrilling interplay, including “Bossa Kaido,” formed with Tatsuya Nakamura (ex. Blankey Jet City), and sessions with Takashi Kashikura of toe. Through collaborations with diverse musicians, he continues to update his musical expression in real time. Since 2020, he has also performed live using modular synthesizers under the name Kentaro Nakao play via Modular Synth. Since 2016, he has served as an ambassador for the American effects brand EarthQuaker Devices. He has produced a wide range of original content from Japan for global audiences, including seminars demonstrating products and promotional videos. Product names, company names, and other names in the text are trademarks or registered trademarks of Yamaha Music Japan or their respective companies. All listed information is current as of the announcement date and may change after publication.