Bassist Kentaro Nakao's Signature Model, the EarthQuaker Devices 'Scrolls' Bass Odyssey, Makes its Long-Awaited Debut

Yamaha Music Japan Co., Ltd. (hereafter, 'the Company'), as the import distributor, will release the 'Scrolls' Bass Odyssey, a signature model for bassist Kentaro Nakao, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This new bass guitar preamp is from the U.S. effects pedal brand EarthQuaker Devices (EQD), headquartered in Akron, Ohio, USA.

The 'Scrolls' Bass Odyssey

EQD is a musical instrument effects pedal brand founded in 2004 by musician Jamie Stillman. All products are handmade in their own U.S. factory and are supported by many musicians as a brand with a wide range of expressive capabilities, from classic vintage sounds to uniquely cutting-edge tones.

The 'Scrolls' Bass Odyssey, launching now, is a signature model that fuses Kentaro Nakao's extensive performance experience with EQD's technology. The concept for this model began in 2017, but development did not proceed as planned due to the distance between Japan and the U.S. and the difficulty of verbally sharing Mr. Nakao's ideal sound. However, in 2024, development kicked into high gear when Mr. Nakao determined, 'I can now give shape to my ideal,' based on his years of accumulated experience. The two parties engaged in repeated dialogue, and ultimately, accepting Mr. Nakao's desire 'not to make it a multi-effects unit,' the model was realized by sharpening the focus to two sections: EQ and Overdrive.

In terms of specifications, the EQ section features a parametric equalizer with a flat response at the 12 o'clock position, allowing for detailed adjustments in the 20Hz to 10kHz range. The Overdrive section delivers the expressive distortion characteristic of EQD. Furthermore, the high-quality DI out provides a sound quality that is immediately ready for both live and recording sessions.

This product, which is simple yet has a wide range of variability and flexibly responds to the playing styles of all bassists, has the potential to become the new de facto standard for bass preamps.

Kentaro Nakao (right) and EQD CEO Jamie Stillman

Product Specifications

For details on product specifications, please refer to the product website.

https://www.earthquakerdevices.jp/scrolls

Kentaro Nakao Profile

Born June 17, 1974, in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka. In 1995, he became a member of the rock band Number Girl, formed in Fukuoka. They made their major debut in 1999 with the single 'Toumei Shoujo' and disbanded in 2002. After the band's breakup, he has participated in numerous bands and projects, including Crypt City, ACO, Kenichi Asai & The Interchange Kills, ART-SCHOOL, and TK from Ling tosite sigure. He supports the backbone of ensembles with his solid playing and effective approaches that add color.

In parallel with his band activities, he has also produced for MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS and tricot, being deeply involved in ensemble construction and sound direction. He is active not only as a player but also as a producer who oversees the entire work.

In recent years, his activities as a session musician have also been vigorous. He has participated in many projects centered on highly improvisational and thrilling interplay, such as 'Batsu Satsu Kai Dou' 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. Since 2020, he has also been performing live using modular synths under the name Kentaro Nakao play via Modular Synth.

Since 2016, he has been active as an ambassador for the American effects pedal brand EarthQuaker Devices. He has produced a great deal of original content for global transmission from Japan, including seminars for product demonstrations and planning for promotional movies.

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