Hot on the squeals (see what I did there?) of their passive tone-modeling system for Stratocaster-style guitars, the new Obbligato Turnstyle For Precision Bass brings the versatility and convenience of the Turnstyle system to bass guitar, still without the need for batteries.

The Turnstyle For Precision Bass system is contained within a passive, five-position rotary control. Five "classic" bass tones are "modeled," including:

• Fender '51 Precision Bass
• Fender Jazz Bass
• Piezo-Amplified Acoustic Upright Bass
• Drive Overdriven Bass
• Your Own Bass's Stock Tone!

Granted, there's really only four "modeled" presets; the Turnstyle system works with your bass's existing pickup, and that fifth setting is basically just a bypass setting.

So how does Turnstyle work? It's not exactly clear. . . though to my ear (sound samples are provided on the Obbligato website) it just sounds like a collection of EQ presets, with a basic distortion circuit on the "drive" setting. Some of the tones work better than others: the "stand-up" sounds like it does a good job approximating the woody boom of an upright without getting too muddy, though "Jazz Bass" sounds a bit thin and harsh. Still, no battery power is required, and the Obbligato Turnstyle system is a completely reversible, relatively non-intrusive install. You don't even have to take your strings off, claims Obbligato.