DataBass
Categories: Hardware Prototypes/Non-Commercial products
Submitted By: Scott Mulvahill
Elevator Pitch
DataBass
Product Description
DataBass
DataBass is a groundbreaking MIDI-equipped upright bass that incorporates custom sample pads and LED lights. It integrates with DAWs like Ableton to create a human-triggering musical instrument for acoustic, electronic, and visual performance.
How It’s Innovative
Artist Innovation:
DataBass reimagines the upright bass by fusing its classic acoustic foundation with modern electronic capabilities. Equipped with 12 LED-lit trigger pads that send MIDI to external devices, players can launch loops, trigger samples, and control synths or effects in real time, turning the bass into a full production and performance tool. Musicians remain rooted in traditional upright bass technique while unlocking new creative dimensions, bridging instrumental mastery with digital expression. With both acoustic and MIDI outputs, DataBass enables rich, layered performances that merge warmth and innovation. Whether performing solo or with a group, artists can build songs live, shift between sonic textures, and create immersive audiovisual experiences. DataBass invites bassists to become multi-instrumentalists, producers, and performers simultaneously, expanding the instrument’s role far beyond its traditional place in the ensemble. It’s not just a new kind of upright bass; it’s a new era for what the upright bass can be.
Technical Innovation:
At the heart of DataBass is a custom-programmed Arduino that makes it possible to integrate the DataBass MIDI pads directly into the body of an upright bass. This design places MIDI triggers in natural reach of the player, enabling seamless control over loops, effects, and virtual instruments, all without interrupting the acoustic performance. Each trigger is equipped with RGB LED lights that respond in real time, creating a visually synchronized experience that enhances both expression and audience engagement.
The MIDI system interfaces effortlessly with any DAW, allowing playback and manipulation of drums, synths, vocals, ambient textures, and more. Players can launch loops, toggle effects, and even adjust LED dynamics directly from the instrument itself, transforming the upright bass into a hybrid performance hub for both analog and digital creativity.
Inventor Scott Mulvahill has already showcased the potential of DataBass to millions across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. With future iterations planned, he aims to enhance its MIDI capabilities, refine MIDI controls and deepen LED integration into DataBass, bringing the instrument closer to commercial readiness and empowering a new generation of bassist-producers.
See MIDI Innovation In Action
Most Inspiring Use Cases
DataBass is poised to inspire the next generation of musicians and bassists by making the long perceived traditional upright bass more versatile, accessible, and exciting to play. By integrating MIDI into an instrument that has remained largely unchanged since the 1600s, DataBass expands the possibilities of what the upright bass can do. It opens the door to new genres, invites more players to engage with the instrument, and introduces a fresh approach to music production, broadening its appeal far beyond traditional jazz and classical settings.
DataBass also empowers solo performers and content creators to do more with less, transforming the upright bass into a self-contained creative platform where one musician can compose, perform, and produce entire arrangements live. This fusion of traditional musicianship and modern technology aligns perfectly with how the next generation is learning, creating, and sharing music today: doing more with less.
Expansion Plans
Expansion Plan:
Following the initial success of the first production run and achievement of the first 500 units of DataBass manufactured and sold, the long-term vision for DataBass involves strategic product expansion and market segmentation. This next phase will focus on scaling production, growing brand visibility, and developing tailored product lines for different user bases.
To meet the needs of a broader audience past it’s initial 500 units purchased, two distinct versions of DataBass would be positioned:
DataBass PRO: Designed for professional musicians and touring artists, this flagship model will feature premium materials, extended MIDI functionality, customizable LED lighting, and advanced integration with DAWs and performance setups. This version will cater to performers pushing the boundaries of live instrumentation and stage production.
DataBass DIY: For existing upright bass owners or builders, a modular kit version of the DataBass system will be introduced. This kit will allow musicians, luthiers, and tinkerers to retrofit their own instruments with MIDI control, LED triggers, and DAW integration. It will include detailed installation instructions and customer support.
As part of this expansion, ongoing discussions with the same potential partners mentioned (e.g. Qualcomm or Ampeg) could evolve into co-branded collaborations or licensing agreements. Beyond direct-to-consumer sales, DataBass aims to enter select music retailers, educational distributors, and e-commerce platforms specializing in music technology. Institutional sales efforts will continue to expand, targeting universities and music tech programs across North America and Europe. As the user base grows, an online platform will be developed to support learning, collaboration, and troubleshooting. This will include tutorials, artist showcases, music touring partnerships, patch sharing, software updates, and a user forum, reinforcing a thriving, innovative community around DataBass.
Through these targeted expansions, DataBass will evolve from a singular product into a flexible ecosystem, supporting a wide range of musicians, educators, and innovators in a variety of different markets, countries, and genres of music.
Additional Notes:
DataBass recently received the Jazz Road Tours Creative Residency Grant from South Arts, totaling $40,000, to support Scott Mulvahill in developing DataBass, refining the instrument and pushing forward its physical build and sonic capabilities. With this grant Scott will build a new, fully integrated DataBass, with the electronics seamlessly inlayed into the top of the instrument, adding features and functionality to the current prototype. This grant will also support the creation of the first-ever DataBass album. This 8-track collaborative project will feature contributions from artists, songwriters, and producers across the country, including producers John Fields and Bad Snacks, artists Emi Grace and Sam Greenfield, and writers Phoebe Katis and Katie Lynne Sharbaugh, among others.
The goal of working with such a diverse creative team is to explore the full range of artistic possibilities that the DataBass unlocks, bringing together unique voices and styles into one cohesive project, with the DataBass at its core. DataBass is a tool designed to empower creative expression, and this album will be a bold demonstration of that mission.
Web & Video Links:
DataBass TED Talk (TEDx Nashville): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01VXk36XiMU
DataBass – Song Peformance – “Human Kindness”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3wP0hSdQ9Q
DataBass Performance at NAMM – Martin & Co. with Cory Wong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l1_n2Ca0Xk
Scott Mulvahill (Inventor) – Social Media Links: https://beacons.ai/scottmulvahill
Commercialization
Commercialization Plan:
With a prototype already generating viral moments across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, inventor Scott Mulvahill has proven the demand and excitement surrounding bringing DataBass to a larger market. Having played the DataBass at venues across the country and showcased its innovation at NAMM 2025, our hope now, through proper development and research, is to bring DataBass to the consumer-facing music market as a purchasable musical instrument. The name, image, and likeness of DataBass are actively being trademarked and DataBass as a design is on track to be ready for application of a design patent upon reaching a final prototype.
The next phase in bringing DataBass to market is to refine a prototype design that directly integrates the technical components, including the MIDI pads and LED lights, into the physical body of an acoustic upright bass. One tested concept would have the LEDs and MIDI pads embedded behind the face of the upright, allowing light to bleed through the body. When unplayed, DataBass would appear indistinguishable from a traditional upright bass; when played, it would immerse audiences in a surprising musical light show. Scott is actively working with bass-making luthiers and soldering technicians to prepare DataBass for this enhancement, with the goal of reaching one of two options: 1) Secure a commercial partnership with one/several leading gear brands and makers, or 2) Crowdfund the initial manufacturing fulfillment and rollout of DataBass.
Once DataBass reaches a finalized prototype, commercial partnership pitches will begin to identify partners who can help bring an initial manufacturing run of 500 units to life. Franchising the creation of the commercial DataBass product in this way will help maintain quality, scale production, and refine the instrument, laying the foundation for a promising debut to the highly anticipated early-adopter market. Pitch meetings are expected to include conversations with partners such as Qualcomm, Ampeg, Roland, and Yamaha, each offering unique expertise, guidance, and potential to help bring DataBass to market.
To place DataBass in the hands of early adopters, a crowdfunding campaign is also being explored as an alternative to the franchise model. This approach would not only help fund final development and production but also foster a passionate community around such a unique and innovative instrument, staying independent since day one. Supporters would have the opportunity to be among the first to own DataBass, contribute feedback, and help shape its future features and refinements ahead of the final assembly. The campaign will be positioned as an exclusive opportunity for early adopters, targeted musicians, educators, tech-forward performers, and music influencers, to be the first to experience DataBass. This phase will validate market demand and secure upfront capital for further scaled production.
In parallel with either the franchise or crowdfunding model, a select group of respected bassists, music producers, and performance artists will receive early units to showcase on social media and live stages. These creators will serve as ambassadors, generating buzz and demonstrating real-world use cases to inspire future buyers.
A dedicated online storefront will launch once DataBass is ready for public release. This platform will include detailed product videos, performance demos, and setup tutorials to streamline adoption. Strategic digital advertising, email marketing, and collaborations with content creators will drive conversion. Targeting music schools, conservatories, and modern music programs will unlock an additional sales channel. Demonstrations and educational discounts will position DataBass as a must-have tool for the next generation of hybrid musicians and music tech students. Continuous user feedback will guide product updates, firmware enhancements, and support tools. This commitment to listening and improving will foster loyalty, encourage referrals, and increase long-term value.
With the combined efforts of either a commercial partner or a compelling crowdfunding launch, strategic partnerships, direct sales infrastructure, and educational outreach, the project is well-positioned to sell its first 500 units, laying the foundation for expanded production, future models, and broader global reach.