Weekly Top 10: More NAMM Bass News, Jerry Jemmott Podcast, Jamerson Visualized, Top Bass Videos and Bass of the Week
We have a lot to report from the NAMM show, and will be continuing to do that over the coming weeks. Readers are digging it, based on the top 10 list each week since the show happened.
Like us, readers are also enjoying the new podcast, Groove. This week, we published Mitch’s conversation with the great Jerry Jemmott.
That, plus some terrific bass videos (including a new visualization of one of James Jamerson’s great lines) makes up this week’s top 10 list.
Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing!
1. Ashdown Announces Desktop B-Social Bass Amp
Ashdown Engineering took the opportunity at NAMM to unveil the B-Social, a desktop bass amp that’s loaded with innovative features. The 75-watt stereo amp is boasted as the first desktop amp system for bass guitarists with Bluetooth connectivity that allows the bass to connect wirelessly via an optional transmitter…
2. Fender Updates Geddy Lee and Steve Harris Signature Basses
Rush’s Geddy Lee and Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris are having their Fender signature models spruced up for 2015. Each of the signature models have been around for years but will be getting new specs and features…
3. I Was Made to Love Her: James Jamerson’s Bass Line Visualized
Vulpeck’s Jack Stratton just sent me his latest visualization video. This time around, the tune is Stevie Wonder’s “I Was Made to Love Her” – once again showcasing the genius of James Jamerson…
Former Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave bassist Tim Commerford is back with his own band called Future User. The band’s electronic sound may be a departure from the bassist’s former bands, but his massive sound is still the musical centerpiece. Commerford, who also handles vocals, hasn’t lost his political edge, either…
5. Bass of the Week: Negrini Guitars Fëanor JSM6
This week we check out the Fëanor JMS6, a 6-string headless bass created by Italian luthier Giulio Negrini. The modern design also includes a multi-scale string configuration and fanned frets. Negrini built the bass with an alder body topped with flamed maple in a beautiful translucent colored finish…
6. Boss Announces BB-1X Bass Driver Pedal
Boss has introduced the BB-1X Bass Driver, a compact pedal that employs the company’s MDP technology to offer sounds ranging from natural clean tone to a heavy distortion. Beyond a drive pedal, the BB-1X has EQ controls and a 1/4-inch line output to add preamp and DI functionality…
7. A Discussion on Slap Bass Tone and Technique
Damian Erskine gets a an insurmountable number of emailed questions asking about slap tone and technique. Here’s his take on slap technique and tone, from years of watching and experimenting with similar techniques…
8. Dream Studios Unveils the Majestic Bass
Dream Studios announced their Majestic Bass at NAMM – one they describe as simple, but with quality. The bass is built with a one-piece alder body that is heavily contoured for comfort and playability. The instrument’s hard maple neck can be topped with either a rosewood or Torray Carbon Fiber fretboard…
9. Groove – Episode #2: Jerry Jemmott
There is a memorable scene in Modern Electric Bass when Jerry Jemmott asks Jaco Pastorius who really influenced the development of his playing style. Without missing a beat, Pastorius starts riffing on some of Jemmott’s classic funk bass lines. In this episode of Groove, we talk about what he’s working on next, how he got connected to the Jaco documentary and how he thinks about the bass as an instrument of creativity and invention…
Light some incense and get ready for a trip. Kike Mora sent us this video for his solo bass song “Dhy?na,” in which he uses a drone and effects to create a four-minute meditative experience…
