Weekly Top 10: Bass Gear from Summer NAMM, Stage Sound, Top Videos, Getting the Most of a Lesson and More
This week we get to celebrate a little more on the gear front, thanks to the Summer NAMM show and the announcements made there. But that’s not all that makes up this top 10 list… We have two expert columns – one by Damian Erksine on stage sound and the other by Dr. D on making the most of bass lessons. That, plus some terrific bass videos, a unique bass mod and some news makes up this week’s reader favorites.
Thanks for reading, watching, commenting and sharing.
1. Bass of the Week: Modified Rickenbacker 4001 Piccolo Sitar Bass
And now for something completely different. We recently featured a video by Indian music enthusiast and seven-string bassist Jason Everett. While a seven-string may be outlandish to some, he sent me some info on a special bass he modded to fill another role for his style…
2. Should I Use an Amp, a Monitor or In-Ears?
In this week’s “Ask” column, Damian Erskine answers a reader’s question on making the a decision on what to use on a gig: an amp, a monitor or in-ears. Check out what Damian has to say about each and add your thoughts…
3. Alissia Benveniste: On The Go
Funk bass phenom Alissia Benveniste is back with a new song and music video, and if you’ve been following her, you know this is about to make your day. “On The Go” brings all of the bassist’s thick slap grooves to an upbeat track that will have you tapping your foot…
4. Eden Announces The Glow Plug Pedal
Eden has expanded their pedal lineup with the Glow Plug, a pedal that contains a 12AX7 to add organic tube warmth to your bass sound. The pedal, which is specifically designed for bass, has adjustable warmth control to change the gain level of the tube…
Yoni Ha sent me a note about an interesting tune he wrote, “Shreds of Madness”. Yoni uses nothing but bass to create the layers of the tune, which includes some great percussive slapping…
6. DigiTech Reissues DOD Meatbox Subharmonic Bass Synthesizer
Another legendary pedal is getting reissued as Digitech has announced the DOD Meatbox Subharmonic Bass Synthesizer is being put back on the market. The pedal, often championed by Juan Alderete, has been updated with several new features including true bypass, a TRS output, a 9-volt power supply input, and a blue indicator LED…
7. Guild Unveils Chris Hillman Byrd Bass and Starfire Bass II
Guild Guitars is introducing two new basses this summer with the Chris Hillman Signature Byrds Bass and the Starfire Bass II. The company revealed the instruments at the 2015 Summer NAMM Show…
Artem Taranin is a bassist from Kherson, Ukraine. He sent me this video of him performing along with drummer Zhenya Vysochenko on a tune they call “Takadimi”. I love the internet…
9. Documentary Offers Intimate Look at The Police
A new documentary film offers an inside perspective on The Police, from the stellar rock band’s formation, through its rise to fame, breakup and reunion. No – the up-close perspective doesn’t come from Sting, the band’s famed bassist and primary songwriter who went on to forge a highly successful solo career – but from guitarist Andy Summers…
10. Getting the Most of a Bass Lesson
When we make a commitment to embark on a series of bass lessons we are, of course, looking to grow, expand and progress. In this new “Lowdown” column, Dr. D shares thoughts on making the most of those lessons…
