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Gear Review: Pigtronix EP2 Envelope Phaser
The EP2 Envelope Phaser is a rework of the Pigtronix’s flagship EP1, which they released six years ago. Though similar in concept, the new model really expands on its sonic capabilities and controls. The pedal, which features true bypass, is a phase shifter that is controlled by an Envelope (EF) or a LFO, giving you...continue reading »
Ask Damian Erskine: Practicing on the Road
Q: Do you practice while on the road? If so… how? A: Actually, I tend to be more inspired to practice while on the road because I tend to be very ‘high’ on music while traveling and doing what I love! I get very single-minded and focused when on the road and can’t seem to...continue reading »
A Review of Esperanza Spalding’s “Chamber Music Society”
Esperanza Spalding‘s Chamber Music Society is a unique and beautiful record by a brilliant musician. Not what some might have expected, it’s fusion of jazz and chamber music with Brazilian overtones. Esperanza is known as a fine bassist – and she is that – but she is also a wonderful singer and a composer with...continue reading »
Gear Review: TC Electronic RH450
Technology is a beautiful thing, and TC Electronic’s RH450 head unit is just another reminder of how sweet it can be. The amp is a solid-state head with a built in multi-band compressor, semi parametric EQ, and tube simulator. It features 450 Watts with a switchmode power supply and Class D power amp. With a...continue reading »
Bottoms Up: Breaking Down Paul Chambers’ “Mopp Shoe Blues”
Today I’d like to talk about another historical great who I’m sure is familiar to many, Mr. Paul Chambers (1935-1969). I think I have a treat for some folks who already know about him: a transcription of a tune called “Mopp Shoe Blues” off the record First Bassman. “P.C.”, as he is commonly known in...continue reading »
Custom Shop: An Interview with Pierre Erizias
While checking out all the booths at Summer NAMM last month, we ran into custom bass builder, Pierre Erizias. Based out of Montreal, Pierre wowed us with not only his basses, but his cool story of how he got started building. We were able to catch up with him recently to dig a little deeper...continue reading »
Cables 101: Instrument vs. Speaker Cables
Many people who have been playing for an extended period of time may be guilty of this. Many may have learned quickly, or still do it after 30 years of playing. But what happens when you use an instrument cable instead of a speaker cable to run your amp? And, furthermore, what are the differences...continue reading »
Ask Damian Erskine: Passive vs. Active Circuitry?
Q: I’m just getting back into the bass and there’s something I’ve always been curious about: the differences (as well as the different kinds) of passive vs. active circuitry. What are the main differences between them, why are there only active and passive circuits, and what does it mean to have either in a bass?...continue reading »
Gear Review: TC Electronic BG500
“Small. Under-powered. Lackluster tone.” These words come to mind when one thinks of a bass combo amp. We’re pre-programmed to assume this as most combo amps are all those things because most combos are beginner amps. TC Electronics’ has set-out to destroy the old combo amp negative connotations with its new BG500. The BG 500...continue reading »
An Interview with Thomas Risell, the Man Behind MarloweDK
If you’re a bassist who spends any time on Youtube, there’s no doubt you’ve run into at least one video by MarloweDK. After watching all his great playalongs and lessons for over a year, we decided it was time to find out more about the man himself, Thomas Risell. Here’s our interview… We know you...continue reading »
