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Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 336


Two Bass Hit: An Interview with Jeff Pinkus and Steven McDonald
Interviews

Two Bass Hit: An Interview with Jeff Pinkus and Steven McDonald

The Melvins have followed up last year’s double album, A Walk with Love & Death, with a double bass album. features both Steven McDonald and Jeff Pinkus laying down the low end on original tunes plus some outstanding covers. The album title is a riff on the name of a record by the Butthole Surfers, with whom Pinkus was a...

Flea’s Memoirs Available for Preorder
News

Flea’s Memoirs Available for Preorder

Four years ago, we reported that Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea was working on an autobiography. Now the influential bassist’s book has a title and a release date. Acid For the Children will be released on September 25th via Grand Central Publishing and will cover Flea’s upbringing, the trials and triumphs of the Chili Peppers, and his experiences with...

Gruv Gear Unveils David Ellefson “Recoil” Signature Strap
Accessories & Strings

Gruv Gear Unveils David Ellefson “Recoil” Signature Strap

Gruv Gear has announced a new model to their signature strap series by way of a collaboration with Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. The Recoil was designed and developed with the bassist and approved by bass health expert Dr. Randall Kertz. “Based on Gruv Gear’s popular SoloStrap Neo, this exclusive new design features unique front and back adjustments for optimal positioning,...

Rockboard Announces Cinque Pedalboards for 2018
Accessories & Strings

Rockboard Announces Cinque Pedalboards for 2018

After revamping the 2018 Rockboard series of pedalboards, Warwick’s W-Music Distribution has announced the Cinque 5.2, Cinque 5.3, and Cinque 5.4 boards. The largest of the series, the models carry the same features including U-shaped vertical support braces and a streamlined frame design. “Based on only one folded cold-rolled aluminum sheet for the board frame, this design needs no welded...

Former Spinal Tap Bassist Derek Smalls Solo Album Now Available
New Albums

Former Spinal Tap Bassist Derek Smalls Solo Album Now Available

Finally, the wait is over. Spinal Tap bassist Derek Smalls has released his debut solo album, entitled Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing). The bassist, portrayed by Harry Shearer, tapped an incredible roster of musicians for the album including Peter Frampton, Donald Fagen, Dweezil Zappa, Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani, Waddy Wachtel, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Paul Shaffer, Steve...

Bass of the Week: Swan Custom Basses LG II
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Swan Custom Basses LG II

This week we’re taking a look at a bass from Swan Custom Basses, a small company from Argentina dedicated to low-end frequencies. The Swan LG II is the creation of builders Hernan Goi and Christian Lebied. “The design is our own. Basically, our idea is to make a bass that’s comfortable, ergonomic and with a low weight to avoid fatigue,”...

Tool Announces Music Clinics Along Tour Dates
Concerts & Tours

Tool Announces Music Clinics Along Tour Dates

Attention Tool fans: the band has just announced the instrumentalists will be giving intimate music clinics in conjunction with their upcoming tour dates. Guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey, and bass monster Justin Chancellor will offer attendees a “rare immersive dissection and performance” in the series. “The discussions include [the musicians] walking attendees through a handful of the band’s songs,...

Hal Leonard Releases “Metallica: 1983-1988 Bass Play-Along” Book
Sheet Music & Instruction

Hal Leonard Releases “Metallica: 1983-1988 Bass Play-Along” Book

Hal Leonard’s Bass Play-Along series has gotten a little more metal thanks to their latest release: Metallica: 1983-1988: Bass Play-Along Volume 21. Fans will recognize that the date range means the majority of the transcriptions are of bass lines by the late, great Cliff Burton. Jason Newsted’s bass line for “One” off of …And Justice For All is also in...

Schaller Introduces S-Lock Strap Lock System
Accessories & Strings

Schaller Introduces S-Lock Strap Lock System

Schaller has expanded their strap lock options with the S-Locks Strap Lock system. The new design is comprised of three components: the strap button, a lock, and a lock-wheel. While there are several updates to the set, the lock-wheel is the most obvious. It screws down onto your strap to ensure a secure hold without the need for tools. However,...

Midwest Rhythm Summit Set for April 20-22
Events

Midwest Rhythm Summit Set for April 20-22

The Midwest Rhythm Summit is returning for 2018 on April 20th through the 22nd! The instructional three-day event, which focuses on drum and bass, was started by Rhythm Intensive – the duo made up of John Anthony Martinez and session ace Chuck Rainey. They will present sessions for bassists and drummers alongside a host of other artists. “There will be...

Warwick Announces LWA 1000 Black Bass Amp
Amps

Warwick Announces LWA 1000 Black Bass Amp

Warwick has released a new version of their LWA 1000 Lightweight bass amplifier. The amp is now available in a completely black finish with an all-metal housing as opposed to having wooden side panels. Its technical specifications are still retained, including two input channels with full EQ and compressor sections for each. “The pre-amp is based on Warwick signature low...

Glenn Hughes Announces Classic Deep Purple Live Tour Dates
Concerts & Tours

Glenn Hughes Announces Classic Deep Purple Live Tour Dates

Rock legend Glenn Hughes will be revising part of his earlier days in music this year with a 17-date tour. “Classic Deep Purple Live” will showcase the bassist/vocalist’s time in Deep Purple during the MKIII and MKIV lineups. Hughes was a member of the group from 1973 to 1976 and was featured on four studio albums: Burn, Stormbringer, Come Taste...