In Memoriam: Henry Strzelecki
Sad news to report today: prolific Nashville session bassist Henry Strzelecki passed away on December 30th after being struck by a car. He was 75 years old. Henry Strzelecki was born in Birmingham, Alabama and relocated the Nashville when he was still young. He began his recording career in country music with songwriter Baker Knight on the Decca Label while...
Xotic Effects Introduces Xotic Voltage Doubler
Xotic Effects has unveiled the Xotic Voltage Doubler, a power adapter that steps up voltage output to either 15 or 18 volts from a standard 9-volt power source. The compact device has a simple input and output with a switch to toggle between 15 or 18-volt output. The device, which is designed only for Xotic pedals, helps to run pedals...
Bergantino Introduces New NV610T Bass Cabinet
Bergantino Audio Systems has announced the NV610T “New Vintage” bass cabinet, which the company describes as a “sealed cabinet with a nod toward a vintage sound.” The model is an extension of the NV610 that adds a tweeter in addition to its six 10-inch speakers for a power rating of 750 watts RMS. Its sealed design delivers a tighter and...
Bass of the Week: Willcox Guitars Saber SL
This week we check out the Willcox Saber SL, a bass that is set apart by its innovative Lightwave pickups. Originally built under the LightWave moniker, designer Chris Willcox created a separate guitar company to put out his instruments. Willcox invented the LightWave optical pickup and incorporates it into the Saber SL. “The LightWave Optical Pickup System uses our patented...
Red Panda Introduces Bitmap Bitcrusher Pedal
Red Panda has introduced the Bitmap, a bitcrusher pedal designed to work with bass, guitar, synthesizers, drum machines and more. The stompbox features fractional bit reduction with a new bit crushing algorithm that the company says adds the warmth and grit of classic 8- and 12- bit samplers. It also goes down to 1-bit resolution for grittier square wave fuzz...
New iOS App Dissects Polyrhythms
If you’re crazy about figuring out new rhythms, you may want to check out a new app called . Created in part by bassist Kenneth Dahl Knudsen, the app helps you “study and practice various polyrhythms in a wide range of time signatures.” It has a loop that can be set for up to 16 bars that allows you to...
T-Rex Effects Announces ToneTrunk Pedal Boards
T-Rex Effects will be introducing a new line of pedal boards at the 2015 NAMM Show. The ToneTrunk boards will feature a two-tiered design for better access to the back row as well as providing space for cables. The pedal boards will come in four sizes: 27.5″ x 12.4″, 22″ x 12.4″, 17.7″ x 12.4″, and 22″ x 6.2″. Each...
Hot Tuna: Been So Long, Live 1973
Our good friend Will Marks sent us this classic Hot Tuna video featuring bass legend Jack Casady on his Alembic bass. The clip is taken from a 1973 performance at the 46th Street Rock Palace in New York City. Dig that tone!
CStands Launches with Bass-Specific Guitar Stands
CStands is a new company out of the Netherlands specializing in bass and guitar stands with a unique twist. Each model incorporates an iconic headstock for extra flair and personality. The company’s product lineup includes two bass models: the FB, which is based on the headstock made famous by Leo Fender, and the WB, based on Warwick basses. All CStands...
Jean-Baptiste Salles: Ginastera’s “Variaciones Concertantes”
Ginastera’s “Variaciones Concertantes” is a standard in the realm of double bass solos. Jean-Baptiste Salles took things a step further by arranging it for double bass and six-string electric bass, both of which he plays himself.
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2014
At the close of each year, we take time to remember those we lost in the bass community. 2014 saw the passing of some of the most influential bassists of our lifetime. Join us as we take a moment to remember the lives and legacies of the bass players we lost this year. Paul Goddard (April 29, 2014) Goddard was...
Bass of the Week: LedBelli Bass Guitars Jonah #015
I love checking out new basses that set themselves apart from the pack, and the LedBelli Jonah does just that. The fretless, single-cut, semi-hollow bass is a real eye catcher. The company just shared pictures of the recently completed Jonah #015, which features a stunning book-matched California Redwood burl theme. The bass’s body is semi-hollow and chambered with f-holes. Its...