Archive for January 2009 - Page 2

Today’s featured player is Asataka “King” Bass rocking a Mark King-like duo with his teacher. Check it out:

Peavey has announced three new amplifiers, two solid-state combo models available now and a tube unit available by mid-year. The redesigned TNT amp boasts 600 watts, and its sibling, the TKO powers at 400 watts. Both have the same 7-band EQ, an XLR direct interface, and most other controls. Special to the TNT are foot switchable optical compressor and crunch....

Bryan Beller is celebrating his Thanks In Advance release with a gig at The Baked Potato on January 22nd. In his email announcement, Bryan said “This kind of gig doesn’t happen very often… last one was four years ago. So, you know, don’t miss it! Rehearsals are rocking. It will be epic. Hope to see you there.” Details: Thursday, January...

On a recent trip to the mall, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic spotted a Rock Band demo and decided to give it a whirl. He chose the Nirvana tune “In Bloom”, a song he’s played hundreds of times in the studio and on stage. But Rock Band’s controller and format stumped the bassist. As Novoselic put it, “I knew the bass...

Today’s featured video features Christian McBride playing electric bass on Jaco Pastorius’ “Havona”. Originally a two-parter video, Part 1 has been lost into the ether. But that’s okay, part 2 is killer: McBride originally recorded “Havona” on his Sci-Fi album.

Marshall Amplification’s MB series now includes eight featured models: four combo amps, one head and three cabinets. The new amps join the existing MB15 and MB30 models. Each amp features two independent, foot-switchable channels: Classic and Modern (a footswitch is supplied with each model). The Modern channel offers a crispness and crystal clarity that is ideal for slap and other...

Tony Campos (Static-X, Asesino) will be showing off his new Fernandes signature five-string bass on Friday at the NAMM show. If you’re lucky enough to know the right people, you can see him (and the bass) today at 1:30, at the Fernandes booth, 5960.

Fender has announced two bass models in their new Fender Road Worn series. These are replicas of their classic basses from 50s and 60s, scruffed up to look like the real thing. The Fender Road Worn 1950s Precision Bass is made with a one-piece maple neck, an alder body, and traditional split single-coil pickup. The wide P-Bass neck has 20...

Ampeg has released a miniature version of the SVT amplifier, known as the Micro-VR Head. It’s perfect for small venues and recording studios where the original version would be overkill. With the classic Ampeg looks in a small case, it’s adorable, but at about $300, it’s no toy. The head has a true Ampeg preamp with 200 watts of power....

Guitar maker Alvarez is showing off some fantastic stuff at NAMM. Among the highlights, the first ever bass addition to the Artist line. Natural and black finish basses start at $750, and will be available starting in March. Check them out at NAMM, booth 5676.

Rotosound’s Winter NAMM special guests include Billy Sheehan, Duff McKagan, James Lomenzo, Doug Ardito, Matt Snell, Warren DeMartini, Walter Trout, Carlos Cavazo and Robbie Crane will all make appearances. Schedule: James Lomenzo: Friday 1/16 at 2pm Duff McKagan & Doug Ardito: Saturday 1/17 at 12pm RATT: Saturday 1/17 at 2pm Billy Sheehan & Matt Snell: Saturday 1/17 at 4pm Walter...

Stanley Clarke has announced a few tour dates for 2009: Jan 15: Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (Ticketmaster) Jan 16-17: Anthology in San Diego, CA Apr 24: Denton, TX (Venue TBA) Apr 26: Austin, TX (Venue TBA)