Archive for 2013 - Page 42

PercussionTutor is an app I am really excited about. While it is actually designed for percussionists, the app and free ebook combine to offer a huge reference for any musician wishing to better understand rhythms and learning how the different percussion parts fit together to produce the groove. In other words, this will help you – as a bassist –...

When we interviewed Eric Czar last year, he told us that as a 7-string bassist, he’s “survived [his] share of ‘string bashing’”. But Czar is a versatile bassist and composer, adept at pretty much any bass we can imagine. Here he is performing his own tune, “Caffeine” on a 4-string modified Matsomoku Jazz bass copy.

FM Cables has introduced the Speakon Series of cables for connecting between amps and speaker cabinets. Featuring heavy duty Neutrik connectors, the cables are built with transparent loudspeaker cable with flexible twin wire made in Germany and protected by a fire retardant sheath. The cables come in three types. The ‘Tour’ Standard has 6mm Squared cable, while the Standard series...

Last week was a good one in the land of the low end, including Geddy Lee’s 60th birthday (and the celebratory video that went with it). Here are the top 10 most popular stories, features and videos – decided by you – for the week of July 28 – August 3, 2013. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. 1. Federico...

Though they only lasted a few years, Black Country Communion was a band that really got it right. The supergroup, fronted in part by bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, had all the right riffs and attitude to bring that classic and elusive perfect rock vibe to the stage. Here’s the group playing “Beggarman” from the DVD Live over Europe.

Squier’s Vintage Modified series has gotten a little bigger with the introduction of the Jaguar Bass V Special. The new model takes all the features of the Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass and adds a low B string. Similar to its predecessor, the bass features a Jaguar-style body fitted with a Fender-Designed P/J pickup configuration. Controls include an active bass-boost circuit,...

Yesterday was a sad day in the world of bass and music in general. On August 2, 1983, James Jamerson – the man responsible for so much of the Motown sound for many years – passed away at the age of 47. As bassists gather today in Detroit to honor the late bassist, another bassist is paying tribute with his...

Miguel Ramirez’s “Waves Under the Sand” is an incredible showcase of writing and performance by the bassist. The tune includes four different bass tracks performed by Miguel and offers up a full range of sounds and styles. Remarkable!

I’m sure than we’ve all heard the saying “it’s all in the hands.” Many of us, myself included, are willing to support this statement. But is that really all there is? Is our musical voice the same regardless of what we play or what we play through? After all, we’re the one picking up the instrument, and our years of...

Vulpeck is releasing My First Car next week, and we have an exclusive first track from the upcoming album. My First Car is the third album by the group of studio musicians-turned-band. The band of course is anchored by bassist Joe Dart, who served as inspiration for the album’s name. Band leader Jack Stratton shared the story with us: “Dart...

In 2006, Michael Manring tookt the stage with de Mania at the XXII Festival de México in Mexico City. The trio’s name is a combo of its members names: guitarist Alex de Grassi, Manring and percussionist Christopher Garcia. Here’s the group performing their take on the Rolling Stones tune, “Paint It Black”.

This week we check out an innovative design out of Germany by C. Eller Design. The UT2’s striking body shape was ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in both standing and sitting position, while the lower cutaway allows for access all the way up to the bass’s 24th fret. The UT2 is built around a single piece of European Walnut that...