Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 128

Leland Sklar and The Immediate Family have announced a tour just ahead of the release of their upcoming album, “Skin in the Game,” which is out on February 16th.

In this new interview, Bobby Vega gave us the low down on his new album, “What Cha Got,” his take on playing guitar, his plans for helping bassists, and – of course – his glorious gear.

Ernie Ball is expanding their lineup of Flatwound Bass Strings for 2024 with three new gauges including two short scale sets. As part of the line, they feature polished stainless steel ribbon winding and a custom core-to-wrap ratio.

Ashdown introduced several new products at NAMM 2024, including the Rootmaster EVO III range of bass amps. The latest update to the Rootmaster series adds rackmount options to the head units, which come in 500 or 800 watts.

Sterling By Music Man was at NAMM this year to introduce a new bass and revamp a classic. First is the limited edition Sterling Bass, followed by an updated StingRay Short Scale bass model.

The late Andy Rourke may be gone, but his music lives on. His work with The Smiths was a cornerstone of popular music in the ’80s whose influence is still felt today. Now, an upcoming posthumous release from his band Blitz Vega will continue his legacy.

This week, we’re checking out a beautiful Heirloom model bass from New York’s JClef Basses. Billed as their most exclusive bass build yet, this bass celebrates the company’s fifth anniversary.

There’s been a shakeup in Rob Zombie’s band. On January 30th, bassist Piggy D announced that he had departed the group. Rob “Blasko” Nicholson, the band’s original bassist from 1997 to 2006, is back in the fold.

Many products were launched at NAMM, from monster rigs to elegant new bass guitars. However, one new gadget that caught our eye was the Thumb Fin. The thumb rest uses suction cups to easily be placed and removed on any bass without any alterations.

Aston “Family Man” Barrett, best known for his work with Bob Marley and the Wailers, has died after a prolonged illness. He was 77 years old. The news was shared by his son, Aston Barrett, Jr. on Facebook.

Darkglass Electronics has expanded their lineup of bass amps with four new combos this year including two analog models and two digital models. Each amp type has two configurations – 2×10? and 1×12? – while all four models are rated at 500 watts.

Melvins mastermind King Buzzo (aka Buzz Osborne) and Mr. Bungle bassist Trevor Dunn are teaming up this summer for a duo tour of the U.S. The longtime collaborators will be keeping things acoustic for the King Dunn Tour.