Bass of the Week: Swan Custom Basses Omicron Brutus “Concept”
This week we’re checking out a beautiful bass that Swan Custom Basses brought to the 2023 NAMM Show. The Swan Omicron Brutus “Concept” has a singlecut body design with a cutout where you’d normally find controls.
Peter Baltes Joins U.D.O./Dirkschneider
Five years after leaving the ranks of Accept, bassist Peter Baltes will be reuniting with one of his former bandmates. Udo Dirkschneider, who co-founded Accept with him in 1976, has announced that Baltes is now a permanent member of U.D.O. and the side project, Dirkschneider.
Ashdown Engineering Unveils Studio MiniRig at NAMM
Ashdown Engineering has expanded its Studio Range with the Studio MiniRig, a mini-stack consisting of a 250-watt solid-state amp head and a 2×10” cabinet.
Martin Guitars Unveils Junior Series Acoustic Bass Guitars
Martin has launched their first Junior-sized acoustic bass guitars with two new models. Each comes in natural or burst finishes for a total of four new basses.
Dingwall Unveils Limited Edition John Taylor Rio Dream Bass
Dingwall Guitars is in Anaheim at the NAMM Show to show off some of their work and reveal an incredible new artist model. The Limited Edition John Taylor Rio Dream Bass features a custom finish inspired by Duran Duran’s “Rio” album cover.
Getting Better Ears: An Interview with Danny Ziemann
Music is a language, and if you want to be a good communicator, you must be a good listener. We caught up with Danny Ziemann to learn about his background, how to get better ears, how to be a better teacher, and his new book.
Oteil & Friends Announce Fall Tour
Oteil Burbridge has announced a new fall tour with his band Oteil & Friends. The group is filled out with Melvin Seals, Duane Betts, Jason Crosby, John Kimock, and Lamar Williams, Jr.
Lyle Lovett And His Large Band, With Leland Sklar, Announce Summer Tour
After wrapping up a tour with his Acoustic Group last month, Lyle Lovett has confirmed a coast-to-coast summer tour with his Large Band, featuring Leland Sklar.
Harley Benton Unveils 25th Anniversary Model Basses
Harley Benton is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special edition of guitars and basses in a Firemist Gold finish. The two basses include the JB-25TH and the Enhanced 25TH.
Geddy Lee Reveals Memoir Title, Cover, and Release Date
After first teasing it in 2021, Geddy Lee has revealed the title and release date for his new memoir. “My Effin’ Life” is slated to be published on November 14th, 2023. The 512-page book covers his life in and out of the progressive rock trio Rush.
Bass of the Week: Gildaxe Juniper
Geo Kitta has shared the Gildaxe Juniper, a 32-inch scale bass that is all custom designed and built. The bass oozes with vintage vibes as it takes its cues from the ’60s Italian Meazzi Hollywood Jupiter.
In Memoriam: John Regan
Bassist John Regan, who performed with artists including Peter Frampton and Ace Frehley, has passed away at the age of 71. The news was shared in part by Frampton on Facebook, who remembered Regan as a dear friend.